The Organisation: Since 1991, Bóthar, a charity with a strong Irish identity, has specialised in the provision of livestock (primarily dairy cows and goats) and training to families in developing countries. Bóthar’s identity is based on strong relationships with farmers, schools and communities in rural and urban Ireland and overseas. Bóthar programmes have enabled women, men, children and communities worldwide to overcome hunger and poverty and to restore the environment in a sustainable way. Animals are provided from donors in Ireland or financed by financial institutions and fundraising activities.
The core purpose of Bóthar’s efforts is to improve the lives of entire families in the developing world. The experience of Bóthar is that livestock rearing can be both a sustainable mechanism to address poverty and an environmentally beneficial model. In April 2024 Bóthar declared full compliance with the Charities Governance Code and with the strong controls and processes required by the regulator. In February 2025 the Bóthar annual audit is underway, and the audit report will be published on our website.
Bóthar is moving forward in a transparent and accountable way; transparent to our stakeholders and to the public and accountable to both our communities in Ireland and overseas.
The Role: Bóthar is seeking an experienced Company Secretary to join the board. The Company Secretary provides comprehensive legal and administrative support and guidance to the board of trustees. If you have experience in this area and want to play a role in Bóthar, we’re keen to hear from you.
Role Requirements and Key Responsibilities:
1. Inputting to the strategic direction, contributing with insight, oversight and experience of strategy formulation in other sectors.
2. Responsibility to ensure that the company complies with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
3. Oversee administrative duties, such as taking agenda items and preparing and circulating the agenda and any other papers.
4. Follow up on decisions taken at meetings in consultation with the chairperson.
5. Ensure the taking of board minutes and make sure these are kept in a Minutes book and circulated to other members of the board as soon as possible after the meeting.
6. Ensure board membership records are up to date.
7. Governance and Compliance Leadership: responsible for upholding adherence to the highest governance standards.
8. Ensure timely filings to the Charities Regulator, alongside the accountants who undertake the annual filing to the CRO.
Skills and Experience Required:
1. Experienced Company Secretary: The successful candidate will be an experienced Company Secretary with experience working with boards, either in an executive or non-executive capacity. Familiarity with the not-for-profit sector is highly advantageous.
2. Communication Skills: Be required to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders, including the CEO, Chairperson, and fellow board members.
3. Experience with Boards: Previous experience in a board role, whether in an executive or advisory capacity, is highly desirable. The candidate should possess a robust understanding of governance and the dynamics of effective board functioning.
4. Time Availability: The candidate must be able to dedicate sufficient time for the board role.
5. Strategic Thinking: The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to think strategically, particularly in advancing organisational goals.
6. Compliance: A strong understanding of, and commitment to, ensuring the charity’s operations adhere to governance standards and regulation.
7. Board Meetings: The board meets online in the evenings of the second Tuesday of every month. Board meetings last for 1.5 to 2 hours. The AGM takes place in the last week of March and is in person. There are no board committees currently, subject to expanding the board membership. Board members attend specific events subject to their availability, e.g., the National Ploughing Championship.
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