What is the job?

The Position
Playing a key role in the FAI's governance and company secretarial function, providing governance advice, business partnering and high-quality company secretarial support across the Association. Reporting to the Company Secretary, working closely with the Legal and Governance Director & Company Secretary and colleagues across the Legal and Governance Department. You will deputise for the Company Secretary as required and, within delegated authority, support the Board, Board Committees, General Assembly, Senior Leadership Team and wider organisation in the effective operation of the FAI's governance framework.

Key Responsibilities

Provide high-quality governance and company secretarial support to the Board, Board Committees, General Assembly, Senior Leadership Team and wider Association under the direction of the Company Secretary.
Deputise for the Company Secretary as required and, within delegated authority, provide practical governance and company secretarial advice on the FAI Constitution, Board and committee governance, governance policies and decision-making authorities.
Partner proactively with business functions to identify governance requirements at an early stage, advise on appropriate governance processes and escalation routes, and support the consistent application of governance standards across the FAI.
Support the Company Secretary in maintaining the FAI corporate governance framework, including statutory registers, corporate records, Companies Registration Office filings, written resolutions, conflicts and declarations of interest, governance calendars and other statutory or constitutional records.
Support the administration and governance of the AGM, EGMs and other General Assembly meetings in accordance with the FAI Constitution and applicable procedures, including notices, agenda preparation, motions, elections, voting, quorum, meeting records and follow-up actions.
Provide governance and administrative support, under the direction of the relevant functional lead, in relation to regulatory matters including football disciplinary tribunals, arbitrations, integrity matters and regulatory investigations.
Act as secretary and governance adviser to Board Committees allocated by the Company Secretary, supporting compliance with their Terms of Reference and ensuring appropriate reporting and escalation to the Board.
Support effective Board and committee governance through annual workplans, forward agenda planning, timely and high-quality Board papers, decision and action tracking, director induction and training, and Board or committee evaluation processes.
Maintain appropriate standards of confidentiality, data protection, records management and information security in handling Board, committee, corporate, legally privileged and other sensitive information.
Promote compliance with FAI governance policies and procedures, identify material non-compliance or governance gaps, escalate issues appropriately and support proportionate improvements.
Work effectively with external stakeholders on company secretarial and governance-related matters, representing the FAI professionally and maintaining appropriate governance boundaries.
Develop and improve practical and innovative ways of delivering governance and company secretarial services across the FAI, including the effective use of governance technology and standardised processes.
Manage and support Board and governance events, including offsite Board events, as required.
Undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time, provided they are reasonably consistent with the responsibilities and level of the post and the needs of the FAI.

The Person

The Person

The successful candidate will have the following:

A relevant third-level qualification in law, corporate governance, business, company secretarial practice or a related discipline.
A recognised company secretarial and/or corporate governance qualification, or significant relevant professional experience in a company secretarial or governance environment. A qualification through the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, or equivalent, would be an advantage.
Demonstrable experience working in a corporate governance, company secretarial, legal or regulatory environment, ideally supporting a Board and/or Board Committees.
Strong working knowledge of company secretarial practices and corporate governance requirements, including Board and committee administration, statutory records, governance documentation, conflicts of interest, decision-making authorities and corporate filings.
Experience supporting the governance of AGMs, EGMs or other formal member/shareholder meetings, including preparation of notices, agendas, resolutions, voting documentation and meeting records.
Experience preparing high-quality Board and committee papers, agendas and minutes, with the ability to accurately capture complex discussions, decisions and actions.
Experience maintaining statutory registers, corporate records and governance calendars, and supporting statutory or regulatory filings.
A sound understanding of Irish corporate governance and company law principles and an ability to interpret and apply constitutional documents, governance policies, Terms of Reference and delegated authorities.
Experience providing practical governance advice and business partnering support to senior stakeholders, with the confidence to identify governance risks, challenge appropriately and escalate matters when required.
Experience managing sensitive and confidential information, with a strong understanding of data protection, information security and records management requirements.
Proven experience working with senior executives, Board members, committee chairs and external professional advisers, with the credibility and judgement required to operate effectively at senior level.
Knowledge of governance best practice, including the Sport Ireland Governance Code for Sport, would be highly desirable.
Experience within a sporting body, membership organisation, regulated organisation, public body or similar governance environment would be advantageous.
Experience of regulatory, disciplinary, integrity or investigations processes would be an advantage.
Strong digital capability, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, PowerPoint and Teams, and experience using Board/governance management technology or document management systems would be beneficial.

Attributes

Have integrity, sincerity and in whom others place their trust.
Demonstrate interpersonal, communication and management skills with the ability to interact and influence effectively at all levels across the business and to get things done.
Drive process and show great attention to detail
Demonstrate strong organisational skills with the ability to effectively prioritise and deliver high quality results.
Operate as a team player, showing resilience and ability to adapt to change.
Continuously demonstrate the highest professional standards of operation and service.
Display enthusiasm, enjoy working hard and getting things done, and demonstrate sound judgment even in ambiguous situations.
Possess a high degree of self-confidence and convey an authoritative manner.
Show effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Show resilience during periods of heavy workload.
Maintain an appropriate standard of strict confidentiality.

Additional Information

Working extended hours on occasion during times of peak activity including evenings and weekends.
The role description, person specification, role grade and role title may be subject to change at the discretion of the FAI and in accordance with business developments. Any changes will be communicated to the role holder as appropriate.

Closing details

Closing date for applications is Friday, 30th October 2026

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).

About us

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.

Our Benefits
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
•Two premium level tickets to each home international game
•Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
•Opportunities to work at international matches
•Company pension
•Life assurance
•Bike to work scheme
•Free onsite parking
•Employee assistance program
•Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
•Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
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Governance Business Partner & Deputy Company Secretary

Benefits

Job Description