Manager, Economics & Modelling

ComReg Overview

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the statutory body responsible for regulating electronic communications, postal and premium rate services in Ireland. We are a professional, multi-disciplinary organisation, operating in a dynamic communications environment that is constantly evolving.

Our vision is, through effective regulation, to facilitate the ongoing development of a competitive communications sector in Ireland that attracts investment, encourages innovation and empowers end-users to choose and use communications services with confidence. We do so by setting rules to promote effective competition, upholding consumer rights, creating an environment that supports investment and innovation, and making sure that regulated entities comply with the rules.

Market Framework Division

Within ComReg, the Market Framework Division is responsible for a number of ComReg’s regulatory functions, including:

• The management of Ireland’s spectrum resource, over which all wireless communications take place. This includes the assignment of radio spectrum and maintaining the integrity of Ireland’s radio spectrum by monitoring, compliance and enforcement activities.
• Management of Ireland’s National Numbering Scheme, to conserve this finite national resource, while ensuring that there is always an adequate supply of numbers to support the demands of existing and new service providers.
• Evaluating the resilience, security and integrity of electronic communications networks and including compliance activities to ensure operators of electronic communications networks and services meet legal obligations with regard to security measures.
• Conducting surveillance of relevant radio equipment devices to protect end users and inform them of the risks presented by purchasing non-compliant products.

Government has additionally signalled its intention to expand the remit of ComReg by assigning it new roles in forthcoming legislation that will place obligations on ComReg to supervise a broader range of entities for the purposes of compliance with the “NIS2” cybersecurity directive and the Critical Entities Resilience Directive, amongst other pieces of EU digital legislation.

Economics Unit

Within Market Framework, the Economics Unit is responsible for, among other things providing economic support to the regulatory activities across the division. This includes economic assessment relating to all spectrum management, numbering, licensing, product safety, network operations and security activities. To fulfil this role, the Unit was established to provide economic support for all relevant projects and an advisory role on all economic matters within the Division. Its functions include:

• Assessing potential policy options for regulatory intervention using economic techniques and analysis.
• Conducting/drafting Regulatory Impact Assessments (“RIAs”) for relevant projects to assess the likely effect of a proposed new regulation or regulatory change.
• Designing market research/surveys (both quantitative and qualitative) to support relevant consultations and/or provide key insights on the development of the market.
• Supporting the strategic planning process by collecting and analysing data on key trends in the wireless sector, and providing insights from these data sources.
• Delivering economic support in line with the divisional work plan, including the drafting of relevant chapters that support any policy recommendations.
• Providing economic advice to the Director and other internal/external stakeholders on existing and emerging matters to support policy and compliance decisions.
• Providing analysis and input on any proposed National or EC legislation impacting Market Framework’s responsibilities.

The role and responsibilities

We are looking to recruit a Manager (Economics and Modelling) for the Economics Unit. Reporting to the Senior Manager (Economic Analysis and Policy), this role offers the successful candidate the opportunity to work with a team of economists/data analysts in conducting economic analysis regarding the regulation of electronic communications markets in Ireland, with a particular emphasis on modelling and impact assessments.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate important analytical qualities and has a strong background in economic analysis with excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical abilities. This includes practical experience in the application of data and economic analysis within regulatory and/or business environment. The Manager will also be responsible for managing the modelling and statistical requirements of the division.

Qualifications and Experience required

Essential

• Postgraduate qualification in economics, business, finance, data analytics, or other equivalent qualification.
• At least 5 years’ post-graduate experience in an economic analysis role in a multidisciplinary regulatory environment, ideally in the communications sector.
• Ability to model economic contributions and impacts using appropriate statistical techniques, including through the use of Excel and R, and other related analytical tools.
• Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving techniques to a wide range of theoretical and practical problems, including the ability to make reasoned judgements based on available information.
• Ability to draft documentation that is rational, evidence-based, clear and concise, with a particular emphasis on conducting Regulatory Impact Assessments.
• Experience in mentoring and guiding staff with a view to fostering continuous improvement and learning. This includes the ability to review the work of others both verbally and in writing.

Desirable

• Post graduate qualification with components in regulatory or competition economics and econometrics.
• A proven track record in leading people of different disciplines and managing the delivery of complex projects.
• Experience designing and managing resource allocation processes and determining prices for scarce resources.
• Past experience of advising a sector-specific regulator or governmental organisation, and/or of working in a telecoms environment;
• Familiarity with the national/EU legal framework under which ComReg operates.

Core Competencies & Skills for the Role

In addition to your technical qualifications and experience, you will bring professional competencies and skills in the following core areas:

Analytical & 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.

Drafting Uses a logical structure to draft documents. Communicates complex and technical information clearly and concisely. Ensures key messages are understood and have the desired impact on the target audience.

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.

Ownership & Accountability Applies professional ethical standards. Takes responsibility for work activities and personal actions. Follows through on commitments. Acknowledges mistakes and learns from them. Maintains effective interactions with outsourced service providers.

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. (Delete as appropriate)

Planning and Organising Establishes and monitors priorities, systematically differentiating between urgent, important and unimportant tasks. Plans and manages activities to consistently deliver results. Meets objectives within agreed predetermined time frames and deals with urgent operational situations expeditiously.

Our Package

We are offering an attractive package:

•  Salary €84,531.22 – €105,680.24 * (Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance)
•  Dublin city centre location – IFSC
•  Blended working environment – 2 days in office
•  28 days Annual Leave per year increases with service
•  Fully paid Maternity, Paternity and Parent’s leave
•  Income protection scheme
•  Education assistance and Training Opportunities
•  Professional membership fee pay
•  Attractive pension scheme
•  ComWell Wellbeing Programme
•  Travel tax saver scheme, Access to Cycle to Work Scheme
•  Access to Employee Assistance Programme
•  Access to a member’s run sports and social club

*(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.)

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 is 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.