Head of Cybersecurity Engagement and Policy

ComReg Overview

ComReg is the statutory body responsible for regulating fixed and mobile communications, postal and premium rate services in Ireland. Our mandate is to create a competitive marketplace, to protect and inform consumers, and to encourage innovation. ComReg also manages Ireland’s radio spectrum resource on behalf of the State.

We are a professional, multi-disciplinary and diverse organisation, operating in a dynamic digital regulatory environment that is constantly evolving.

This will be an exciting time of growth for ComReg, as our mandate expands and we take on new statutory responsibilities arising from EU legislation including: the Network and Information Systems (NIS2) Directive, the Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive – addressing cybersecurity and network resilience – together with the EU Data Act and the EU AI Act.

While our regulatory role is evolving, our fundamental mission remains the same. ComReg’s mission is to implement effective regulation that supports the delivery of widespread, modern, and resilient digital infrastructure, including communications networks, products, and services which, ultimately, benefit users.

Cybersecurity and Resilience Regulation Division

ComReg has been designated as the NIS2 Directive National Competent Authority for the Digital Infrastructure, Digital Provider, ICT Service Management and Space sectors. Additionally, ComReg has been designated as the CER Directive National Competent Authority for the Digital Infrastructure Sector.

The designation of ComReg as the National Competent Authority for NIS2 and CER requires a new division to execute these additional regulatory functions. This division is known as the Cybersecurity and Resilience Regulation Division.

The Cybersecurity and Resilience Regulation Division responsibilities will include:

• NIS2 supervision and enforcement
• CER functions – Identification of Critical Entities and National Resilience Strategy etc
• Engagement activities – national and international
• Strategic Planning

Full details on our NIS2 and CER responsibilities are here

The Role

The Head of Cybersecurity Engagement and Policy is an exciting role that will lead and manage national and international engagement activities and policy analysis advice across the ComReg cybersecurity and resilience functions.

The Head of Cybersecurity Engagement and Policy will lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team of engagement and policy advisors. Leading engagement with regulated entities, national/European competent authorities, national/European cybersecurity working groups and other key stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure ComReg is represented in a dynamic stakeholder environment.

The Head of Cybersecurity Engagement and Policy will be responsible for leading the analysis of cybersecurity and resilience related policy to ensure ComReg is informed on the changing cybersecurity landscape. This presents a unique opportunity to input into the on-going development of legislation and policy on a national and European level from a regulatory perspective.

The Head of Cybersecurity Engagement and Policy will have the opportunity to develop and manage a divisional unit of expert advisors and specialists, building and growing a multi-disciplinary team to enable the successful delivery of ComReg’s NIS2 and CER obligations.

The Head of Cybersecurity Engagement and Policy will combine experience in engagement and/or policy analysis with experienced management and communication skills to enhance cybersecurity and resilience in the critical digital sectors in Ireland and across the European Union.

The Head of Cybersecurity Engagement and Policy will perform a critical operational senior role including:

• Lead and manage the engagement activities for entities in scope for NIS2 and CER Directive;
• Lead and manage the engagement activities for public bodies including NIS2 competent authorities on both a national and European level;
• Coordinate, participate and manage ComReg participation in key national and European cybersecurity and resilience working groups;
• Lead and manage awareness campaigns/events to ensure entities are informed of ComReg NIS2/CER remit and provide guidance where required;
• Lead and manage expert policy review on cybersecurity legislation and policy documents, engaging with relevant public bodies where required;
• Management of an expert team of advisors and specialists to deliver the cybersecurity and engagement work programme;
• Lead the development and implementation of public consultations for NIS2/CER functions.

Essential criteria

• An Honours degree (equivalent to level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications – NFQ), third level qualification or alternatively significant relevant senior experience, in cybersecurity, science, technology, engineering, or other relevant area/s;
• Proven experience in senior role/s with demonstrated experience in engagement and/or policy analysis preferably within the cybersecurity or other technology disciplines;
• Experience in the leadership, development and management of multi-disciplinary teams including people management and budgetary management;
• Proven ability to provide representation to Director, Board, CISO or Commissioner level with excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels;
• Excellent communication skills with demonstrable experience of representation of organisations at public speaking events;
• Proven experience of the management of multi-stakeholder engagement through forums, engagement activities or other methods;
• Demonstrable experience and aptitude for policy analysis in either public or private sector environments.

Desired criteria

• Master’s degree (equivalent to level 9 on the NFQ) in law, science, technology, engineering, data analytics or another equivalent area/s and/or Cybersecurity leadership qualification;
• Expert knowledge and experience of European Union cybersecurity and resilience legislation including NIS, NIS2, CER, DORA , GDPR or sectoral cybersecurity legislation;
• Evidence of working within a regulatory/regulated environment in the area of cybersecurity and/or resilience within the Digital Infrastructure, Digital Providers, ICT Service Management and Space sectors is advantageous;
• Experienced in senior level engagements regarding cybersecurity and/or resilience, in particular with central government departments and EU bodies/agencies;
• Experience in leading and driving large scale regulatory initiatives in either public or industry environment;
• Proven experience in the development of public consultation or the analysis and response to public consultations;

 Core Competencies & Skills for the Role

• Strategy and Leadership – Articulates future developments and applies this to operational situations. Creates a climate of cooperation and respect, where people strive to achieve common organisational goals and share knowledge. Takes a broad view.
• Communication and Influencing – Communicates clearly, confidently and respectfully. Engages and influences others to follow a particular course of action. Ensures all relevant parties are appropriately updated and notified.
• Decision Making and Judgement – Effectively uses evidence to support the decision-making process. Assesses alternative positions while using sound judgement to adapt to specific and challenging requirements of the organisation.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking – Objectively analyses and evaluates information in order to identify patterns between situations that are not obviously related. Develops and clearly articulates solutions to complex problems.
• Technical Knowledge & Continuous Improvement – Possesses a command over the technical and professional skills for a particular discipline. Keeps an open mind. Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement.
• Teamwork – Promotes and enhances team performance through working collaboratively and in cooperation with others to achieve goals. Interacts in a manner that builds respect and fosters trust.

Package

• Salary €110,955.62 to €137,585.58 (entry will be at the minimum point and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.)
• Dublin city centre location on Luas line
• Blended working environment
• 28 days Annual Leave per year
• Fully paid Maternity, Paternity and Parent’s leave
• Income protection scheme
• Further Education and Training Opportunities
• Professional membership fee pay
• Membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme*
• ComWell Wellbeing Programme
• Travel tax saver scheme, access to Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a members’ run sports and social club

Please Note (1)

We hope that our recruitment process supports applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We understand that having a diverse workforce contributes to making us stronger as an organisation. We are committed to positively supporting candidates with disabilities.

Please let us know if there are any reasonable accommodations we can make to enable you to take part in the process by creating the environment to give you the best opportunity to show your strengths and competencies. Rest assured that whatever information you disclose will only be used to enable us to provide the necessary support and will never have a bearing on the outcome of the process.

Please Note (2)

ComReg assesses all applicants fairly based on the requirements for the role. Due to the high volume of applications we receive for positions, we are unable to provide feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted for interview. If you are short-listed for interview, and are subsequently unsuccessful, you can request verbal feedback from your recruitment contact – if you are represented by an agency.