Who we are
We are an environmental consulting firm: our mission is to restore the balance between humans and nature, and we do this through the use of science, innovation and good governance. We support public and private entities to improve the environmental, social and economic impacts of policies, projects and investments on the ground. As a spin-off of the University of Padua, we work locally and internationally bringing scientific innovation into everyone’s lives.
At Etifor we like teamwork, we work hard and we never stop being curious. Being part of the team means sharing our values and the path we have taken to be a discrimination-free work environment (find out more in the Ethical Management System). For us, the only thing that really matters is how green your heart is: we welcome and value (bio)diversity in all its forms!
Who are we looking for?
- Someone passionate and interested in sustainability, especially related to the agroforestry sector;
- Someone who wants to be involved in an innovative project and who is willing to get their hands dirty, in every sense!
- Someone responsible, with excellent management and coordination skills, able to think strategically;
- Someone with entrepreneurial skills and practical, able to solve problems independently;
- Someone persistent and determined to achieve goals;
- Someone who shares our company’s passion for nature, ethics and sustainability values.
If you recognise yourself in these characteristics, then you are the person we are looking for!
The project “Etifor Farm”
As part of its mission, Etifor is setting up an agricultural company – the “Etifor Farm” – which will be established as an innovative start-up company owned by Etifor. The company will have three main strands of activity:
- the experimentation of a sustainable, outdoor cattle breeding model for maintaining country and mountain meadows and pastures. The carbon, nutrient and biodiversity balances will be scientifically monitored;
- implementation of land improvement measures (forest management, reforestation, improvement of farmland sustainability, meadows and pastures) and enhancement of ecosystem services of agricultural and forestry properties under management (carbon, biodiversity, water, recreational services);
- acquisition and improvement of land assets related to the agricultural and forestry sectors.
The newly established company will start its activity by initially managing agricultural and forestry land located in Carmignano di Brenta and San Pietro in Gu’ (PD), according to the principles of agroecology. At present, the land contains a lowland forest, with an integrated forest kindergarten activity, stable meadows and arable land connected to a small cattle farm. Subsequently, properties and/or concessions will be acquired in the mountain area. The project will have an experimental character and intends to become a research laboratory on the issues of welfare in agriculture, agro-ecosystem and recreational services, and innovative business models.
The successful candidate will work with the following team members:
- members of Etifor’s Board of Directors to support strategic decisions and for the elaboration of the work plan/strategy; as well as marketing, sales, raising finance;
- Etifor team, for the support of administrative, communication and marketing activities and funding for rural development;
- Etifor’s network of consultants: agronomist, lawyer, labour consultant and accountant, selected trade associations.
- an agricultural worker hired to carry out operational activities, who in any case will have to be supported by the selected person;
- owners of the managed land who participate in agricultural and forestry activities, with specific knowledge of past management.
Responsabilities
The selected candidate will have the following responsibilities:
- administration of the newly established company – the “Etifor Farm” – in close collaboration with the Directors of Etifor srl. The person will have to take on the principal role of Farm Entrepreneur;
- startup and implementation of the business development strategy and participation in the process of its verification and updating;
- management of sales and distribution of the products and services of the newly established company – the ”Etifor Farm”;
- organisation of production processes and their supervision;
- management, coordination and supervision of employees and external collaborators;
- maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the “parent” company Etifor, which will provide administrative, promotional and marketing assistance and support.
Qualifications, experience and skills required
Education
Preference will be given to candidates with qualifications relevant to the agricultural or veterinary sector, such as:
- degree
- university diplomas
- technical or professional institute diploma
- membership of the order of agronomist and forestry doctors;
Other qualifications will also be valued, especially if they are associated with experience in the agricultural and forestry sectors.
In addition, any qualifications useful to achieve the requirements of Principal Agricultural Entrepreneur, outlined in Article 2.3, Annex A “Professional Qualifications in Agriculture”, will be positively evaluated.
Finally, knowledge of the basic principles of agroecology, animal husbandry, sustainable/organic agriculture, social agriculture will be positively evaluated.
Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- previous experience in farming and/or forestry operations;
- previous experience in a managerial position in a company with a similar profile;
- experience in agroforestry and related services;
- specific knowledge, previous work experience or residence in the reference territorial context (Padua area).
Required skills
- Ability to plan, organise and coordinate an activity plan;
- Ability to work in a team, good communication, proactivity, leadership;
- Decision-making skills necessary for the proper functioning of the company;
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills;
- Strong personal and professional interest in the principles of agroecology and in the topics of sustainable agriculture, sustainable animal husbandry, social agriculture and organic farming;
- Strong personal and professional interest in the environmental issues the company deals with;
- Good knowledge of the Office package and Google Suite.
- Knowledge of the Italian language, spoken and written, is required.
What do we offer?
Etifor’s team will help you grow within the company in an international and friendly work environment. In particular:
- you will work for a dynamic, young and innovative company, with a balanced gender ratio and an average age of 33;
- you will be part of a team working locally and internationally to reconnect people and nature by addressing issues related to climate change and biodiversity loss;
- you will work in an environment closely linked to research and academia, offering you numerous opportunities for training and education (Etifor is a spin-off of the University of Padua);
- you will have a smart working contract, allowing a good balance between home and office, and a flexible schedule with a result-oriented SMART working approach;
- depending on your contract and years of employment, you will benefit from the Etifor Employee Welfare Plan, which includes vouchers for transport, travel, sports, wellness and culture, as well as daily meal vouchers of the value of €8 per working day.
Contract details
Start: March 2023
Workplace: San Pietro in Gù (PD), Carmignano di Brenta (PD), Padova (Etifor HQ)
Length: the be defined
Level: to be defined during the interview and subsequent meetings and based on work experience and CV
Type of contract: to be defined with the candidate
How to apply
The person must submit the required documents via the online form published on the website by 19/02/2023.
In the online form, in the “Application Type” field, please select “Farm Manager” and attach the following materials saved in a single .pdf file:
- Short covering letter stating the reasons for your application and underlining your strengths
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview on a date to be determined. Selections will be completed by February 2023.
For any other information, please write to us at jobs@etifor.com