Principal, Spectrum anPrincipal, Spectrum and Telco Standards International Policy

Based from any of our regional offices in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast

£Competitive 

Team Overview

Ofcom is heavily influenced by European and global policy and legislative developments, as well as technological and commercial developments in the sectors we regulate, all of which determine and inform what we do and how we do it. In addition, our ability to secure outcomes for consumers increasingly requires that we co-ordinate with other countries and influence different actors internationally. 

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for an experienced regulatory policy professional, with international negotiation experience and a background working in spectrum management and more broadly in the area of electronic communications.

You will lead and shape the work of Ofcom on spectrum and electronic communications issues in key international fora, including organisations such as the ITU and the OECD. 

Requirements of the Role

This role will involve:

European Spectrum Regulation. Ofcom is the UK’s spectrum manager responsible for overseeing spectrum use in the UK. In doing this, and noting the international nature of spectrum, we co-ordinate closely with our European neighbours, both bilaterally and through multilateral channels. We also monitor trends and developments in approaches to spectrum policy across Europe and globally, including at national level and regionally within the Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) and the European Union.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Overseeing Ofcom’s engagement with the EU on spectrum-related matters, including monitoring developments in relevant European committees and more broadly in the EU institutions.

- Cultivating existing and building new long-term relationships with relevant counterparts across Europe and globally.

- ITU – co-ordinating UK interests in areas of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), including the Standardisation Sector (ITU-T) and Development Sector (ITU-D). 

ITU-T creates global standards for electronic communications networks, equipment and services via ITU Recommendations (Standards). ITU-D promotes international co-operation in the delivery of technical assistance and the development of telecommunications and ICT equipment and networks in developing countries.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Representing the UK at meetings in the CEPT and ITU and co-ordinating with Ofcom colleagues and UK government to help inform European regional positions.

- Developing strategies for engaging with the ITU and member states across a range of issues in ITU-T and ITU-D, prioritising issues of strategic interest to Ofcom, DCMS and other government departments.

- Developing strategies for playing a capacity-building role in ITU-D, including in relation to spectrum management, in support of UK interests in ITU-R, and Ofcom’s continued commitment to the sharing of expertise and best practices globally.

- OECD – co-ordinating and representing UK/Ofcom interests in the OECD. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international intergovernmental organisation that works to build better policies across all areas of economic activity. 

- Building sustainable and productive relationships with the OECD Secretariat and working closely with them to ensure UK contributions and views are brought appropriately into OECD reports and studies.

- Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with HMG counterparts (such as DCMS and others where relevant) to ensure a cohesive approach to OECD engagement across the Directorate of Science, Technology & Innovation (DSTI) and the rest of the OECD.

- Building and maintaining strategic relationships within the OECD in support of Ofcom’s international reputation and to ensure that the UK is well placed to influence the direction of relevant work within the OECD.

Skills, knowledge and experience

- Expertise and practical experience of the communications sector, in particular international telecoms and spectrum policy, the role of economic regulation, wider regulatory, public policy and commercial issues, as well as the role that harmonisation and standards play in the ongoing development of the sector.

- Understanding of the UK regulatory environment and how Ofcom's international work contributes to the achievement of Ofcom's strategic priorities.

- First-rate negotiating and diplomatic skills with proven ability to influence and persuade others and engage in international fora with peers on complex sectoral and technical issues.

- Excellent networking and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and experience in handling a variety of stakeholders in multi-cultural environments.

- Understanding of the responsibilities and working methods of international organisations such as CEPT, OECD, ITU and the EU.

- An eye for the strategic implications of international political and policy developments, the ability to spot early opportunities and threats for Ofcom policy development arising as a consequence of discussions among international bodies and stakeholders and to formulate and deliver an effective Ofcom strategy in response.

- Excellent project management and organisational skills, including the ability to lead major multidisciplinary project teams (involving technical experts, policy makers, lawyers etc.) and juggle a varied workload.

- Ability to motivate and lead colleagues, both through project work and line management.

To apply for the role of Principal, Spectrum and Telco Standards International Policy, please apply via the button shown. 

This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. 

Other organisations may call this role International Policy Advisor, Lead Regulatory Policy Advisor, International Policy Consultant, or International Communications Policy Advisor.