Head of Network Security

Thank you for your interest in working with us.

Attention to detail is crucial in this role as it involves handling important documents and data. The successful candidate must possess strong organizational skills and be able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team. Additionally, proficiency in data entry and document management systems is required for this position.

Position: Head of Network Security

Division: Market Framework

Location: Dublin City Centre

All new entrants will join the organisation at the bottom of the pay scale. Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance and to the terms of any government agreements.

Within ComReg, the recently established Network Security Unit is responsible for the security of publicly available electronic communications networks and services.

Since 2018, and in response to the ever-changing security threat landscape, several EU initiatives have established a significant focus on the security of publicly available electronic communications networks and services. In response, Member States, including Ireland, having been developing and putting in place frameworks and legislation to update their security policies with respect to publicly available electronic communications networks and services.

The Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023 ("the Act of 2023") is part of Ireland's response to the changing security threat landscape of publicly available electronic communications networks and services. The Act of 2023 confers on ComReg and authorised undertakings of publicly available electronic communications networks and services, significant obligations to secure publicly available electronic communications networks and services in Ireland.

In late 2021, the Government agreed to several measures to enhance the security of electronic communications networks and services, including 5G networks. The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications ("DECC") and the National Cyber Security Centre ("NCSC") [1] launched a consultation on its ten Electronic Communications Security Measures[2] ("ECSMs").The ECSMs are a detailed set of technical and organisational measures that providers of public electronic communications networks and services will be required to implement. The primary function of the Network Security Unit is to enforce the compliance of the ECSMs in line with the Act of 2023.

The Role

The Act of 2023 sets out a mandate for ComReg to enforce the compliance of the ECSMs. This mandate comes with new functions and obligations on ComReg, including the assessment of compliance of providers of publicly available electronic communications networks and services, of which there are circa 200 such operators active in the State.

Given that threats to security are not respectful of national boundaries and that the mandate set out in the Act of 2023 stems from a number of EU initiatives and Directives, there will be pressing need for ComReg to continue to align with future EU initiatives in this area and to foster collaborative links with other NRA's within the EU and as necessary, beyond the borders of the EU.

The Head of Network Security will be responsible for the following areas and tasks:

· Develop a strategy to establish the Network Security Unit;

·Develop a framework to support the implementation of ECSMs, including the development and implementation of framework for the assessment of compliance of providers of publicly available electronic communications networks and services;

·Evaluate the security of networks, including compliance of ECSMs, reporting and intervening where necessary following assessment of operator networks;

·Establish and lead a team of professionals, structuring the team to enable the effective and collaborative delivery of network security mandate, including the performance development of the team;

·Provide expert technical knowledge in respect of the security of network operator networks, to support strategic decisions;

·Develop and maintain relationships, both formally and informally with senior management across the units and divisions and ComReg in general, in relation to the effective operation of the Network Security Unit;

·Develop and maintain relationships, liaise with and influencing senior staff within National and International Stakeholders, including but not limited to Authorised Undertakings, DECC, NCSC, ENISA, BEREC and the European Commission;

·Provide as necessary, supporting material – such as but not limited to update briefings, to the Director of Market Framework, members of the ComReg Leadership team and members of the Commission, as appropriate;

·Provider senior level industry communication with regard to network security;

·Develop and maintain all Unit documentation and procedures;

·Ascertain budgetary needs and manage the Units budget on an on-going basis;

·Provide input and support as necessary to the preparation and implementation of ComReg Strategy Statements;

·Ensure that the Unit is effective in the procurement and management of service providers.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential experience/knowledge

·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 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:

omanaging multi-disciplinary teams to deliver strategic, cross-functional projects;

omanaging staff through development, engagement and feedback; and

oleading 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.

·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

·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.

·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.

·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.

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