About FIFPRO

Founded in 1965, FIFPRO is the global union representing over 65,000 professional footballers from around the world. FIFPRO's objective is to protect and promote the rights and interests of professional football players. It works towards improving the working conditions, health and safety standards, and overall well-being of players. FIFPRO also advocates for equal opportunities and non-discrimination in football.

FIFPRO is recognised around the world as the leading global union representing male and female professional footballers, with the organisation keen to maintain this position going forward. Over the coming years, FIFPRO plans to expand its reach and support to an increased number of member unions, allowing the organisation to carry more weight and influence in negotiations with key stakeholders in the football ecosystem.

Position Overview

FIFPRO’s Company Secretary is responsible for supporting the executive management team and the FIFPRO President in preparing high-quality materials for quarterly Board meetings, as well as following up and delivering on the agreed actions from these meetings. In addition, they will be responsible for maintaining good governance practices both within the Board and across the organisation more broadly.

This individual will often accompany the Secretary General and Chief Operating Officer to external meetings, supporting with the preparation of meeting materials, the taking of clear minutes, as well as helping to manage logistics on the ground.

The right candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, good attention to detail and will be able to produce high quality meeting materials with limited guidance. Their personality should be low ego, a team player and someone comfortable operating in a diverse and global stakeholder environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the executive management team and President in defining the agenda for Board and Committee meetings

• Prepare comprehensive Board materials, including reports, presentations, and relevant documentation (ensuring quality-control and timeliness of materials shared)

• Track and follow up on actions and decisions made during Board and Committee meetings to ensure accountability and progress

• Assist with preparations for FIFPRO’s annual General Assembly, working closely with key stakeholders to prepare the agenda

• Prepare and circulate accurate minutes from all Board and Committee meetings in a timely manner

• Ensure continued compliance with relevant laws, regulations and FIFPRO’s internal statutes / policies

• Maintain, and where necessary, update the Board’s governance framework, including policies, procedures, and charters

• Work alongside the events team to coordinate logistics for Board meetings, including scheduling, venue arrangements etc.

• Act as a liaison between the Board, management, and stakeholders, facilitating effective communication

• Provide guidance on corporate governance best practices and assist in the onboarding of new Board members

• Manage the documentation and filing of corporate records, including Board resolutions and meeting minutes

• Assist in organising and facilitating Board training and development activities

Assessed Key Competencies

Organisational Skills                                 

Exceptional organisational skills, with high attention to detail and strong time management. Hard working with sharp intellect, capable of juggling multiple priorities.

Communication Skills                             

First class presentation skills (written and verbal). Ability to distil a high volume of information into compelling presentations and documents that simplify complex workstreams.

Stakeholder Management                      

High emotional intelligence and low ego, capable of building trust and developing positive working relationships internally, as well as externally. 

Language Skills                                            

Bilingual or fluent English and Spanish, with additional language fluency an advantage.

International Perspective                       

Global citizen with previous experience of working and / or living internationally.

FIFPRO Mission Alignment                    

Alignment to FIFPRO’s mission and purpose.

Minimum Requirements

• Prior experience in a Company Secretary role or a consulting / legal background

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills – must be fluent in English and Spanish (French would be an added plus)

• A passion for and general understanding of football

• Experience in preparing high-quality presentations for senior stakeholders

• Evidence of successfully working in a complex stakeholder environment where relationship building and influencing skills are essential

• High level of organisational skills and attention to detail

• Driven and forward thinking, seeking to continuously improve the way in which things are done

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively

• Proven track record of working in a complex organisation and able to build strong relationships, trust and credibility with a diverse set of stakeholders

• Between 3-6 years of professional experience

Nice to Haves

• Qualification as a Barrister / Solicitor or Chartered Accountant, or other relevant advanced degree

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Corporate Governance, Business Law)

• Experience working in the sports industry or with non-profit organisations

• Familiarity with international sports governance frameworks and regulations

• Experience in managing Board dynamics and facilitating discussions

• Previous experience in strategic planning or organisational development