Responsibilities:

Internationalisation Readiness

Develop the overall framework for preparing SMEs for international expansion

Set clear criteria to assess SME readiness and identify which SMEs are ready for global market opportunities

Define what SMEs need to have in place before expanding internationally, including product, pricing, branding, certification, logistics and regulatory requirements

Develop the tools, guidelines and readiness models needed to support SMEs through the internationalisation journey

Set the approach for moving SMEs from readiness into market access opportunities

Global Market Access

Develop the overall approach for supporting Dubai SMEs to enter and grow in international markets

Identify and prioritise markets and sectors based on opportunity, SME potential and Dubai’s economic priorities

Set the criteria and approach for SME participation in international exhibitions, trade missions, and other global opportunities through local partners and relevant regulatory authorities

Develop ways to connect SMEs with buyers, distributors and relevant partners in priority international markets

Set the approach for supporting SMEs after market entry to help them sustain and grow their international presence.

International Partnerships

Identify the key partners needed across priority markets, including trade agencies, business networks and other relevant organisations

Identify opportunities to use Dubai SME’s international network to open new markets and channels for SMEs

Build plans around priority international opportunities and how Dubai SME can use the right partners to activate them

Framework Establishment

Develop the plan and priorities for the Global Markets and Expansion function

Set the frameworks, processes and ways of working required for the function to operate effectively

Develop the playbooks, tools and guidelines needed to standardise the approach across the function

Review the overall internationalisation journey, identify gaps, and develop plans to strengthen the approach

Benchmark relevant international models and practices and identify what can be applied to Dubai SME

Required Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in international business, Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Trade, Strategy, or a related field.

Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in international business, export development, global market expansion, or SME internationalisation

Strong experience in developing strategies, frameworks and plans related to international expansion or market access

Experience in assessing international markets and developing market entry approaches

Experience in developing and accessing SMEs products to make it export ready

Experience working with government entities, chambers, trade agencies, international partners, or relevant ecosystem stakeholders

Good understanding of the UAE and SME entrepreneurship ecosystem