Universal Service Policy Analyst

Universal Service Team, Retail Division

We are seeking to recruit a pro-active, adaptable person, eager to learn and contribute to our ComReg Universal Service team for electronic communications. Reporting to the Universal Service Manager, you will be part of a small team actively involved in the development and implementation of universal service policies, and other regulatory functions in the Retail Division.

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 which is constantly evolving. Our Mission – at the heart of everything we do – is to facilitate the development of a competitive communications sector in Ireland that attracts investment, encourages innovation and empowers consumers to choose and use communications services with confidence.

The Retail and Consumer Services Division and the Universal Service Team

The Retail Division is at the forefront in protecting, informing and empowering consumers so that they can choose and use communications services with confidence. Our consumer protection strategy emphasises the role of informed decision-making.

Universal Service

ComReg must decide what universal service safeguards should be in place for electronic communications consumers; the job entails developing and implementing policies to ensure the availability of basic electronic communication services, at an affordable price and appropriate quality.

In doing this, we must deal with complex issues of law, economics and technology, and ensure that our decisions are taken fairly and are clearly explained.

ComReg’s annual action plan sets out the work plan for each of the ComReg Divisions, including several universal service projects.

Universal Service for Electronic Communications – Key topics

Access to basic electronic communication services

• Access at a fixed location to voice and adequate broadband internet access service (IAS)
• Availability, affordability and quality of service, of universal services
• Assessment of universal service funding applications (direct net cost, intangible benefits, unfair burden assessments)
• Establishment of a universal service sharing mechanism, as relevant

The Job – Universal Service Policy

The successful candidate will be an excellent project manager, with superb analytical and drafting skills, who wants to be involved in all areas of Universal Service while adding value to the wider Retail Division and the ComReg team (e.g. stakeholder engagement). You will work across the following areas:

Universal Service Policy

• Consider regulatory policy issues, identifying key data/trends/developments and using this to suggest policy options and proposed measures
• Understand, analyse and critique industry data and regulatory information
• Explore possible regulatory options and their impact to address relevant regulatory policy issues
• Manage relevant data and information collection
• Stakeholder engagement – both internal and external (consumer groups, Department Communications Climate Action and Environment, ComReg’s Consumer Advisory Panel, BEREC[1] and the European Commission)
• Communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely
• Leading and delivering projects within the USO unit or working with other teams within the Retail division
• Working with cross divisional teams as required and always sharing knowledge, expertise and learnings
• Develop excellent working relationships with relevant economic, financial and legal experts/consultants (internal/external)
• Drafting ComReg consultation and decision papers, preparing reports and making presentations on policy matters both internally and externally
• Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required from time to time to support the team

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Third level degree, preferably in economics, policy, law, engineering, business or other closely related discipline or, demonstrate equivalent experience
• Can demonstrate excellent verbal, written and inter-personal communication skills as much of the work involves drafting documentation in a rational, evidence based, clear and concise manner and engagement of internal and external stakeholders
• Commercial business experience (including transferrable skills from other sectors)
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work on own initiative in a multidisciplinary project team environment (alongside economists, lawyers, business analysts, engineers and accountants
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Good Numeracy skills

Desirable

• Masters
• Experience in regulatory, competition and public policy / law would be an advantage
• Experience in a telecoms role and understanding of the environment (regulatory, legislative, political, industrial, economic, societal) within which ComReg operates
• Data Analytics
• Excellent IT skills with proven ability to learn new systems quickly
• Regulatory drafting experience

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.

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.

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.  Manages activities to deliver results. Meets objectives within predetermined time frames.