Senior Manager Internationalization Readiness (National Talent only)

JOB OBJECTIVE:The Senior Manager, Internationalization Readiness, leads and oversees initiatives that prepare Dubai-based SMEs for export and international expansion by strengthening their operational, commercial, and regulatory readiness. The Senior Manager is responsible for leading readiness assessment frameworks, technical advisory and support models, readiness clinics and mentorship initiatives, and specialist collaboration mechanisms that enable SMEs to meet international market requirements and participate effectively in global access programmes, in alignment with Dubai SME’s strategic objectives.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:Core Functional Responsibilities & Subject Matter ExpertiseLead and oversee internationalisation readiness initiatives that strengthen SME capability for export and international market expansion. Oversee the design and delivery of structured readiness diagnostics that assess SME capability, preparedness, and suitability for international operations and export participation. Lead the provision of technical guidance that supports SMEs in product localization, packaging adaptation, and compliance with international market requirements. Oversee advisory support provided to SMEs on global branding, pricing strategy, and certification processes relevant to target export markets. Lead structured support mechanisms that help SMEs address export documentation requirements, logistics planning, and cross-border regulatory compliance obligations. Ensure SMEs receive practical guidance to align their financial, operational, and marketing practices with global business standards and international market expectations. Lead the development and delivery of readiness clinics, advisory sessions, and mentorship programmes that prepare enterprises for international operations and export participation. Oversee the identification of operational, legal, and regulatory barriers affecting SME expansion abroad, and ensure targeted readiness interventions are developed to address those barriers. Manage and oversee the development and maintenance of an updated database of expansion-ready SMEs eligible for participation in global access programmes and international market initiatives. Lead collaboration with export consultants, certification bodies, international business experts, and relevant ecosystem partners to ensure SMEs receive specialized support and market-entry preparation. Ensure advisory frameworks, readiness tools, and support approaches remain aligned with international market standards, target-market requirements, and SME development needs. Monitor SME readiness outcomes, advisory effectiveness, mentorship results, and programme performance to assess impact and identify areas for improvement. Review SME feedback, market-readiness findings, advisory outcomes, and programme results to identify lessons learned and recommend enhancements to readiness models, tools, and support mechanisms. Prepare periodic reports, briefing materials, and management updates on internationalization readiness initiatives, including SME preparedness levels, programme performance, support gaps, and recommended actions. Ensure all internationalization readiness activities are delivered in line with approved frameworks, programme requirements, departmental priorities, and applicable governance requirements. Lead assigned team members and delivery resources supporting internationalization readiness initiatives, ensuring clear accountability, effective coordination, and achievement of agreed objectives.Corporate Strategic PlanningContribute to the development of the Dubai SME’s strategy and drive overall performance through providing inputs on the Internationalization Readiness Section’s strategy, priorities and initiatives. Take onus of the Section’s achievement against set OKRs/KPIs to ensure the Section performs in line with overall performance targets.Financial Planning & Monitoring Oversee the determination of the Section’s annual and long-term capital and operating budgetary requirements to ensure strategic and operational plans can be delivered. Take accountability for the Section’s budgetary performance, ensuring minimal divergences and that expenditures are optimized and directed towards value adding activities. Operational Excellence & Governance Lead the development of Section specific policies, procedures and processes ensuring full alignment with the prevalent and applicable laws and regulations. Ensure the Section achieves the highest level of governance and compliance with both internal (DET wide) and external policies and standards across various areas such as legal, quality, risk, cybersecurity etc. in relation to the core operations of the Section. Oversee the productivity and operational efficiency of resources and employees within the section to maximise returns on investment in people and resources. Continuously seek opportunities to leverage innovative technologies and digital solutions to optimize both internal and customer facing processes, in line with Dubai government's ambitions pertaining to being a digital economy. Advisory Support Provide advisory services to the Director, as needed. Build a favorable reputation and image of the section within Dubai SME and DET by continuously representing DET favorably. Support Dubai SME in establishing deep relations across its stakeholder ecosystem which includes creating synergies and collaboration within DET. Contribute to and support on Dubai SME and DET wide corporate priorities and initiatives e.g., ESG related initiatives. Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor's degree in business administration, international business, economics, trade, marketing, entrepreneurship or a related field. Master’s preferred.Professional certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), International Trade Certification, Export Management Certification, Certified International Trade Professional (CITP); are advantageous.A minimum of 11 years of relevant experience in export readiness, international business advisory, SME expansion support, trade facilitation, or a related field. Extensive experience in developing or overseeing readiness assessment, export advisory, or international market-preparation initiatives for SMEs. Proven experience in supporting SMEs with product localisation, packaging adaptation, export documentation, logistics planning, and regulatory compliance for international markets. Experience in working with export consultants, certification bodies, international business experts, or trade-support ecosystem stakeholders is preferred. Experience in designing or overseeing readiness clinics, mentorship programmes, or structured advisory support for enterprises preparing for international expansion is preferred.Strong understanding of export readiness requirements, target-market standards, cross-border business practices, and international expansion barriers affecting SMEs.