Business Export Advisor (Level 6) – South Dublin County Council
Temporary one‑year fixed‑term contract. SDCC is an equal opportunities employer; candidates who canvass will be disqualified.
Applications
Applications accepted only through SDCC’s e‑Recruitment system before midnight on Thursday, 22 January 2026.
Role
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the first‑stop shop for small businesses looking to start or grow. The LEO vision is to develop a positive enterprise ecosystem at local level to drive new added‑value start‑ups, facilitate growth of micro and small businesses, and enhance local economies.
This new Export Business Advisor position supports delivery of integrated actions and programmes to increase first‑time exporters. The role assists small businesses to build export capability, access international markets, innovate, embrace digital transformation and adopt sustainable practices. The successful candidate will work directly with core LEO clients to strengthen export readiness, improve business processes, introduce innovation and support start‑ups and small businesses to grow and create employment through export‑led development.
The post is whole‑time, temporary and pensionable for one year (may extend for a second year). A panel will be formed for temporary positions. Post holders may be required to work anywhere in the South Dublin administrative area.
Salary
€57,322 – €68,689 (range by level). First Level: €60,356 – €63,491. Second Level: €65,363 – €67,690. 1st LSI: €70,030.
Hours of Work
Normal hours: 35 hours per week (Council reserves right to alter).
Annual Leave
30 days entitlement.
Qualifications
Character
Candidates must be of good character.
Health
Candidates must be in a state of health indicating reasonable prospect of regular and efficient service.
Essential Education, Training and Experience
Third‑level business qualification (Level 7 NFQ or above), or experience working with the microenterprise sector with in‑depth understanding of its issues and challenges.
Strong organisational and project management skills, experience and proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities to meet tight deadlines.
Financial literacy skills for evaluating project proposals for financial assistance and supports, including due diligence.
Desirable Education, Training and Experience
Ability to influence, collaborate and connect across internal and external stakeholders for client benefit.
Excellent communication and business report writing skills with robust IT literacy (MS Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Excellent research, analytical, writing and presentation skills.
Knowledge and understanding of key business growth sectors and LEO client categories, and ability to translate this into effective supports and initiatives.
Understanding of compliance and governance requirements for LEO funding.
Key Competencies and Skills
Management and change
Delivering results
Personal effectiveness
Performance through people
Local government knowledge and understanding
Candidate Evidence
Candidates must provide examples demonstrating behaviours, skills and attitudes for these areas, scaled appropriately to the post.
Duties (Indicative, Not Exhaustive)
Identify and prepare clients with export potential for transfer to Enterprise Ireland for accelerated export development support.
Increase participation in Management Development and Export Accelerator/Readiness training programmes to meet performance targets.
Lead initiatives for micro‑enterprises to increase performance and competitiveness (e.g. Digital Transformation, Green for Business, Market Explorer).
Engage growing companies (under 10 staff) to maximise uptake of LEO supports.
Encourage and support LEO clients to invest in R&D and incorporate RD&I in commercial activities.
Additional Information
SDCC is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will automatically disqualify.
Citizenship and Visa
Must hold a Critical Skills Employment Permit (Stamp 1G) by application date and ensure the post is on the Critical Skills Occupations List. For non‑critical skills occupations, candidates must be: EEA citizen; UK citizen; Swiss citizen under EUSwitzerland free‑movement agreement; non‑EEA spouse/child of EEA/UK/Swiss citizen with Stamp 4 visa; person awarded international protection under International Protection Act 2015 (or family member with Stamp 4 visa); non‑EEA parent of dependent child who is EEA/UK/Swiss citizen resident in Ireland with Stamp 4 visa. For relief positions, Stamp 2 (student) visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Medical examination by a practitioner nominated by SDCC.
Two satisfactory references (at least one from current employer).
Garda Vetting under the National Vetting Bureau Act 2012–2016.
Probation
New appointees serve a 1‑year probation (extendable by Chief Executive). Termination possible with 1 week’s notice. Assessments occur during probation.
Residence
Officers must reside in the district or within a reasonable distance as determined by SDCC.
Outside Employment
No private practice or outside business that interferes with official duties.
Blended Working
Suitable roles may allow up to 2 remote days per week, subject to operational needs. Arrangements start after 6 months of continuous employment.
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