Economist

ComReg’s Wholesale Division is responsible for the regulation of certain wholesale electronic communications markets (fixed/mobile telecommunications, broadcasting transmission) in Ireland. ComReg is required to conduct periodic market reviews of such markets in order to assess the extent of competition and to decide whether regulatory intervention is required. We impose obligations on any operator designated with Significant Market Power (SMP) in order to protect and enhance competition including obligations to provide network access to other operators at regulated prices. The Wholesale Division also oversees the implementation of these obligations and, if necessary, can rely on ComReg’s legal powers to enforce them. Additionally, ComReg has responsibility for ensuring compliance with competition law in the electronic communications sector.

Market Analysis Team

The Market Analysis Team in the Wholesale Division is responsible for high-quality competition law based economic analyses of certain electronic communications and broadcasting markets in order to determine whether competition is working well on these markets. This includes defining markets from a product and geographic perspective and assessing competition in them. On certain markets, competition may not work well because of the potential for operators to exert SMP in an anti-competitive way. In those instances, the Market Analysis Team supports other teams in the Wholesale Division in specifying the regulatory obligations to be followed by an SMP operator. The purpose of these obligations is to facilitate the development of competition to the ultimate benefit of end users.

The Role – Market Analysis Economist

Reporting to a Market Analysis Manager, the primary role of the Market Analysis Economist is the preparation and conduct of ex ante economics-based reviews of competition within markets as well as monitoring of developments in such markets. The role may also involve the provision of support to other organisational projects that rely on economic analysis for informed decision-making purposes, including ComReg’s ex post competition law activities.

The role requires a candidate that has strong economic, analytical, verbal and written communications skills. The Market Analysis Economist will work across the following areas:

• Define the product and geographic boundaries of electronic communications markets, using economics-based principles of competition law and industrial organisation;
• Assess the extent of competition within electronic communications markets in order to identify whether any service provider holds a position of market power within such markets;
• Identify competition problems associated with the potential/actual exercise of market power by service providers;
• Assess potential policy options for regulatory intervention to ensure that competition within markets functions effectively and recommend appropriate courses of action to achieve this;
• Interact with electronic communications operators, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, National Regulatory Authorities in other EU Member states and with EU institutions, in the conduct of market analyses;
• Provide support to ComReg’s ex post competition law activities;
• Provide relevant input into other wholesale and wider organisational projects as required;
• Provide economic support to other functional areas within the Wholesale Division, including support on pricing matters; and
• Represent ComReg at international fora and contribute to ComReg work in supporting the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC).

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A post-graduate degree involving a significant component in regulatory or competition economics
• A proven track record in managing the delivery of complex projects through working in both an individual and team environment
• Excellent analytical and decision making skills, with a solid practical background in the application of economic analysis within a regulatory and/or business environment
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical abilities, including the ability to make reasoned judgements based on available information
• Ability to draft documentation in a rational, evidence based, clear and concise manner

Desirable

• Excellent presentation skills
• Experience working in a regulatory environment, whether in a governmental organisation, consultancy or corporate entity
• Familiarity with telecommunications or technology sectors and the national/EU legal framework under which ComReg operates
• Familiarity with price control issues arising in a regulatory context

Core Competencies & Skills

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.
• Decision Making & Judgement – Effectively builds evidence base to support the decision-making process. Assesses alternative options. Uses judgement to adapt to specific and challenging requirements of the organisation.
• 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 meet the criteria and are interested in applying, we would love to hear from you.