Business Export Advisor (Level 6) South Dublin County CouncilTemporary one-year fixed-term contractSDCC is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will automatically disqualify.ApplicationsApplications accepted only through SDCCs e-Recruitment system before midnight on Thursday, 22 January 2026.The roleThe 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 wholetime, 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 €60,356 €63,491 €65,363 €67,690 (1st LSI) €70,030 (2nd LSI).Hours of workNormal hours: 35 hours per week (Council reserves right to alter).Annual leave30 days entitlement.QualificationsCharacterCandidates must be of good character.HealthCandidates must be in a state of health indicating reasonable prospect of regular and efficient service.Essential Education, Training And ExperienceOn the latest date for receipt of applications: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 ExperienceAbility 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 / SkillsManagement and changeDelivering resultsPersonal effectivenessPerformance through peopleLocal government knowledge and understandingCandidates 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 (1150 staff) for transfer to Enterprise Ireland for accelerated export development support (expanding LEOs micro client portfolio).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.These duties are vital to economic development in the county. Post holders may be assigned to other appropriate areas.SDCC Additional Information Booklet Key Recruitment DetailsSDCC is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will automatically disqualify.Recruitment processSelection is by competition based on interview (face-to-face or via Microsoft Teams, as decided by SDCC). SDCC does not cover expenses incurred in attending interviews. Applicants should be available for interview any time after the closing date. Non-attendance disqualifies further consideration. Interview results will be published on )Rolling recruitmentOnly electronic applications via SDCCs e-Recruitment system are accepted. Rolling recruitment competitions have no closing date and remain open until sufficient applications are received. They may close temporarily at short notice for shortlisting, then re-open. Rolling basis is clearly indicated in advertisements. Submit applications as soon as possible.ShortlistingSDCC reserves the right to shortlist via desktop review or preliminary interviews based on application form information and vacancy numbers. Provide detailed, accurate qualifications and experience, fully completing competency questions with appropriate examples scaled to the role.PanelsPanels formed from interviews last one year. Panel members meeting qualifications may be appointed to vacancies during that period.Acceptance of offerAppointees must take up posts within a reasonable period determined by SDCC or forfeit the offer.Pre-employment checksMedical examination by a practitioner nominated by SDCC.Two satisfactory references from responsible persons (not relatives), at least one from a current employer.Garda Vetting under the National Vetting Bureau Act Inaccurate or misleading information leads to disqualification, employment withdrawal or dismissal.CitizenshipCritical Skills OccupationsMust hold a Critical Skills Employment Permit (Stamp 1G) by application date and ensure the post is on the Critical Skills Occupations List.Non-Critical Skills OccupationsMust Be, By Application DateEEA citizen (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway).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 via reunification).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/week.Blended workingSDCC operates a Blended Working Policy under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. Suitable roles may allow up to 2 remote days/week, subject to operational needs. Arrangements start after 6 months continuous employment for onboarding and integration.ProbationNew appointees serve a 1-year probation (extendable by Chief Executive). Termination possible with 1 weeks notice. Assessments occur during probation. Previous local authority probationers are exempt.Salary / wagesEntry point determined by Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage circulars. Non-serving local authority employees post-1 January 2011 enter at minimum scale point. Rates adjusted per government policy.DutiesUnder Local Government Act 2001 Section & (4), employees perform executive, administrative, technical or management duties under the Chief Executives direction, including servicing committees and exercising delegated powers. Holders may act for higher officers if required.ResidenceOfficers must reside in the district or within a reasonable distance as determined by SDCC.Outside employmentNo private practice or outside business that interferes with official duties.Superannuation contributionLocal Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 Applies. RatesClass A PRSI: 1.5% pensionable remuneration + 3.5% net pensionable remuneration.Class D PRSI: 5% pensionable remuneration.Spouses and Childrens / Widows and Orphans Contributory Pension Scheme applies. New entrants join Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Minimum 2 years service for pension.2025 Rates and ThresholdsLocal Government Superannuation Scheme Members€0€34,500: 0%€34,500€60,000: 10%Over €60,000: 10.5%Single Public Sector Pension Scheme Members€0€34,500: 0%€34,500€60,000: 3.33%Over €60,000: 3.5%Retirement ageNo mandatory retirement for new entrants (per Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Non-new entrants retire at 65 (or per circulars). Maximum 70 for new entrants. SDCC may refer staff to medical advisor for fitness assessment. ISER retirees (per DoF Circular 12/09) are debarred from same sector roles.