Skillnet Ireland is a business support agency of the Government of Ireland. Our mandate is to advance the competitiveness of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development. Skillnet Ireland partners with more than 57 enterprise bodies, providing talent development, upskilling and innovative business supports to 26,600 businesses and 97,700 workers throughout the country every year. Skillnet Ireland has been recognised as an international best-practice model by the European Commission, the OECD and the ILO, among others.

Our mission is “Helping businesses in Ireland to be the best they can be, through innovative and enterprise-driven people development”. We partner directly with companies and industry groups to ensure we understand their needs and talent priorities. We also help companies understand the future of work and how to embrace innovation, driving more successful and competitive businesses.

Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Role Overview
The Development Advisor will work with funded industry groups to maximise the potential of their Skillnet Business Network or Initiative, to champion innovation and collaboration, and to implement a programme of work that delivers on agreed targets and supports business growth. The successful candidate will play an important part in our contribution to national enterprise priorities, including digital acceleration and the development of talent for sustainable business, as committed to in Skillnet Ireland’s Strategy Transforming Business Through Talent.
Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic and operational advice and supports to a cohort of industry/regional Skillnet Business Networks. Advise and support funded industry groups to undertake a diagnostic evaluation of the talent needs of their sector, cluster or region and to implement a programme of work that addresses both the strategic challenges and opportunities.
Support long-term sustainability of the Skillnet Business Networks by promoting best practices, by stimulating forward-thinking enterprise initiatives, by facilitating collaboration and the innovative application of Skillnet funding.
Oversee and manage performance of a cohort of Skillnet Business Networks against an agreed set of strategic and operational indicators. Ensure the delivery of high-quality programmes, contracted outputs, and business outcomes.
Support efficient grant management through reviews of the funding applications, grant disbursements and progress reviews.
Lead/Manage key programmes/initiatives of Skillnet Ireland.
Lead on the delivery of activity that optimises the effectiveness and impact of Skillnet Ireland-funded initiatives, while engaging in new initiatives that address national industry priorities and prepare enterprise for the future world of work.
Act as a champion for talent development, at the forefront of contemporary trends, disseminating new insights across the Skillnet Ireland organisation and with its stakeholders.
Build and maintain effective relationships with businesses and Skillnet Ireland stakeholders, whilst coordinating and collaborating with the support functions within Skillnet Ireland.

The Individual

5 years’ experience in business capacity-building, ideally with enterprise groups, industry clusters, enterprise clients or funded initiatives.
Experience in one or more of the following specialisms: -Driving business growth within SMEs and/or the FDI base in Ireland.-Supporting strategic enterprise initiatives at national, sectoral or regional level.-Talent development, as a key driver of business enablement and transformation.
Possess an understanding of national policy as it relates to enterprise development, innovation, competitiveness, workforce development and Ireland’s Labour Market.
Hold a 3rd level qualification (or equivalent relevant professional experience) in Business, Innovation Management, Talent Development or related discipline.
An independent thinker, self-directed, taking personal responsibility for the delivery of objectives and overcoming challenges.
Possess compelling inter-personnel and communication skills (both verbal and written), with an ability to collaborate effectively, and gain the commitment of a broad stakeholder group.
Capable of demonstrating political, commercial and financial acumen, with a track record in delivering success through people.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with evidence of delivery on high value and complex projects.

Application Details
Interested candidates should send a comprehensive CV, which outlines why you should be considered for this position. Applications can only be made using the Skillnet Ireland Careers page. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is by 1pm, Friday, September 20th, 2024.
An attractive and competitive package will be offered to the successful candidate.
This role is subject to a standard probationary period, with the place of work based in Sandyford, Dublin 18.
Skillnet Ireland is currently operating a hybrid working model for individuals and roles that meet the business needs and the criteria of suitability.
Further information on Skillnet Ireland is available at www.skillnetireland.ie
Skillnet Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer that values equity, diversity and inclusion as we recognise the benefits it can bring to our workforce, our partners and external stakeholders.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us.