Principal, International Policy

Principal, International Policy (ITU, Spectrum)

Located at any Ofcom regional office

£Competitive

Team Overview

Ofcoms duties and responsibilities are 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. Ofcom therefore dedicates significant resources to international engagement and to participating in global regulatory and intergovernmental fora.

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.

This role will involve:

a) ITU co-ordinating UK interests in particular areas of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), including the Standardisation Sector (ITU-T) and Development Sector (ITU-D). Ofcom represents the UK in these sectors of the ITU under Ministerial Direction, as well as in the Radio Sector (ITU-R).

The profile of ITU-T and ITU-D work has been rising in recent years, as geopolitical debates around standards relating to cybersecurity and Internet infrastructure have come onto the agenda. These debates are also increasingly relevant to Ofcom as it prepares to take on new statutory responsibilities for the regulation of online harms.

b) 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. Working closely with governments, policy makers and citizens, it publishes studies and reports establishing evidence-based international standards and best practices to encourage economic growth.

c) Spectrum. Working closely with colleagues in Ofcoms Spectrum Group, the International Director and the Chairman of the European Communications Committee (ECC), you will follow international spectrum developments, building relationships externally and reflecting international spectrum interests within the work of the International Team and the wider Strategy & Research Group.

Skills, knowledge and experience

We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic individual with a can-do attitude who will thrive working as part of a diverse team in a fast-paced environment. In particular, you will need to have:

- 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 internally and with a range of external organisations such as the UK Government, industry and other regulators 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 skills, including the ability to lead major multidisciplinary project teams (involving technical experts, policy makers, lawyers etc.) and juggle a varied workload

- Willingness to travel, mainly but not exclusively in Europe (usually for durations of up to a few days but exceptionally this could require longer absences)

Further Information

Diversity and Inclusion

Ofcom is a forward-thinking, inclusive employer and recognises the value of diversity to truly €œmake communications work for everyone€. We welcome applications from suitably qualified applicants whatever their background, especially women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented in our workforce. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

We have an agile working model allowing us to have a location-neutral approach to filling our roles. We also support flexible ways of working, wherever possible. Our colleagues are free to move around all our offices, enabling them to work alongside and collaborate with other teams and groups. These initiatives help Ofcom colleagues to work flexibly in way that supports them.

This role closes on the 14th December 2020.

So, if youre seeking your next challenge as a Principal, 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 Principal Policy Advisor, International Policy Advisor, Principal Telecoms Policy Specialist, or Senior Telecoms Policy Advisor.