Director of Strategy, Research and Economics

Are you searching for a role that enables you to make a real difference? 

Are you excited by the strategic significance of the communications sector being at the heart of the digital economy?

Do you have strong strategy development experience which you would like to apply for the benefit of Irish Public Services and Irish society?

Would you like to be part of a dynamic Senior Leadership Team at an exciting time with new opportunities coming?

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 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.

This role reports to the Commission and leads a 15+ multi-disciplinary team, (Strategy Development, Research & Policy, Economists, Data and International Affairs Specialists).

The Director of Strategy, Research and Economics has the following principal areas of responsibility:

          Strategy Development & Delivery.

          Research & Policy.

          Data Strategy and Management.

          Economic Advisory Service and,

          International activities.

In practice these five distinct areas of responsibility operate in a complementary and overlapping fashion.

ComReg is looking for a Director to lead organisational strategy development, deliver research and policy needs, and provide a focused, continuous development of data and evidence-based practice - this person will champion the deployment of leading-edge techniques to enhance the effectiveness of ComReg and ensure that it is responsive to new demands which are imminent. This role will also oversee the provision of advice to the Commission on all economic and international matters regarding electronic communications networks and services.  

This role will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and as such will partner and collaborate with their Senior Leadership colleagues toward the achievement of ComReg Strategic Goals.

Strategy Development & Delivery

• Lead and/or contribute to the scanning of the National and EU landscape for emerging trends and review strategic plans in consideration of any relevant implications, opportunities and/or risks.
• Facilitate aligned strategic planning and reporting through the establishment of standardised strategic frameworks and guidance, and synthesis of key strategic research insights with divisional priorities and organisational shared objectives.
• Engage with key stakeholders to ensure there is a strong understanding of the strategy both across the organisation and external to the organisation, where relevant.
• Monitor and evaluate performance outcomes against strategic goals/ KPIs which ensure the achievement of ComReg's overall strategy and be accountable for providing detailed and reliable analysis of same which will support strategic and dynamic decision-making and assist to identify and drive opportunities for improvement and/or innovation.
• Liaise with Central Government (in particular the Department of Communications) on behalf of ComReg regarding ComReg strategy and related initiatives.

Research & Policy.

• Strategically plan, scope, conduct and/or commission delivery of primary and secondary research into areas which affect the development of our strategic priorities and goals and inform the development of organisational and divisional strategy, including research into potential new areas of responsibility for ComReg.
• Ensure dissemination of research insights and effective messaging to colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Build unit capacity and capability to grow and embed research and policy as part of ComReg Strategic Delivery Framework
• Present research and policy externally to evolve ComReg as regulatory market and practice leaders.
• Develop relationships with external research bodies, colleges, universities, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop research governance, management and support structures, policy and guidance ensuring compliance to best practice and regulatory requirements.

Data Strategy and Management.

• Support the Head of Data & Analytics with ComReg's data strategy development, and champion the deployment of leading-edge techniques and support the associated organisational change.
• Support the data and analytics team, in their work with key internal stakeholders to help them to identify and collate the best available data to inform their decisions by:

                   clarifying strategic information needs

                 solving and addressing information gaps

                   providing best available guidance and tech.

• Drive Technology solutions in research and strategy areas to augment service provision.
• Oversee the provision of expertise to ensure ComReg follows best practices in conducting economic analysis, statistical analysis and more broadly, data analytic techniques, to underpin strategic planning and regulatory decision-making.

Economic Advisory Service

• Support the team to carry out horizon scanning activity and keep abreast of developments in relevant and emerging industries /sectors / jurisdictions.
• Oversee the provision of economic input as required to project teams and decision-making fora for advising Commissioners on regulatory decisions.
• Ensure professional leadership is provided for economists within ComReg, including ComReg's Graduate Intern budding economists.

International activities.

• Support ComReg's engagement on policy issues with EU institutions, and with relevant regulatory agencies and policy bodies within Ireland and in other member states.
• Oversee the support and co-ordination of ComReg's participation in BEREC.

General

• Proven ability to make difficult and challenging decisions that support strategic aims and long-term vision.
• Promote a culture of high performance, continuous improvement and respect that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Consistently mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach.
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Responsibility for the development and implementation of budgets for reporting functions
• Be conscious of and continuously demonstrate ComReg values and relevant Codes of Conduct.

Essential Skills/Experience

• At least five years' experience at a senior leadership level which includes experience in at least two of the following: Organisational Strategy Development, Research and Policy Development, Senior Economics Advisory or Data Strategy and Management. Experience in and an understanding of the electronic communications sector would be an advantage.
• Appropriate qualifications in a relevant discipline E.g. Business, Economics, social sciences, data science or communications.
• Experience of coordinating the strategic planning process and conducting strategy research projects, preferably in regulated sectors.
• Experience in strategy development, implementation (programme and change management), evaluation and monitoring.
• Experience of leading teams of professional staff, and of participating in multi-disciplinary projects
• Developing and successfully managing relationships with partners, internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent organisational and planning skills. Ability to deal effectively with competing demands.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Relevant Masters or Doctorate level qualification desirable
• Previous regulatory environment management and experience
• Experience of the application of econometric techniques such as collecting and analysing statistical data to identify trends and issues.

Essential Attributes

Strategic Vision- Understands the `big picture` and possesses a strategic mindset, capable of envisioning and executing initiatives that support success and growth in ComReg.

Collaborative Leadership - values collaboration and teamwork and fosters strong working relationships.

Attention to Detail - exhibits meticulous attention to detail in delivery their work and managing the financial, governance, IT, HR and all tasks relevant to their team ensuring accuracy and compliance at all times.

Practical Problem-Solving Skills - use a pragmatic approach to problem solving, effectively addressing challenges and implementing efficient solutions.

Dependability and Reliability - Consistently delivers high quality results, demonstrating reliability and dependability in managing the Strategy, Research and Economic Division and functions.

Strong Communication Skills - Communicates (verbal and written) effectively with clarity and professionalism, positively and respectfully, ensuring clear understanding and alignment among team and stakeholders.

In addition to your technical qualifications and experience, you will bring professional competencies and skills in the following core areas:

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 improvement.

Strategy and Leadership: Anticipates future developments and applies this to operational situations. Creates a climate of cooperation where people strive to achieve common organisational goals. Takes a broad view.   

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 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.

Communication and Influencing: Communicates clearly, confidently and respectfully. Engages, persuades and convinces others to follow a particular course of action. Ensures all relevant parties are appropriated updated and notified. 

Decision Making and 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. 

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.

We are offering an attractive package:

• Salary EUR118,689.60 to EUR148,359.02 (Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance and to the terms of relevant public sector Agreements)
• Attractive pension scheme
• 28 days Annual Leave per year - Increasing with Long Service.
• Hybrid working Policy - Min 2 days per week in Office.
• Sick Leave Cover - aligned with Civil Service Sick Leave Policy
• Dublin city centre location on/near both Luas and Rail lines,
• On Site Parking available through a booking system.
• Access for employee and family to a full Employee Assistance Programme
• ComWell - our full Wellbeing Programme covering Mental, Physical and Social Wellbeing
• Optional Sports and Social Club
• Excellent Further Education and Development Opportunities including Mentoring and Coaching Programmes
• Travel tax saver scheme, Access to Cycle to Work Scheme

*(rates are effective as of/from 1st January 2024; entry will be at the starting point and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Different starting salary may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.)

For this role there will be two rounds of interviews, and for those who are brought forward to the second round, there will be a psychometric assessment and a practical task, both which will inform the 2nd round Interview.

1st Round Interviews will be scheduled circa w/c 6th May 2024

2nd Round Interviews will be scheduled circa w/c 29th May 2024

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 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.  Please contact us in confidence at edi@comreg.ie

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 shortlisted for interview, and are subsequently unsuccessful, you can request verbal feedback from your recruitment contact.