Limerick-based charity seeks to appoint new CEO

IT IS "an exciting time to join" Bóthar, according to the Limerick-based charity which is hiring a new CEO.

The three-year contract comes with a €90,000 per annum salary; 30 days annual leave; employer pension contribution and health cover.

It states in the job description for the new Bóthar CEO that "a crucial aspect of this role is to represent the charity externally, especially as we work to resolve legacy issues and mitigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic on our operations". 

Last year Bóthar, whose activities include aiding poor farmers in developing nations through donations of livestock, launched High Court proceedings against its former CEO, David Moloney, who, they claim, misappropriated the charity's monies for his own use. Bóthar is seeking to recoup the monies taken. 

Mr Moloney, of Clino, Newport, County Tipperary, has admitted misappropriating large amounts of monies donated to the charity for his personal use. In a sworn statement to the court, he said he spent the cash on things including family holidays, on his friends, but never lodged the monies in the bank nor kept any of the cash taken.

Former CEO of Limerick charity stole 'suitcases of cash' over two decades

He also claims that much of what was misappropriated was paid to others, including to Peter Ireton, co-founder and former CEO of Bóthar. Mr Ireton died following what has been described as a personal tragedy at his home in Limerick in April, 2021. Mr Ireton's death came days after Bóthar's High Court action against Mr Moloney began.

The total sum it is alleged has been misappropriated is €1.1m.

The job description for the new Bóthar CEO states the role reports to the chair of the board of trustees and there are currently three other employees who all report directly to the CEO. 

"This is an exciting time to join us as we determine future strategy for our organisation," it states on the job description.

There are a number of headings with bullet points regarding what is expected of the new CEO.

Under Communications & Fundraising, it reads: "Carry out a full analysis into past income, as part of future strategy."

Below Governance & Compliance, it states: "Lead and direct Bóthar’s work ensuring that robust management and governance practices are adhered to."

Meanwhile, under Risk Management & Financial Controls, it reads: "Ensure financial integrity and accountability of Bóthar through sound controls and financial reporting."

The most recent financial statements available on the Bóthar website date back to 2018.

Being "passionate with an international perspective, committed to a more just world for all" is another advantage for those considering applying.

Exactly a year ago, Sean Lavery, Limerick IFA chairman, said the revelations at the time concerning Bóthar had left Limerick farmers "shocked and angry".

The closing date for applications to be the new CEO of Bóthar is Monday, June 6 at 5pm.