Manager, Network Trust

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.

The Network Operations Unit 

Within ComReg, the Network Operations Unit (the “Unit”) is responsible for, among other things:

• Providing technical support to the regulatory activities of all of the divisions across ComReg, relating to all communications network issues, including the access, backhaul and core elements of networks; and
• Taking an active and enduring role in the mitigation and prevention of nuisance communications to help restore trust in Ireland’s telecommunications services.

To fulfil this role, the Unit was established to provide technical support and an advisory role on network issues to all of the divisions across ComReg.

The team is responsible for:

• Evaluating the resilience, security, performance and integrity of operators’ networks;
• Policy development and ongoing operations in the processes and technologies used in the detection and prevention of the misuse of voice and messaging used to perpetrate fraud;
• Managing and collating the reporting of network incidents across all electronic communications networks and services areas; and
• Overseeing the implementation of mandated, targeted interventions by the industry to mitigate nuisance communications. Manage further consultations on the introduction of long-term dynamic interventions, ensuring proportionality and appropriate timelines.
• Managing the provision of an operator taskforce/working group, with added focus on information sharing.
• Managing coordination with external stakeholders (DECC, NCSC, Gardai, BPFI, etc). In particular, work with impacted organisations and relevant authorities to quickly take down fake websites and tackle other fraudulent online activity.
• Liaising with State and International agencies, as appropriate, on matters related to network incidents, network resilience, network performance and network trust – scam calls and messages.

The team also works across ComReg organisationally, supporting regulatory activities (both policy and compliance) by:

• Providing technical expertise on network operations topics, on both fixed and radio electronic communications networks and services (ECN and ECS), number independent interpersonal communications services (NIICS) and connected devices.
• Providing technical advice to internal stakeholders on existing and emerging network technologies to support policy and compliance decisions.
• Managing and delivering various key technical projects and programmes.
• Measuring and analysing the performance of operators’ networks by using operator supplied data, simulation tools and direct measurement techniques, as necessary.
• Working with industry, research bodies and other state and European based public bodies to evaluate the impact of emerging technology in the telecommunications eco-system and the regulatory challenges these emerging technologies may present.

For more information about the role of the Network Operations Unit, its annual reports are published as ComReg documents 19/31, 20/22, 21/29, 22/44, 23/60 and 24/53.

The Role and Responsibilities 

ComReg urgently requires a new manager to lead a team of experts, to develop and implement a national strategy that will position Ireland as a leader in nuisance communications mitigation. The overall objective will be to constantly evolve interventions to maximise consumer protection and minimise the adverse impact of scams on society and the economy. This will also require the introduction of new inter-operator and cross-sectoral notification processes and the development and execution of a cross-sector consumer communications strategy.

The new manager will ideally have significant industry experience in managing a telecoms fraud management team, have expertise in fraud management processes and systems and have a good working knowledge of state-of-the-art voice and SMS/messaging firewall technologies.

The Manager, Network Trust will be responsible for the following areas and tasks:

• Develop a multi-annual, national multi-sector strategy.
• Prepare annual unit operating plans and budgets to deliver the strategy.
• Lead a team with expertise in Electronic Communications Services fraud detection and prevention.
• As appropriate, build and make the case to secure new legislation to underpin future state-of-the-art interventions.
• Design, develop and complete public consultations to introduce new interventions.
• Coordinate the implementation of firewalls and other interventions by industry.
• Develop and implement a compliance monitoring framework.
• Develop and execute a cross-sector consumer communications strategy.
• Manage the formation of a new cross-sector cooperation body.
• Manage coordination with external stakeholders (DECC, NCSC, Gardai, BPFI, etc.)
• Coordinate within ComReg on policy, operational and consumer communications matters.
• Lead ComReg/Ireland’s representation at ENISA, UCENet, CEPT, BEREC, EC and ITU meetings
• Reporting to Senior Manager, Network Operations in Market Framework.

Qualifications and Experience required 

Essential 

• A level 9 degree or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications in science, technology, engineering or another equivalent area/s;
• Demonstrable experience in a network operations or network security environment in the delivery of publicly available electronic communications networks and services, such telecommunications;
• 5 years in a management role in radio / fixed electronic communications network infrastructure – such as telecommunications, regulation, or similar technical policy-driving context.
• Proven knowledge of current and future: electronic communications network and services products – such as telecommunications products, business and strategic technology issues, related to same.
• Proven track record in:
• Managing multi-disciplinary teams to deliver strategic, cross-functional projects;
• Managing staff through development, engagement and feedback; and
• Leading others through change;
• Experience working with and engaging at a senior-level within an organisation and at a senior-level with its external stakeholders;
• A broad technical knowledge of current and emerging electronic communications technologies;
• Excellent communication skills, honed through previous career experiences.

Desirable 

• Experience of providing strategic direction in a technical environment;
• Experience of providing governance to outsourcing partners and service providers.

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.
• 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.
• 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 predetermined time frames and deals with urgent operational situations expeditiously.
• People Skills – Uses interpersonal skills to create engagement and clarity. Manages conflict and implements practical solutions. Recognises the impact of own behaviour and adjusts as required. Actively develops others.
• 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.

Our Package

We are offering an attractive package:

• Salary €85,376.53 to €106,737.05* (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 (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.