Meath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which fixed-term contract vacancies for the position of Food Business Development Officer shall be drawn.
The Boyne Valley Food Strategy 2024 - 2028 is a support measure to give effect to the implementation of the relevant actions/objectives outlined in the Meath Economic Development Action Plan 2024 - 2029, the Meath and Louth Local Economic and Community Plans, and the Louth Local Economic Forum Agriculture Food and Fisheries Action Plan.
The food strategy is intended to assist tourism and trade, to attract increased business for food stakeholders, and to provide economic growth and job creation. It is also focused on generating support initiatives which enhance quality of life through support for the arts, sport & recreation and heritage in the region
The objective for the region is for the Boyne Valley to be recognised “as the national food and craft drinks tourism destination”. The Boyne Valley Food Series Committee and Meath and Louth County Councils have identified the need for a food strategy for the Boyne Valley region which brings together the key stakeholders within the sector in order to develop and implement a roadmap so that the region will become the national food and drink destination.
 

The duties of the post of the Food Business Development Officer include, but are not limited to:

• To drive the implementation of the Boyne Valley Food Strategy 2024 – 2028 and other related plans and strategies;
• To act as a conduit for action and support activity in the food sector in both counties (Meath & Louth);
• To liaise with SME’s, food agencies and government representatives in order to promote local businesses and job growth;
• To support and assist digital marketing for implementing the strategy and involve key stakeholders as required;
• To attend, and if appropriate, facilitate festivals/trade shows/exhibitions & liaisons with event co-ordinators;
• To ensure that (a) bi-monthly strategy steering group review meetings occur, and that (b) follow up actions are implemented;
• To provide the steering group with updates on progress in accordance with the timescales set out in the strategy;
• To suggest and deliver alternative actions as required;   
• To support food stakeholder volunteers running events with information, advice and other supports;
• To liaise with the Boyne Valley Series Team and support their initiatives – Act as a “driver” for the Series;  
• To liaise with the Louth/Meath Food Network contractor and ensure the network is meeting its KPI’s;
• Be expert at funding sources and communicate this information to relevant stakeholders;
• To jointly report to the Economic Development teams and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in Louth & Meath and keep them informed of progress;
• To liase with Boyne Valley Tourism on food experience development to enhance the Boyne Valley as a tourist destination
• To act as a source of knowledge and referral point for mentor supports, training etc provided by the LEOs, LEADER companies, Bord Bia and other agencies linked to food; 
• To be seen as the “go to” person for food in the region;
• To represent both counties on committees, action groups, etc as appropriate;
• To perform other related duties as required.