Non-Executive Director & Company Secretary

The Opportunity

Natural Capital Ireland is seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director who will also act as Company Secretary. This is an opportunity to join the Board of a purpose-led organisation at an important stage in the development of Ireland's approach to natural capital, biodiversity and nature restoration.

The role is deliberately designed to be accessible to an experienced professional who may be taking on their first non-executive or NGO Board appointment. The successful candidate will bring sound judgement and relevant experience in finance, accounting, legal, company secretarial, governance, risk or compliance matters. Previous Board experience is not essential.

The role combines Board-level contribution with a practical Company Secretary remit. It will suit someone who enjoys working in a small organisation, is comfortable being hands-on when required and wants to use their professional skills in support of an organisation with a clear public-interest purpose.

Key Responsibilities

·         Contribute to the strategic direction, governance and long-term development of NCI.

·         Participate actively in Board meetings, providing independent judgement and constructive challenge.

·         Support effective oversight of financial performance, budgets, funding and financial controls.

·         Help the Board identify and manage organisational, financial and governance risks.

·         Ensure that the interests of NCI's members, funders, stakeholders and wider public-interest purpose are appropriately considered.

·         Support effective relationships between the Board, Steering Committee and Secretariat.

·         Act as an ambassador for NCI and its mission where appropriate.

Company Secretary Responsibilities

·         Support the Chair and Board in maintaining high standards of corporate governance.

·         Advise on company law, governance and statutory requirements within the scope of the role, obtaining specialist external advice where appropriate.·         Coordinate Board and AGM administration, including agendas, papers, minutes and resolutions.

·         Ensure statutory registers, corporate records and governance documentation are appropriately maintained.

·         Support statutory and regulatory filings and liaise with NCI's accountants, auditors and other professional advisers.

·         Help ensure that Board policies and procedures remain appropriate for a small Company Limited by Guarantee.

·         Provide practical governance support to the Chair, Board and Secretariat between meetings when required.The Company Secretary is not expected to provide specialist legal advice personally. The ability to recognise when external legal, accounting or other professional advice is required is more important than being legally qualified.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong professional background and a genuine interest in contributing to a purpose-led organisation. We are particularly interested in people with experience in one or more of the following:

·         Finance, accounting, audit or financial management

·         Company secretarial practice or corporate governance

·         Commercial or corporate law

·         Risk management, compliance or regulatory affairs

·         Board or committee support

·         Financial oversight within a small or medium-sized organisation

A professional qualification in accountancy, law, company secretarial practice or a related discipline would be an advantage, but is not essential.

Key Competencies

·         Strong financial and governance literacy

·         Sound commercial and organisational judgement

·         Ability to understand and constructively challenge financial and management information

·         Attention to detail and a structured approach to governance

·         Confidence to ask questions and provide constructive challenge

·         Ability to work collaboratively in a collegiate Board environment

·         Practical, pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Board Experience

Previous non-executive or Board experience is not required. NCI is particularly interested in candidates who have the professional maturity and judgement to make an effective contribution and who see this as an opportunity to develop their Board experience.

An understanding of, or interest in, natural capital, biodiversity, sustainability or environmental policy would be welcome, but specialist technical expertise in these areas is not required.

Why Join NCI?

·         Take your first step into non-executive Board work in a supportive and purpose-led environment.

·         Use your professional finance, legal or governance skills to make a practical contribution.

·         Work alongside a diverse network of professionals from academia, government, business and the NGO sector.

·         Contribute to an organisation working to influence how Ireland values, protects and restores its natural environment.

·         Gain experience of Board governance within a Company Limited by Guarantee and a growing not-for-profit organisation.

Personal Qualities

·         Independent-minded, while collaborative and collegiate

·         Curious and willing to learn

·         Committed to high standards of governance and transparency

·         Practical and comfortable in a hands-on environment

·         Passionate about NCI's mission and Ireland's natural environment

·         Reliable and willing to devote the necessary time to the role

Time Commitment

The role is expected to involve approximately 6 Board meetings per year, together with preparation for meetings and attendance at the Annual General Meeting. The Company Secretary may also be required to provide additional governance support to the Chair and Secretariat between meetings.

The position is expected to be unremunerated, although reasonable expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with NCI policy.

Term & Location

The initial appointment will be for 3 years, subject to the Company's Constitution and Board requirements. Board meetings are expected to be held in person / hybrid / yet primarily online. Candidates based in Ireland are preferred.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit a CV and a short covering letter outlining their relevant professional experience, why they are interested in joining Natural Capital Ireland, and what they could contribute as a Director and Company Secretary.

Applications should be sent to executivecoordinator@naturalcaptialireland.com  by October 2nd, 2026.

About Natural Capital Ireland

Natural Capital Ireland is a Company Limited by Guarantee (Company No. 632971). It is supported through core funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Home | Natural Capital Ireland