Board of Directors

Macra na Feirme – Board Vacancy

Macra na Feirme is a vibrant, independent, non-profit, national voluntary organisation for rural young people and young farmers between the ages of 17 and 35 engaged in youth development and training. The organisation consists of a nationwide network of clubs which support a range of activities in agriculture, sport, travel, public speaking and performing arts.

Macra na Feirme is committed to the personal development of members and puts emphasis on social interaction and participation.

Macra na Feirme employs almost 20 staff and involves hundreds of volunteers on a weekly and monthly basis in the delivery of services to members through almost 200 clubs across the country.  Our clubs and volunteers are active members of their own rural and local communities, often involved in other community activities such as fundraising for local causes.

Macra na Feirme is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status.  The organisation is supported by a combination of statutory, agricultural industry and corporate funding. 

Board Structure

Over the past 24 months, Macra na Feirme has moved from an unincorporated association to Company Limited by Guarantee structure with charitable status.  This is a rare opportunity for Macra na Feirme, in its 75 year history, to seek one independent director to join the board which consists of 10 young members of the organisation and two existing independent directors.  

Formerly the National Executive of Macra na Feirme, the Board of Directors is now comprised of 13 directors, which includes three independent directors and 10 directors from the membership of the organisation.

Macra na Feirme are seeking one individual with previous board-level experience and proven knowledge in any one of three areas of expertise.  An understanding of a member based organisation would be a distinct advantage.  Independent directors cannot be current members of Macra na Feirme, or have been a member within the past 10 years. The existing Board has identified Board skills necessary in the following areas:

• Legal & Governance
• Finance
• Strategy

The board will recommend to National Council the appointment of one directors that can meet some, or several, of the skills above.

Legal & Governance Expertise

The Board is seeking a non-executive director with a background in Corporate Governance or law. If you have experience in this area and want to play a key role in helping Macra na Feirme we’re keen to hear from you. Ideal skills will include the following;

• The candidate must have a recognised legal or governance qualification.
• The candidate will have an insight into implementing the principles of Governance within an organisational setting.

Strategy

The Board is seeking a non-executive director with a background in strategy development and/or implementation. If you have experience in this area and want to play a key role in helping Macra na Feirme deliver its mission we’re keen to hear from you. Ideal skills and responsibilities will include the following:

• Experience in overseeing the development and implementation of strategic planning
• Oversee the ongoing development of the organisation’s strategy in conjunction with management and the Board.
• Inputting to the strategic direction, contributing with insight, oversight, and experience of strategy formulation in other sectors.

Finance

The Board is seeking a non-executive director with a background in accounting or finance. If you have experience in this area and want to play a key role in helping Macra na Feirme deliver its mission we’re keen to hear from you. Ideal skills and responsibilities will include the following:

• The candidate must have a recognised financial or accounting qualification.
• The candidate will have an insight into financial management and planning within an organisational setting.

Board Meetings:

There will be approximately eight board meetings and 4-6 sub-committee meetings a year.  Board meetings are held in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.   Tele-conference facilities are available for both sub-committee and board meetings if required.   All Board and sub-committee meetings are mainly held mid-week at approximately 8 p.m.