Carlow County Council invite applications from suitably qualified candidates for the permanent post of Economic Development Officer/Business Advisor

The Economic Development Unit of Carlow County Council plays a central role in driving business support, enterprise development, and economic growth across the county.  The unit’s activities extend countywide, with staff delivering services across a variety of locations in line with project and community needs.

The role and responsibilities of the Economic Development Officer/Business Advisor encompass the following key areas:
 

• Financial management, accounting, budgeting and reporting. This includes financial and other reporting to the Council bodies, to Enterprise Ireland, to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and to various other government departments and to any other bodies as required from time to time.

• Delivery of a variety of projects in the area of Business Support (LEO), Economic Development & Tourism as part of the Council’s annual economic development, business support and tourism programme and EU Projects

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

• 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 to enhance.

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

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

• The provision of one-to- one business advice and guidance to anyone thinking about starting a business or any existing business in County Carlow.

• Evaluation of Economic and SME business proposals for presentation to various funding committees and structures.

• Other duties required to contribute to the successful management of the Economic Development Section as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of Economic Development & Enterprise and/or other nominated members of the LEO management team, of government, business and industry concerning economic development.

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

• Any other duties that may be assigned

• Have an excellent understanding of project development and delivery
• Have an excellent understanding of commercial business and significant experience in working with the business community
• Have excellent communications skills and experience in client/customer engagement and management
• Have significant experience in event management and/or delivery of project.
• Be experienced in the use of financial management systems both from an administrative and reporting perspective
• Have experience in the management and utilization of new communications technologies digital marketing
• Have a strong capability to multi-task and work to deadlines

• Be self-motivated with an ability to work on own initiative but within a dynamic small- team environment
• Have a strong understanding of the needs of small and micro businesses and the role of the Local Enterprise Office, including knowledge of its supports, services and processes
• Can motivate, empower, and encourage staff under his/her control to achieve maximum performance
• Possess a strong business acumen with experience that demonstrates an understanding of the phases of business development including a demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret business proposals from various perspectives, e.g. finance, marketing, process/operations, etc.

Character
Each candidate shall be of good character.

Health
Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Citizenship
Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

1. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or
2. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
3. A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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

1. hold a professional qualification at degree level (level 7 NFQ) or above in Business / Entrepreneurship or equivalent is desirable and/or at least 2 years’ experience working in a project development role within the public service is desirable
2. have significant experience of working in or working with small and micro businesses and be familiar with the broad range of supports and agencies available to support local businesses.
3. Have significant experience in project management
4. Have significant experience of working with a variety of different levels of stakeholders.
5. Demonstrate significant experience in the development of projects from concept to development to delivery stage
6. Experience in commercial evaluation and project application writing is desirable
7. be computer literate and have good verbal and written communication skills and be comfortable speaking in public.