The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public appointment process to appoint a deputy chair and up to 18 members to the board of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
AFBI is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by DAERA, providing scientific research and services in the fields of agriculture, food, the marine and natural environment and biosciences.
This work includes research and development, testing, advice and information on scientific matters and the dissemination of the results of scientific research.
AFBI was created in April 2006 through the amalgamation of the Science Service of the then Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ARINI).
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said: “AFBI provides vital services to DAERA and industry in support of our shared agriculture and environmental objectives.
“The deputy chair and board members will help to lead the organisation through significant challenges in the coming years.”
AFBI roles
Appointments will be for a period of three years with a possible additional two-year term. It is anticipated successful candidates will be appointed from June 1, 2025.
The total time commitment for the deputy chair of the AFBI board is 20 days per year and is remunerated at £12,289 per year.
The time commitment for the member position requires approximately 20 days per year and is remunerated at £436/day.
In December 2024 Minister Muir reappointed several members for a six-month period: Daphne Johnston; Alan Moore; Tim McClelland; Tom Tynan and Tom Wright.
The appointments were made to and enable the institute to continue with its function of undertaking a range of scientific work.
Minister Muir said: “If you have the ability to provide effective leadership, deliver results and use your communication skills to work effectively with others to oversee successful change, I would encourage you to apply.”
Applications for deputy chair and the members roles must be returned to the department by 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 6.
