Director of Global Trade and SME Internationalisation

Role Overview

Internationalisation Readiness and Frameworks

• Design and implement readiness models, diagnostic tools, and frameworks to evaluate SME export preparedness.
• Assess product readiness, tiered pricing, global branding, quality certifications, logistics, and international regulatory compliance.
• Create standardized playbooks, operational guidelines, and strategic processes for the Global Markets and Expansion function.
• Benchmark international trade models and transition high-potential SMEs from readiness assessment into market-access opportunities.

Global Market Access and Trade Execution

• Identify and prioritize international markets and high-growth sectors aligned with Dubai's economic diversification and strategic priorities.
• Establish criteria for selecting SMEs for international trade missions, global exhibitions, and export showcases.
• Connect export-ready SMEs with vetted international buyers, regional distributors, and strategic trade partners.
• Provide post-entry advisory support to help businesses navigate trade friction and scale operations abroad.

Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Building

• Build and manage partnerships with global trade agencies, bilateral business councils, chambers of commerce, and international economic organizations.
• Leverage existing international networks to unlock trade corridors, commercial channels, and cross-border collaborative ventures.
• Activate targeted trade opportunities through joint initiatives with global stakeholders.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Global Trade, Strategy, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree or MBA is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in international business development, export promotion, global market expansion, or SME internationalisation.
• Experience designing strategic frameworks, market-entry playbooks, and readiness assessment models.
• Hands-on expertise evaluating business models, supply chains, and products for export readiness.
• Experience working with government entities, diplomatic missions, trade promotion agencies, or chambers of commerce.

Mandatory Skill Sets

• SME export readiness diagnostics covering product, pricing, branding, certifications, and supply chain readiness are mandatory.
• Deep expertise in international trade compliance, customs regulations, non-tariff barriers, and global logistics is mandatory.
• Experience building and activating high-level networks across government trade agencies, chambers, and global organizations is mandatory.
• Experience identifying high-potential sectors, selecting trade-mission participants, and connecting SMEs with international buyers is mandatory.