Economist / Research Analyst

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 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.

Division overview

Strategy & Economics

This role is based in the Strategy & Economics function of ComReg, which is led by the Director – Strategy and Economics. The Strategy and Economics function resides within the Commissioners’ Office and the principal areas of responsibility are:

• The Strategic Planning process;
• Research;
• Data Strategy and Analytics;
• Economic Advice and professional leadership of economics; and,
• International Activities.

In practice these five distinct roles operate in a complementary and overlapping fashion.

Team Overview

As part of a team of five, reporting to the Senior Manager in charge of Strategy, Economics and Research, you will be involved in a variety of projects with organisational wide impact. The team is currently working on preparing ComReg’s next strategy and researching the experiences of consumers in mobile and broadband markets. The world of telecommunications and digital infrastructure is constantly evolving, which presents exciting new challenges for the team to consistently keep ahead of the curve. We are at the forefront of researching future trends, how they will impact the telecommunications sector and society and what regulatory implications there may be.

Our team is responsible for

• Developing ComReg’s strategy and the strategic planning process
• Providing economic, policy and research advice to the organisation
• Researching key trends relevant to telecommunications and digital markets
• Managing research projects, including data analysis, market research and desk-based research

The role and responsibilities

 As an Economist / Research Analyst, you will be an exceptional analyst, with superb problem-solving skills and an inquisitive mind, who wants to be involved in all areas of the SER Team’s work. You will work across the following areas:

• Market Insights: Tracking key developments across the range of markets which ComReg regulates, key developments in adjacent markets where outcomes may impact the evolution of regulated markets and regulatory measures, and other key strategic data relevant to achievement of ComReg’s regulatory objectives
• Research: Carrying out research, including the analysis, collection and collation of primary and secondary data for the purposes of informing specific projects
• Supporting various projects by contributing to organisation-level economic/regulatory policy issues, primarily by participating in projects and meetings as directed by the Director of Strategy & Economics.
• Administrative duties relating to the work of the SER team, including the preparation of Terms of Reference, evaluation of proposals from external economic consultancies, and acting as a point of contact for external research services
• Economic Analysis: Assess potential policy options to ensure that competition within markets functions effectively and providing economic advice and support across ComReg

Qualifications and Experience required

Essential

• Post-graduate qualification in economics, analytics, or other directly related area.
• Relevant post-graduate work experience, including experience in an economics, research or other directly related environment.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills, with the ability to draft documentation in a rational, evidence-based, clear and concise manner.
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical abilities, including the ability to make reasoned judgements based on available information.
• Excellent analytical and decision making skills, with a solid practical background in the application of economic analysis within a regulatory and/or business environment

Desirable

• Familiarity with electronic communications and technology sectors, or another similarly regulated industry.
• Familiarity with the national/EU legal framework under which ComReg operates.
• Experience working with data, data analytics, BI platforms and data management best practices.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Experience of market research, research design, analysis and interpretation of survey results.

 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:

• 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 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.

Our Package

We are offering an attractive package:

• Salary €61,000 – €84,242 * (Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance)

• 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.)

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.

Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify