Policy Analyst, Number Authentication

ComReg Overview

We are 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 telecommunications environment that is constantly evolving. Our Mission – at the heart of everything we do – is facilitating the development of a competitive communications sector in Ireland attracting investment, encouraging innovation and empowering consumers to choose and use communications services with confidence.

Market Framework

ComReg’s Market Framework Division is responsible for the regulation of Ireland’s radio spectrum. Radio spectrum is the medium over which all wireless communications (such as mobile phones, radars, radios, televisions, connected devices etc.) take place. It is a valuable national resource underpinning important economic, social and communications activities. In 2022, ComReg released radio spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands through the MBSA2 award, and  will continue to develop further award programmes for both commercial and non-commercial use into the future.  Market Framework also carries out key regulatory duties in respect of the broadcasting sector, manages Ireland’s national telephone numbering resource, where proposals are currently advancing to streamline non-geographic number use and to cater for burgeoning IoT needs, as well as providing technical communications network support to the broader ComReg organisation.

The Numbering Team

ComReg’s Numbering team manages the National Telecommunications Numbering Scheme in Ireland. The team is responsible for the design of the scheme, and for setting the eligibility criteria and rules for number use, with the objectives of both protecting consumers and also promoting competition. The team also develops and maintains number management systems and assigns numbers to telecoms operators and others.

As networks evolve to all-IP and cloud-based services, our policies, procedures and systems for number management also need to evolve. This need for evolution is also driven by ComReg’s strategy to tackle scam calls and texts. In response, we are expanding our existing numbering team to have the expertise and capacity to develop enhanced numbering policy that takes full account of that strategy. Policy development will improve the use of Caller ID, introduce optimal ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) processes within operators, and fully factor number use by cloud communications services.

The augmented Numbering team will also lead the design and delivery of new number management and number/call authentication systems, in conjunction with our new Network Trust Team. Our goal is to prevent numbers and SIMs ending up in the hands of bad actors in the first instance, and to use our new systems to feed into operators’ voice and SMS firewalls, to ensure they perform optimally. Ultimately, we need to restore trust in numbers, Caller ID and SMS, as our consumer research now shows that consumers have lost trust, texts are being ignored, and calls go unanswered.

The Role

The team needs a new policy analyst to develop proposals for a national framework for number/call authentication. This is required as part of ComReg’s national strategy to mitigate scam and nuisance communications. This could involve the use of an authentication framework similar to STIR/SHAKEN, currently in use in the US and Canada. Several other proprietary technologies also exist and in time, some global convergence may emerge. The further development of operator KYC policy and processes is also a key element of the role.

As the Policy Analyst for number/call authentication and for KYC, you will also contribute to the constant evolution of nuisance communications interventions, working with the new Network Trust team. A key focus will be to support the implementation and ongoing effective operation of voice firewalls by operators, and by call analytics providers, operating on operators’ behalf.

You will also contribute to the delivery and ongoing operation of a national SMS SenderID Registry that ComReg has already committed to providing, in order to safeguard and restore trust in the A2P SMS market. Your focus will be on evolving SMS sender authentication techniques, in response to scammers’ evolving tactics.

In the future, you will likely also assess the role of branded calling (i.e. the ability to display a business’s name, logo and call reason on the called party’s mobile phone when they receive a call) in the Irish marketplace, and recommend what regulatory safeguards need to be in place.

You will be an excellent project manager, with superb organisational and analytical skills, who wants to make a valued contribution in all areas of the role and to add value to the team.

Key Responsibilities

The Policy Analyst, Number Authentication, will report to the Manager, Numbering Policy & Operations, and will be responsible for the following areas and tasks:

• Assess the need for Ireland to support STIR/SHAKEN e.g., for outbound calls to countries that require call attestation (US, Canada, France, etc.)
• Assess alternative authentication technologies and consider alternatives to STIR/SHAKEN at national and European level.
• If required, contribute to the development of a European or Global call authentication strategy in BEREC/CEPT or other forum.
• Develop proposals for a national framework for number/call authentication.
• Specify call traceback requirements, as required.
• Prepare regulatory impact assessments and public consultation documents.
• Procure and manage expert consultants as required.
• Evolve methodologies as required for SMS sender authentication, to support both ComReg’s A2P SMS Sender ID Registry and for M2P SMS.
• Contribute to the constant evolution of network-based interventions to block scam calls and SMS.
• Contribute to international number management policy in CEPT, BEREC and ITU, particularly in light of the growth of nuisance communications.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential experience/knowledge

• Honours degree in telecommunications, engineering, IT, or a similar technology or science discipline.
• Demonstrable work experience, ideally in a telco, equipment vendor, regulatory or consultancy environment.
• Some knowledge of modern IP-based networks, and of operators’ Business & Operational Support Systems (BSS/OSS).
• A proven ability to apply strategic thinking and problem-solving techniques to a wide range of theoretical and practical problems.
• Proven track record of planning and delivering complex projects in a multi-disciplinary environment, to tight deadlines.
• Excellent written communications skills, with experience of preparing accurate and persuasive documents for publication, or for diverse internal audiences.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to understand and express views within a multi-disciplinary environment.
• A high level of motivation and personal initiative.

Desirable

• A post-graduate qualification or accreditations in business, economics, IT or project management.
• Some knowledge of call authentication technologies, fraud management systems and voice/SMS firewalls.
• Telecoms or IT product management experience.
• A good understanding of the telecoms sector in Ireland.
• Experience in engaging and managing consultants to deliver projects.
• An appreciation of the legal and economic aspects of regulation.

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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 professional development.

Our Package

• Salary €61,610.02 to €85,085.35* (Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance and to the terms of the Haddington Road Agreement)
• Dublin city centre location – IFSC
• Blended working environment
• 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 members 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.)

How to Apply

Please upload a comprehensive CV together with a cover letter – telling us what you can bring to the role no later than 13th January 2025.

Check out the Recruitment section of our Careers website if you have any questions or need further information about the role or the recruitment process – https://www.comreg.ie/about/careers/recruitment-faq

Please note

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.

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.