Appointment of Independent Members to Association Committees
The Irish Football Association is the governing body for association football within Northern Ireland and is the fourth oldest association in world football.
A number of positions within the Association’s participative governance committee structure have been reserved for independent members – those who are not connected to any of the Irish FA’s member clubs, leagues or divisional associations. It is expected that applicants should have an interest in and empathy with association football and would wish to make a positive contribution to its administration. Candidates with previous board or committee experience would be desirable.
All positions will be for an initial tenure of three years and successful candidates will commence their roles immediately. The positions are non-remunerated, although appropriate out of pocket expenses when incurred will be reimbursed. An induction session will also be conducted by the Association. Please note successful candidates must be in a position to attend face to face meetings at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast.
The Association Committee positions are as follows:-
1. Appeals Committee- Legally Qualified Chair (AC/26)
The Association is seeking applications from legally qualified individuals to serve as Chair of the Association’s Appeals Committee. Candidates must have at least five years post qualification experience.
The Appeals Committee is constituted under the Articles of Association and consists of six independent members and six members of the football family. Each appeal is heard by an Appeals Board of three consisting of a legal chair, one independent member and one from the football family. It is likely that as Chair of the committee you may be called upon approximately 8 times per year to hear appeals against decisions of association committees, divisional associations and leagues.
2. Player Status Committee- Legally Qualified Chair (PSC/26)
The Association is seeking applications from legally qualified individuals to serve as Chair of the Association’s Player Status Committee. Candidates must have at least five years post qualification experience and knowledge of employment law.
The Committee is constituted under the Association’s Football Regulations and consists of a legally qualified Chair and Vice-Chair and 6 other members who represent the football family. The Committee operates under Professional/Amateur Game Player Registration Regulations which are compliant with FIFA and UEFA guidelines. Meetings are held on average every 6 weeks but may be held more regularly, if required.
3. Licensing Committee (LC/26)- Independent Member
The Association is seeking applications from individuals from a wide range of professional disciplines (e.g. legal, financial, public sector, business or other regulated environments)
The Committee is constituted under the Association’s Articles of Association and consists of a legally qualified Chair and Vice- Chair and five other independent members. The Committee issues and operates under licensing manuals for both UEFA and domestic licensing schemes and manages the programmes to enable the annual issuing of licences where appropriate. As a rough guide, meetings are usually held three times per year.
How to apply
To apply please forward your CV with covering letter to rebekah.shearer@irishfa.com. Your covering letter should include the reference number, found after the title of each role, for one or more roles you would like to apply for and a brief summary stating why you are suitable for the role/s. Please also state whether you meet the desirable criteria of previous board or committee experience.
The closing date for receipt of CVs and covering letter is 5pm on Thursday 28 May. Late CVs will not be accepted.
All of the above positions are governed by the Association’s Articles of Association, Football Regulations and Standing Orders which can be viewed online at www.irishfa.com.
“The Irish Football Association is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as women are currently under-represented on our committees, we would particularly welcome applications from females. All appointments will be made on the basis of merit”.
