Audit & Risk Committee - External member (Only 24h Left)

The Marine Institute is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons who are willing to become an external member of its Audit and Risk Committee.

Introduction

The Board, Management and Staff of the Marine Institute are committed to the development and implementation of effective governance and control arrangements within the organisation. An Audit and Risk Committee has been established as part of its governance arrangements.

Who is the Marine Institute?

The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the state’s maritime area and resources. We do this through conducting applied research and providing scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. This policy advice capacity, our broad mandate, and the research programmes we fund and undertake, give us a unique insight into the science-policy interface and make us an exemplar in the provision of integrated ocean knowledge.

The Marine Institute provides a broad range of essential scientific support to its parent department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and other Government Departments and Bodies. Through laboratory, field and seagoing work, the Institute carries out statutory environmental, fisheries and aquaculture surveys, seafood testing and other monitoring programmes assigned by government. The Institute plays an important role in supporting the state’s response to the impacts of our changing seas and oceans, through working with the national and international scientific community to observe, study and understand our changing oceans. This essential scientific advice supports industry, protects consumers and underpins legislative and other obligations aimed at the protection and management of the marine environment.

Our Vision - The Marine Institute is a national and international leader in ocean knowledge that benefits people, policy and planet.

Our Mission - The Marine Institute provides scientific, research and development services to government, agencies, industry and society that support the sustainable use of our maritime area, the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems, and promote a shared understanding of the ocean.

The Marine Institute was established under the Marine Institute Act, 1991 and its 5 Year Strategic Plan (2023 to 2027) is available on the website.

Expressions of Interest

There is a current vacancy on the Audit and Risk Committee for an external non-Board member. The Marine Institute is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates to fill this vacancy.

Role of the Audit and Risk Committee

The role of the Audit and Risk Committee is to provide a structured, systematic oversight of the Marine Institute’s governance, risk management, and internal control practices. It assists the Board and management by providing advice and guidance on the adequacy of the Marine Institute’s initiatives for:

- Values and ethics
- Governance structure and policies
- Oversight of the internal audit activity, external auditors, and other providers of assurance
- Financial statements and public accountability reporting

Membership and Meetings

The Audit and Risk Committee comprises a Chair and up to three other non-executive directors, in addition to one or more member/s external to the Marine Institute. These members are independent of the management of the Institute and of the internal and external auditors. The Committee meets six times per year. Generally, meetings take place on Monday afternoons, and meetings are held in person at the Marine Institute offices in Oranmore, Co. Galway, with remote attendance facilitated when required. Additional meetings are convened, if circumstances require and may take place at other Marine Institute sites or other locations from time to time.

Candidate Criteria

We are seeking an additional member for the Audit and Risk Committee who meets the following requirements:

- Holds a recognised professional accounting qualification, with a demonstrated understanding of governance, audit, risk and financial management;
- Demonstrates significant experience working at a leadership level
- Has a thorough understanding of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, in particular where it refers to the role of audit committees and the internal audit function;
- Has an understanding of the public sector environment, particularly accountability structures, governance arrangements and public sector reform initiatives.

Previous experience as a member of a Board or Audit Committee is desirable. Knowledge of areas of emerging risk such as cyber security or information technology management is also desirable.

Duration and Terms of Appointment

The appointment will be for an initial period of five years. Members may be re-appointed for a maximum of one further term.

Remuneration

Travel and subsistence expenses associated with attendance at Audit and Risk Committee meetings will be reimbursed in accordance with public sector rates as provided for in the Marine Institute travel and subsistence policy.

Any further payments will be in accordance with public sector rates established and approved by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and will also be subject to the One Person One Salary (“OPOS”) principle for public servants. Such fees, where applicable, are subject to taxation and to the deduction of Professional Services Withholding Tax.

Application and Selection Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter by email to niamh.flavin@marine.ie outlining their suitability for and interest in the role.

Appointment to the Audit and Risk Committee will be made by the Marine Institute Board after considering the candidacy of all suitably qualified candidates.

Data Protection

All information submitted will be held securely and in strictest confidence. Access is confined to those who require it. In providing this information, you are giving consent for it to be used for the purposes specified. Further information about the Marine Institute and data protection may be found on the website https://www.marine.ie/ or you may contact our data protection officer at dpo@Marine.ie.

Closing date for expressions of interest: 17 October 2025 at 12.00pm

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