Engineer – Spectrum International

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 

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 Spectrum International Unit

The role of the Spectrum International (“SI”) unit is to facilitate the harmonisation of the radio spectrum resource in international fora by:

• Facilitating ComReg’s relationships and workplan at international radio spectrum management fora, such as the CEPT, the RSPG, BEREC and the ITU;

• Managing the relationship in respect of spectrum management activities with the UK, EU member States and other countries / regions; and

• Incorporating the information and knowledge from these relationships into the work of the Division (consultations, policy development, etc).

As a consequence of new strategic objectives and tasks this unit is currently expanding and is seeking an engineer with experience of the international spectrum environment.

The Role and Responsibilities 

The Engineer – International Spectrum Management will be expected to:

• Assist ComReg to ensure the harmonisation of the use of the radio spectrum resource at the international level;
• Support ComReg’s engagement with various Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG), the Conference of European Post and Telecommunications (CEPT) and the International Telecommunications Union (Radiocommunication sector) work groups;
• Support ComReg’s engagement with the International Telecommunications Union Standardisation body;
• Develop a point of expertise for one or more radiocommunication services;
• Take responsibility for delivering on the National Table of Frequency Allocations and updating the European Frequency Information System;
• Provide expert technical knowledge of radio engineering and radio spectrum management to support ComReg’s strategic decision making;
• Develop and maintain relationships, both formally and informally with management across the division to ensure international spectrum management aspects are taken into account in the work of the division;
• Develop and maintain relationships, liaise with and influence National and International Stakeholders;
• Provide input and support as necessary to the preparation and implementation of ComReg consultations and the development of authorisation regimes.

Please note that there will be an element of travel required as part of this role.

Qualifications and Experience required 

Essential experience/knowledge

• A relevant qualification in physics, engineering, or another equivalent area/s (minimum level 6 award equivalent on the National Framework of Qualifications).
• Demonstrable technical expert level experience in radio engineering fundamentals;
• A demonstrable knowledge of wireless electronic communications technologies, networks and services;
• Excellent written communications skills with experience in drafting documents for use in spectrum management fora, or a directly related area;

Desirable

• Knowledge of spectrum management techniques and processes;
• Experience in leading and/or supervising the delivery of projects;
• Specialist training in radio spectrum management; and
• Knowledge of the structure, processes and procedures used by relevant spectrum management bodies and fora.

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:

• Strategy and leadership; Articulates future developments and applies this to operational situations. Creates a climate of cooperation and respect, where people strive to achieve common organisational goals and share knowledge. Takes a broad view.
• Communication and influencing; Communicates clearly, confidently, and respectfully. While engaging and influencing others to follow a particular course of action. Ensures all relevant parties are appropriately updated and notified.
• 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.
• 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 time frames and deals with urgent operational situations expeditiously.
• 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.

Our Package

We are offering an attractive package:

• Salary €62,842.22 – €86,787.06 * (Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance)
• Dublin city centre location – IFSC
• Blended working environment – 2 days in the office (flexibility for more days may be required depending on business needs)
• 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 (1)

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 is 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.

Please Note (2)

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.