Policy Analyst, Radio Spectrum

The Projects & Licensing Unit

In fulfilling its spectrum management function, ComReg publishes a Radio Spectrum Management Strategy Statement (“RSMSS”) every two years which sets out the range of spectrum management activities it intends to undertake. This includes the licensing of spectrum rights of use for a wide variety of uses such as broadcasting services and backhaul for fixed and mobile networks. The current RSMSS can be found on ComReg’s website (ComReg Document 21/136 – https://www.comreg.ie/media/2021/12/ComReg-21136.pdf).

The Projects & Licensing team is responsible for the delivery of various projects to further the efficient use of the radio spectrum, the assessment of applications for spectrum rights of use and the administration of radio spectrum licences.

We are seeking a person who is ambitious, analytical, and pragmatic to join a team that is responsible for, but not limited to:

• The efficient assignment of spectrum and spectrum rights of use, and day to day functions for the administration of radio spectrum licences;
• Procurement, management of contractors for specific spectrum management projects;
• The management of a diverse range of stakeholders including licensees that depend on the licensing of spectrum in support of their business needs, policy makers, other state bodies and across the ComReg organisation;
• Engaging with other National Administrations and international bodies at European and International fora, as appropriate, to ensure that Ireland’s interest is defended and promoted; and
• Working closely with other units within Market Framework on all spectrum related matters.

The Role

Reporting to Projects and Licensing Manager, Spectrum Operations, you would be responsible for:

• Effectively managing projects within the Spectrum Operations Unit and within the Market Framework Division through individual contribution as well as working collaboratively and in cooperation with colleagues.
• The design and execution of regulatory policy initiatives, including carrying out regulatory analyses, aimed at promoting effective competition, and efficient use of radio spectrum including;
  • Periodic reviews of licensing regimes for services such as fixed radio links, satellite earth stations, GSM-R, private mobile radio (Search Licence Type | Commission for Communications Regulation (comreg.ie) )
  • Introducing new licensing regimes for certain services such as Smart Grid for utility providers.
• Procurement of services and management of outsourced providers.
• Assessment of applications for radio spectrum licences as required, this includes actively engaging and communicating with applicants and licensees.
• Objectively analysing and evaluating information to determine the appropriate approach for progressing candidate projects.
• Drafting analysis and positions for inclusion in ComReg’s consultation processes and internal analysis documents.
• communicating complex information in a coherent manner to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Working with ComReg’s IT team on the further development of our licensing system and database.
• Implementing certain relevant EC Decisions and ECC Decisions. For example, implementation of European Commission Decision (EU) 2022/173 on the harmonisation of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands.
• Engaging with radio spectrum licensees, stakeholders, other administrations, and international bodies as appropriate.
• Representing ComReg at conferences and meetings with international bodies, such as ECC working groups and/or project teams. This will require international travel as required.
• Annual assessment of licensee compliance with licence conditions.
• Providing assistance on other projects within the Spectrum Operations Unit and the Market Framework Division more generally.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential experience/knowledge

• A relevant third-level honours degree from a public policy, science, technology, engineering, or mathematical discipline.
• Proven track record of taking responsibility for delivering complex projects in a multi-disciplinary environment, including the scoping and delivery of such projects and the demonstration of resilience in keeping them on track.
• Experience of engaging and managing economic and/or technical consultants and external advisors to deliver projects.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills, with the ability to draft documentation in a rational, evidence-based, clear and concise manner.
• A proven ability to apply analytical techniques to problem-solving and effectively communicate this analysis to audiences from different disciplines.

Desirable

• Relevant experience and knowledge of radiocommunication systems and radio frequency propagation.
• Experience of drafting policy documents or assisting with drafting policy documents.
• A relevant post-graduate qualification or accreditation.
• A project management qualification.

 Core Competencies & Skills for the Role

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

• Contextual Understanding Understands the regulatory, legislative, political, industrial, economic, societal and cultural environment within which ComReg operates. Uses this understanding to interact effectively. Considers the wider impact of actions and decisions.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking Objectively analyses and evaluates information 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.
• Communicating & Influencing Communicates clearly, confidently, and respectfully. Engages, persuades and convinces others to follow a particular course of action. Ensures all relevant parties are appropriately updated and notified.

If you think you meet the criteria and are interested in applying, we would love to hear from you.

Our Package

• Salary €59,067.05 to €81,573.43*
• Dublin city centre location on Luas line
• 28 days Annual Leave per year
• Further Education and Training Opportunities
• Access to wellbeing programme and initiatives
• Attractive pension scheme
• Travel tax saver scheme, Access to Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme

*(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.)