The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority is seeking expressions of interest from experienced and qualified persons who are willing to offer their services as an external member of the SFPA Audit & Risk Committee.

This is a non-executive and voluntary role to support the Authority’s compliance with governance and public sector best practice.

The appointee should have an accounting and/or audit qualification as well as a record of achievement in interpretation and/or audit of accounts and in discharging a financial or corporate governance role in either a private or public sector body. 

Any interested party should submit a cv and cover letter to NColeman@sigmar.ie by noon on 16th May 2018.  The SFPA may arrange for a confidential discussion.

Expressions of interest will be assessed by a SFPA selection panel which will include the Chairperson of the Audit & Risk Committee. 

 

 

ROLE DESCRIPTION

 

The SFPA is seeking expressions of interest from experienced and qualified persons to offer their services as a member of the Audit & Risk Committee. This is an important specialist, non-executive and voluntary role intended to ensure best practice in the financial management and corporate governance of SFPA. The target group for appointment would include qualified practitioners (including public servants) and auditors with relevant expertise including those who may be retired, have no conflict of interest and are willing to offer their services on the terms outlined below.

The SFPA was established in 2007 under the provisions of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 and is Ireland's competent authority for Seafood Safety and Sea-Fisheries Protection.   It is governed by an executive structure known as the Authority. The Authority consists of a Chair and two Authority Members. The SFPA also has a senior management team consisting of the Authority members, the Director of Operations and the Directors of all other Business Units. The SFPA is a public body under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. With headquarters in Clonakilty, County Cork, the SFPA also has a number of offices in the major ports around the coast, at Killybegs,Ros a’ Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth.  

The continued health of Ireland’s economy and coastal communities is dependent upon its natural resources being used sustainably. It is important for Ireland to havewell managed fisheries and the SFPA will continue to engage with the fishing industry to promote compliance with the essential requirements of the legislation.

 

SFPA supports a sustainable and profitable commercial fishing sector, while protecting and conserving fisheries resources for long-term exploitation. 

 

Further information on the SFPA is available on the website: www.sfpa.ie

 

As part of its governance framework, SFPA has established an Audit & Risk Committee. A copy of the terms of reference for the Committee can be found in the information booklet. The Authority nominates members for appointment; who are then ratified and appointed by the Audit & Risk Committee based on their suitability.

The purpose of the SFPA Audit & Risk Committee is to assist the Authority in fulfilling its overseeing responsibilities relating to:

• the integrity of the financial system including the financial reporting process; 

• the risk management process;

• the system of internal control; 

• the relationship with the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG);

• processes and internal controls for monitoring compliance of implementation of Official Controls in the areas of sea-fisheries, seafood safety, Health and Safety and other relevant laws and regulation;

• the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority code of conduct; and

• performance of the Authority’s technical and corporate internal audit function and associated independent auditors.

 

 

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

 

Qualifications

It is required that the appointee will have an accounting and/or audit qualification. Further qualifications or experience in corporate governance would be desirable. Prior experience of public sector financial and governance frameworks is not an essential requirement but could be an advantage.  An appointee will be expected to quickly become familiar with relevant systems and frameworks.

 

 

Experience

It is essential that the appointee will have relevant experience that would demonstrate her/his competency to effectively discharge the role of advising the Audit & Risk Committee of a Public Body. The appointee will have a record of achievement in interpretation and/or audit of accounts and in discharging a financial or corporate governance role in either a private or public sector body.

 

 

Independence

The member will not have any personal or professional interest or relationship which could conflict with the unbiased discharge of the role. She/he will not be a staff member of SFPA. The appointed person is expected to bring an independent eye to the oversight role of the Committee.

 

 

 

 

ROLE

The role of the external member will include:

• Attending meetings of the Audit & Risk Committee

• Advising the Audit & Risk Committee on interpretation of technical documents

• Providing sound judgement on financial-related and corporate governance issues

• Contributing at meetings to ensure achievement of the Terms of Reference of the Committee.

 

 

Frequency of Meetings: The Audit & Risk Committee is expected to meet at least four (4) times per annum.

Fee and Expenses

 

Fee: A fee of €250 is payable per meeting and subject to taxation in line with relevant Revenue guidance and legislation. It should be noted that in line with the ‘One Person One Salary’ principle no public servant will be entitled to receive this fee.

 

Expenses: Travel and subsistence expenses for attendance at Audit & Risk Committee meetings will be paid, in accordance with rates set from time to time by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

 

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

1. Download the Job Information Booklet below.

 

2. Upload your CV and a Cover Letter to the portal below (page opens in new window).