Business Advisor Grade VI- Local Enterprise Office/ Economic Development

The Business Advisor will report to the Head of the Enterprise, Economic Development & Tourism or any other officer as designated by the Chief Executive.

Roles and responsibilities encompass the following key areas and will depend on assignment:

•    Financial management, accounting, budgeting and reporting. This includes financial and other reporting to Council bodies, Enterprise Ireland, The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and to various other government departments in addition to European Union.

•    Delivery of a variety of projects in Business Support and Economic Development.

•    The provision of one-to-one business advice and guidance to new and existing businesses.

•    Proactively identify opportunities for Kildare County Council to improve the local economic environment and/or the LEO’s offering of services to its client businesses.

•    Develop and lead initiatives designed to support microenterprises to increase performance and competitiveness, to support them to increase market share, assist with their exporting activities and to invest in R&D.

•    Act as a liaison between local organisations, businesses and individuals and representatives of government, business and industry concerning economic/enterprise development.

•    Secure funding for economic development programmes and activities and support the development of funding proposals.

•    Represent the council at economic conferences at local, regional, national and international levels. The nature of the role may necessitate overnight travel nationally or internationally.

•    Provide advice regarding market analysis and economic opportunities.

•    Identify opportunities for joint ventures and assist with any negotiations.

•    Research private and public sector economic development funding opportunities and develop cross functional proposals and projects.

•    Engaging on collaborative initiatives and EU programmes as required by the Head of Enterprise, Economic Development & Tourism.

•    Promoting and implementing innovation and continuous improvement in the processes and programmes of the Local Enterprise Office.

•    Other duties required to contribute to the successful management of the Local Enterprise Office services as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of the Local Enterprise, Economic and/or other nominated members of the Local Enterprise Office management team.