Global Markets & Expansion Expert – Dubai
We are supporting a major Dubai government-backed SME ecosystem organisation in the appointment of a Global Markets & Expansion Expert.
This is a senior strategic role focused on helping Dubai-based SMEs become internationally ready and successfully enter, establish and grow in global markets.
The successful candidate will shape the frameworks, market-entry strategies, partnerships and operating models that support SME internationalisation.
Key responsibilities
- Develop the overall framework for assessing and preparing SMEs for international expansion.
- Define internationalisation readiness criteria covering areas such as product, pricing, branding, certification, logistics and regulatory requirements.
- Develop market-entry frameworks, tools, playbooks and guidelines for SME internationalisation.
- Identify and prioritise international markets and sectors based on opportunity, SME potential and Dubai's economic priorities.
- Develop approaches for connecting SMEs with international buyers, distributors, trade agencies and strategic partners.
- Shape Dubai SME participation in international exhibitions, trade missions and global market opportunities.
- Build relationships with trade agencies, chambers, business networks and other international ecosystem partners.
- Leverage international networks to create new market-access opportunities for Dubai SMEs.
- Establish the frameworks, processes and operating model for the Global Markets & Expansion function.
- Benchmark international SME internationalisation models and identify best practices applicable to Dubai.
- Identify gaps across the SME internationalisation journey and develop initiatives to strengthen market readiness and post-entry support.
What we're looking for
- 12+ years experience in international business, export development, global market expansion, international trade or SME internationalisation.
- Strong experience developing international expansion strategies, frameworks and market-entry plans.
- Proven experience assessing international markets and identifying market-entry opportunities.
- Experience helping SMEs develop products and capabilities to become export-ready.
- Strong experience working with government entities, chambers, trade agencies, international organisations or ecosystem partners.
- Strong understanding of the UAE SME and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- Excellent strategic, analytical and stakeholder-management capabilities.
- Bachelor's degree in International Business, Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Trade, Strategy or a related discipline.
