Location: Head Office, Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, R93 XE12Salary: Admin Grade 4 with a Salary Scale of €53,208 to €74,112Closing Date: 04/02/2026 12:00 PMPermanent Full TimeJob DescriptionBackground:Teagasc has outlined its ambitions for Operational Excellence and Digital Transformation in its Statement of Strategy Both are recognised as pivotal to achieving the organisation's strategic Themes and Enablers.The Operational Excellence Programme will identify initiatives to enhance programme delivery and operational efficiency. In many cases, the Digital Transformation Strategy will provide the enabling solutions. By leveraging Microsoft 365, cloud-based technologies, and AI tools, Teagasc business units will be empowered to transform innovative ideas into practical, high-impact outcomes.The Digital Innovation Specialist will play a key role in this journey. They will be both culturally and technically committed to promoting and supporting the organisation's adoption of new digital technologies, including Microsoft 365, Digital and Data platforms, AI tools, and other technologies. The role will focus on helping individual business units use digital and data-driven solutions effectively, while sharing learnings and examples of successful adoption across the organisation. The Specialist will also ensure that appropriate technology governance and guardrails are in place.In addition, the Digital Innovation Specialist will contribute directly to the Digital Transformation Strategy and the Teagasc Statement of Strategy by developing, prototyping, and embedding innovative digital solutions that maximise the value of Teagasc's data. This will include work in advanced analytics, AI integration, workflow automation, and immersive digital technologies, delivering meaningful impact across Teagasc's advisory, education, research, and operations functions.Basic Function:Partner with the Business Units to lead the design, development and deployment of innovative digital solutions to support Teagasc's Statement of Strategy. This includes advanced Power BI Dashboards, AI Models and AI-driven assistants, Data Modelling, User Experience, automation tools and other emerging technologies that improve decision making, efficiency and staff experience.Location and Hybrid Working:Teagasc Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow. Other locations may be considered at the discretion of Teagasc management. Applications under the Home Working and/or Remote Working policies of the Flexible Working Programme may be considered, subject to meeting business requirements.Diversity & Inclusion:At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation. We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'. We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.Job ObjectivesMain duties and responsibilities:Design, develop and maintain advanced business intelligence dashboards for senior management and other stakeholders using Power BI, including data modelling, DAX and UX-focused design.Lead the development of AI applications and assistants using Python, Docker and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) or large language model frameworks tailored to Teagasc projects.Prototype and pilot innovative digital technologies such as workflow automation, immersive visualisation (AR/VR, digital twins), and computer vision, in collaboration with Teagasc directorates to solve challenges and create new opportunities.Develop and maintain data pipelines and automation workflows using ETL processes, SQL, APIs and tools such as Microsoft Fabric to improve reporting and operational efficiency.Collaborate with stakeholders to identify digital innovation needs, define key metrics and align solutions with strategic organisational objectives.Contribute to the evaluation and selection of tools and platforms for data management, analytics and innovation across Teagasc.Support the ICT Research & Innovation Manager and the Data Value team in delivering the Digital Transformation Strategy and the Business Delivery team in delivering the Operational Excellence Programme.To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.To actively participate in annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.To carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time.This Job Specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and responsibilities and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post-holder.Skills RequirementPerson Specification:EssentialDesirableQualificationsA Level 8 Degree, as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications, in a relevant discipline such as Computing, Data Science, Digital Media or ICT.Minimum of 1 year's relevant experience.Postgraduate study (or commitment to undertake) in AI, Data Science or related fields.Project management training or certification.SkillsAdvanced Power BI skills including data modelling, DAX and UX focused dashboard design.Thorough understanding of implementing AI Models and AI assistants.Proficiency in Python for AI / ML, automation and data processing.Proficiency in SQL Database and GUI interface design.Strong oral and written communication skills.Ability to manage priorities, work independently and deliver results under tight deadlines.Experience designing scalable data architectures (e.g., medallion architectures) in the development of business intelligence solutions.Experience with Linux and containerisation and deployment tools such as Docker.Experience in workflow automation.UI & UX design skills.Experience in Lean Six Sigma or other Continuous Improvement Initiatives.KnowledgeUnderstanding of AI/ML frameworks and generative AI.Awareness of best practices in data governance, data management and digital transformation.Knowledge of immersive technologies or other innovation trends relevant to the agri-food sector (e.g. digital twins).Behavioural CompetenciesA structured and analytical approach to problem-solving, with the ability to work in a confidential environment.Ability to work on own initiative and to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.Organised and methodical with strong attention to detail.Self-motivated with the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver solutions under pressure within deadlines.A positive, proactive and solutions-focused mindset with the capacity to identify opportunities for innovation and digital transformation.Flexible and adaptable to evolving technologies, priorities and stakeholder needs.Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.Ability to translate emerging technologies into practical solutions with organisational impactHigh degree of honesty, integrity and accountability.Self-disciplined with an ability to set clear standards and to take a quality customer service approach to work.Openness to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging digital tools and practices.Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.OtherAs this role will involve travel between Teagasc centres around the country, the candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads.Note: The 'essential' qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are 'must-have' which will be used in the selection process.