Export Business Advisor

The Position

Westmeath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which fixed term contract posts for the position of Export Business Advisor will be drawn. The primary role of the Export Business Advisor will be to support the Head of Enterprise and the LEO team in the delivery of services and operations aimed at strengthening the export potential of our client base.

The Local Enterprise Office, Westmeath County Council recognises the development of export markets by micro or small enterprises. Through this scheme, the LEO aims to provide coaching support to owners and managers and to help businesses to understand the basis of their export plan and where they might export, with advice on how to develop an export strategy and supports available to assist them in the implementation of this strategy.

Success in export markets is crucial to the long-term growth of Irish businesses and the Irish economy. The LEO recognises that support for companies focused on growth through international sales is a priority. We are committed to working with our Enterprise Ireland partners to facilitate the development of a strong exporting sector through active engagement of the LEO portfolio in offering flexible exporting solutions to client needs.

A significant element of the role will be to ensure that clients have access to, and utilise, one-to-one export support and advice made available through the LEO, its mentor resources, and our stakeholder partners.

The LEO is committed to developing relevant exporter workshops and programmes and complementing the initiatives within Enterprise Ireland. Engaging with Enterprise Ireland throughout the period of our current development plan, the LEO and its clients will seek to benefit from the EI exporter development modules, the market research centre, the international office network, relevant trade events and missions and programmes developed to build export selling capabilities.

In order to support our companies in this area, we will also work with them and encourage the use of Enterprise Ireland’s online Export Preparedness Scorecard to help companies determine their capability to develop and implement an export-led business plan.

The Export Business Advisor will report to the Head of Enterprise and will work as a member of a small dynamic team providing support to small and micro-enterprises for the duration of the contract. The Business Advisor will report on targets and metrics as set out by the Head of Enterprise.

Duties & Responsibilities

The LEO Business Advisor will perform such duties as may be assigned from time to time which will involve the facilitation, implementation and promotion of the policies and objectives of the particular County Council for the advancement of the Local Enterprise Office.

The Business Advisor will report to the Head of the Local Enterprise Office, or any other officer as designated by the Chief Executive.

• Meeting with clients and providing one-to-one advice on all areas of exporting/internationalisation relevant to their business, including advising and evaluating on grant and loan applicants and the wider supports available through the LEO and presenting client cases to the Evaluation Committee.

• Developing and managing a range of business-related export training and mentoring programmes and events.

• Managing a range of export-related projects from early stage to delivery, including managing procurement processes and contract management, communications and reporting.

• Supporting the LEO team in responding to First Stop Shop enquiries and advising on exporting/internationalisation opportunities and supports where relevant.

• Enhancing communication with Enterprise Ireland to facilitate potential progression of companies from LEO to EI, facilitating access to relevant EI financial, business and innovation/research facilities, and two-way transfer of clients to ensure appropriate services and maximum impact.

• Assessing models of national and international best practice which may support new export-focused initiatives.

• Familiarising with Intertrade Ireland services and supports and accordingly educating internal staff and the LEO client base. Putting in place systems to ensure that Intertrade Ireland opportunities are made available to the LEO client base.

• Stimulating mentoring requests from clients relating to export activity/queries and acting on relevant mentor report outcomes.

• Project managing, promoting, supporting and assisting clients through Market Explore Grant applications process to ensure significant uptake.

• Working closely with the national LEO representatives leading on the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) actively to maximise the benefit to our client base.

• Collaborating on exporting/internationalisation programmes with stakeholders to develop an “Establish Your Readiness to Export” programme.

• Encouraging and facilitating existing client base to expand and access LEO funding and advisory programmes.

• Advising and supporting clients with their Brexit queries and challenges.

• Advising Measure 1 grant applicants on the opportunities an export focus may be able to offer them.

• Providing opportunities for businesses to collaborate with experts in trading online activity to increase sales and export potential.

• Organising and facilitating networking opportunities and delivering presentations on exporting/internationalisation.

• Payment administration and budget monitoring and reporting.

• Reporting to senior management and providing regular reports and updates on metrics and key indicators while ensuring that work conforms to procedures and standards.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and, consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Qualifications for the Post

a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a Stamp 4 visa; or

e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a Stamp 4 visa;

or

A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA Member State or the UK or Switzerland and has a Stamp 4 visa.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) Hold a professional qualification in Business and/or Financial Management (Level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) or an equivalent professional Business qualification.

(b) Have a strong understanding of the needs of small and micro businesses and the role of the Local Enterprise Office and, in particular, the challenges of both exporting/internationalisation/Brexit and businesses.

Non-Irish qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Driving Licence

Holders of the office may be required to drive a motor car in the course of their duties and should, therefore, hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from disqualifications and medical limitations.

Travel and subsistence expenses for your position will be paid in accordance with the agreed rates which may be revised from time to time.

Desirable, though not essential:

• Have knowledge and experience in supporting small businesses to explore international markets and export.

• Be able to demonstrate sufficient competence in the areas of Management & Change, Delivering Results, Personal Effectiveness & Knowledge and understanding of the role of Local Government.

• Have an excellent understanding of commercial business and significant experience in working with the business community.

• Be self-motivated with an ability to work on own initiative but within a dynamic small-team environment.

• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences, make effective presentations and represent the City Council and the LEO in a professional and credible manner.

• Have satisfactory experience of financial management and reporting.

• Have experience in the management and utilisation of communications technologies in the area of digital marketing.

• A strong work ethic and ability to prioritise tasks, deliver to tight deadlines and to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team, and commitment to continuous professional development.

• Have knowledge and awareness of current Health and Safety Legislation & Regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee.

It is desirable that candidates, through their application and at interview stage, demonstrate the following:

▪ Have an understanding of the Council’s purpose, goals and priorities and knowledge of public service organisation in Ireland.

▪ Understand the role of the elected council and the representational role of the elected members.

▪ Understand the changing environment and be capable of adapting to change in order to deliver quality services to our citizens.

▪ Have the ability to identify problems and contribute to solutions.

▪ Have an ability to work effectively within a team to achieve a common goal, ensuring standards are adhered to and maintained.

▪ Possess the ability to provide excellent customer services.

▪ Have an ability to lead a team.

▪ Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

▪ Be motivated to achieve maximum performance.

▪ Demonstrate excellent clerical/administrative experience in an office-based environment.

▪ Have an ability to work on own initiative, in an independent environment and without constant supervision.

▪ Have staff supervisory experience.

▪ Have an awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

Particulars of Office (including retirement)

Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

New entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale in accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5th February 2016.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

You agree that in the event of an overpayment of salary or other monies to you, the Council reserves the right to deduct monies from your “wages” (for the purposes of the Payment of Wages Act, 1991) for the purpose of reimbursement of the Council of the amount of the overpayment(s), in keeping with the Payment of Wages Act 1991, Section 5(5).

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant scheme will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of superannuation, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

A person paying the Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority will be required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of his/her superannuation, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A person paying the Class D rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority, depending on their existing scheme, may be a member of a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension) Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme and, if a member of either scheme, will be required in respect of this to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement and death gratuities.