A leading local authority is seeking a Business Export Advisor based in Dublin, Ireland, to work on a one-year contract. The role focuses on assisting small businesses in becoming export-ready and improving their operational capabilities. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant third-level business qualification and experience in project management, financial literacy, and stakeholder engagement. This position offers a chance to drive economic growth and engage with various business owners actively. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Business Export Advisor Job in Ireland 2026 | South Dublin County Council Business Export Advisor Job in Ireland 2026 | South Dublin County Council South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is inviting applications for the position of Business Export Advisor (Level 6) based in Dublin, Ireland, for a one-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension. This role sits within the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network, Ireland’s frontline support system for micro and small businesses. The position plays a strategic role in strengthening Ireland’s export pipeline by helping local enterprises become internationally competitive, innovative, and growth-oriented. While this role does not offer visa sponsorship, it is open to candidates who already hold the appropriate Critical Skills or eligible Irish work permission, making it an excellent opportunity for qualified professionals already in or eligible to work in Ireland’s public sector and enterprise development ecosystem. About Role The Business Export Advisor will work directly with small businesses and start-ups to build export readiness, improve internal processes, and unlock access to international markets. The role focuses on increasing the number of first-time exporters and strengthening the performance of micro-enterprises through targeted programmes in digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and management development. You will operate in a highly collaborative environment, engaging with business owners, internal stakeholders, and national agencies such as Enterprise Ireland. This is a hands-on, impact-driven role at the centre of local economic development and enterprise growth. About Hiring Firm South Dublin County Council is one of Ireland’s leading local authorities, responsible for economic development, enterprise support, and community services across the South Dublin administrative area. Through its Local Enterprise Office, SDCC supports entrepreneurship, job creation, and business scaling. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer and offers structured public-sector career pathways, strong governance standards, and a professional working environment with blended working options for suitable roles. Responsibilities Identify and prepare high-potential micro-enterprises for export development and referral to Enterprise Ireland Support first-time exporters to build export capability, market readiness, and operational capacity Lead and deliver initiatives in digital transformation, sustainability, and competitiveness programmes Increase participation in management development and export readiness training programmes Work directly with businesses (typically under 10 staff) to maximise uptake of LEO supports Encourage and support client investment in R&D and innovation activities Assess business proposals and support, including financial and due diligence components Contribute to performance targets, reporting, and continuous improvement of enterprise support Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver integrated business growth initiatives Requirements Third-level business qualification (NFQ Level 7 or higher) or equivalent relevant experience in the microenterprise sector Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities Solid financial literacy and experience evaluating business or funding proposals Excellent communication, report writing, research, and presentation skills Strong IT literacy, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Understanding of enterprise development, business growth sectors, and SME challenges Knowledge of governance, compliance, and public funding environments is an advantage High levels of professionalism, integrity, and stakeholder engagement capability Must already hold an appropriate Irish work permission (e.g., Critical Skills or eligible status) This is a high-impact public sector opportunity to work at the heart of Ireland’s enterprise and export growth strategy. For professionals passionate about economic development, business scaling, and internationalisation, the Business Export Advisor role with South Dublin County Council offers a rewarding platform to influence real business outcomes and contribute to regional and national economic success in 2026 and beyond. #J-18808-Ljbffr
