Technical Advisor - Voice Misuse

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 2017, ComReg released 350 MHz of radio spectrum in the 5G suitable 3.6 GHz band. More recently, Market Framework released part of the 26 GHz band for national block licenses and is currently developing further award programmes for both commercial and non-commercial use. 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 Network Operations UnitWithin 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 (NI-ICS) 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 Nuisance communications that are within scope for ComReg are either voice-based or SMS/messaging-based. Going forward, the team needs the benefit of senior technical specialists. The new specialist must have technical expertise that spans modern IP/SIP-based operator voice networks and cloud-based voice services. In addition, the senior specialist needs a good appreciation of current and emerging intervention and authentication technologies, such as STIR/SHAKEN and voice firewalls that use artificial intelligence, machine learning and crowdsourcing from consumers to drive multi-factor interventions strategies. This allows the Unit to assess what state of the art voice interventions could be implemented in Ireland in the long term, to assess the proportionality of mandating their introduction by operators and to oversee their implementation and ongoing effective operation.The Technical Advisor – Voice Misuse will be responsible for the following areas and tasks:• Long-term voice interventions strategy, with the focus on AI-based firewalls.• Assess operators’ capabilities to implement interventions. Ensure 100% coverage. • Work with numbering policy team on revised conditions of use for numbers/CLI.• Contribute to Global and European policy development.• Monitor the ongoing vendor and NRA development of technical interventions.• Develop proposals for public consultation. • Drive specification and implementation by operators through forums and bilaterals.• Oversee the sharing of voice scam data/incidents between operators. • Monitor vendor/NRA developments.• Coordinate with Numbering Team on Authentication framework, Database strategy, KYC controls, CLI conditions of useQualifications 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 technical expert level experience in an electronic communications network, vendor and/or service provider with a particular focus on network operations or network security;• A demonstrable knowledge of the electronic communications network and service sector in Ireland,• A demonstrable knowledge of electronic communications network and service technologies and architecture with particular focus on voice services;• Demonstrable experience in leading and/or supervising the delivery of complex projects;• Excellent written communications skills with experience in drafting documents for publication.• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to understand and express views clearly within a multi-disciplinary environment.• A proven ability to apply analytical and critical thinking techniques to solving problems quickly and effectively.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 & Leadership Creates a climate of cooperation where people strive to achieve common organisational goals. Takes a broad view. Anticipates future developments and applies this to operational situations.  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.  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.  Teamwork Promotes and enhances team performance through working collaboratively and in cooperation with others to achieve goals. Interacts in a manner that builds respect and fosters trust.  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. Our PackageWe are offering an attractive package: • Salary €84,531.22 - €105,680.24 * (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.