The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the local first-stop shop for new entrepreneurs and existing micro-enterprise and small business owners. The LEOs are the front door through which all information on State supports for small and micro-businesses can be accessed and through which financial and other supports can be provided to the business community. The dissolution of the previous City and County Enterprise Boards and the transfer of their functions to Enterprise Ireland led to the formation of the 31 LEOs in 2014. The Local Enterprise Offices are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and operate under a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities and are a significant element in the enhanced role which local authorities now have in the whole area of economic development. The Waterford Local Enterprise Office was established in April 2014 and involved the amalgamation of the two previous Enterprise Boards – County and City - and forms part of the Economic Development Directorate of Waterford City and County Council. It has two customer service points – one at 35 The Mall in Waterford City where the LEO HQ is currently based and one in the Civic Offices, Dungarvan. The main functions of the office are the provision of:
Business Information and Advisory Services
Enterprise Support Services
Entrepreneurship Support Service
Local Enterprise Development Services
Waterford City & County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Waterford City & County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. This panel will exist for one year and may be extended for a further period of one year at the discretion of the Chief Executive.
JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Head of Enterprise in the Local Enterprise Office, or such designated person as may be assigned from time to time, the Business Advisor will be responsible for the financial management of the LEO including the grant application process. He/she will work as a member of a small dynamic team providing support and assistance to small and micro businesses. He/she will also assess grant applications and provide advice and guidance to loan applicants and those who receive grant support. He/she will provide the key administrative support to the LEO’s Evaluations and Approvals Committee The Business Advisor will report on targets and metrics as set out in the LEO Waterford Development Plan and update the Enterprise Ireland systems established to keep track of progress on these key metrics.
While the role will involve significant client engagement at the individual and/or business level, it will also entail broader engagement with the wider business community and other business support agencies. The premier responsibilities of Business Advisor in the functioning of the LEO are in the provision of professional support in terms of Business Services and Marketing related activity. More specifically, the role and responsibilities of the Business Advisor encompass the following key areas:
Management and delivery of Customer Services, including outreach to and engagement with micro, small and medium enterprises within the Business Advisors assigned portfolio.
Reviewing and undertaking due diligence of business / project proposals for financial assistance, for financial and in-kind supports within the Businesses Advisors assigned portfolio, and of making decisions or recommendations on same.
Provision of support in any Business Service, Consulting or Research Assignments
Management of the LEOs relevant external contracts and ensuring best practice in the procurement of the LEOs goods and services under the Business Advisors assigned portfolio.
Support the financial management, accounting, budgeting and reporting for the LEO. This includes providing data and information for the financial and other reporting to the Council bodies, to Enterprise Ireland, to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and to various other government departments and to any other bodies as required from time to time.
Provision of professional support to the LEO Management Team
Management of the LEOs front-office services
Supporting the work of the Senior Enterprise Development Officers
Development and maintenance of the LEO Web Site and social media platforms
Other duties required to contribute to the successful management of the LEO services may be assigned from time to time by the Head of the LEO and/or other nominated members of the LEO management team.
Qualifications
Post of Business Advisor
The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government has declared that the qualifications for the position of Business Advisor shall be as set out hereunder.
Character
Candidates shall be of good character
Health
Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Education, Experience, Etc.;
Each candidate shall, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: -
Hold a professional qualification in business and/or financial management (level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) or an equivalent professional qualification.
REQUIREMENTS:
The person appointed will be able to clearly demonstrate the key competencies as set out in this Booklet. In addition, the successful candidate will possess the following:
excellent understanding of commercial business and significant experience in working with the business community
excellent communications skills and experience in client/customer engagement and management
significant experience in event management and/or delivery of projects
Be experienced in the use of financial management systems both from an administrative and reporting perspective
experience in the management and utilisation of new communications technologies
Have a strong capability to multitask and work to deadlines
self-motivated with an ability to work on own initiative but within a dynamic small-team environment
an 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
the ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff under his/her control to achieve maximum performance by supporting the current Performance Management and Development System (PMDS).
Desirable criteria; It is desirable that the candidate will 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.