Director of Investigations

About This Role Role Purpose The Director of Investigations will lead Coimisiún na Meán’s Investigations Division, overseeing complex investigations and enforcement activities to ensure timely, fair, and robust outcomes. The role will set the strategic direction of the Division, develop policies and procedures, and work closely with national and EU partners. As a senior leader, the postholder will build and manage a high-performing team, ensuring the organisation has the expertise and capacity to deliver on its statutory functions.About the TeamThe Investigations team sits within the Platform Supervision and Investigations Division and is responsible for investigating alleged breaches of regulations, including the DSA, Terrorist Content Online Regulation and the Online Safety Code. The team must investigate alleged breaches in accordance with relevant legislation and adhere to fair procedures. The team is also responsible for supporting the European Commission with certain of its investigation and if a request has been made under Article 66 of the DSA.Key Responsibilities • Responsibility for the timely and efficient progression of investigations and enforcement related activities allocated to the Investigations Division.• Project planning and management to include the scoping of investigation work and administration.• Drafting case-related legal documentation including investigation letters, correspondence, case analysis, investigation reports and other supporting documentation.• Responsibility for the collection and analysis of evidence, including drafting document requests.• Responsibility for any litigation which may arise and for the drafting of investigatory policies and procedures.• Collaboration with Government departments, the European Commission, and other Digital Service Coordinators• Identifying the skills and training requirements needed to ensure An Coimisiún can deliver high quality investigative services.• Developing and driving the divisional strategy and workplan of the Investigations Division.• Recruiting, leading, mentoring, coaching and managing an expanding team to ensure its operational effectiveness, setting high standards and implementing strategies to drive team performance. The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to review.About You Experience, Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications Essential Criteria • Relevant level 8 or above third level qualification in law, regulation, compliance or other demonstrably relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.• Significant relevant experience (typically 8 years or more) in conducting or advising on regulatory investigations and enforcement activities, ideally including experience with administrative sanction regimes• Track record in identifying opportunities for improvement and creating efficiencies within a team • Excellent planning and organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively and manage a significant and diverse workload.• Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with many different stakeholders and demonstrate negotiation and influencing skills• Excellent written communication skills in a variety of forms including presentations, policy documents, correspondence and reports• Leadership and management experience at a senior level within an environment of similar complexity, with a proven ability to motivate and develop people.Desirable Criteria • Qualifications and/or experience in procedural or administrative law above the essential requirements• Experience of working in a high pressured professional legal service, regulatory compliance or equivalent environment• Specialist knowledge relating to the work of Coimisiún na Meán, above the essential requirements• Experience of administrative enforcement regimes and investigations• Experience of the platform sector; technical, commercial or regulatory• Senior management experience to include management and leadership• Relevant experience of implementation and/or knowledge of Irish and/or European legislation and policies concerning digital services• Experience of e-investigation tools/techniques and onsite inspectionsKey Information Benefits, Package & Pay• This position is offered on a Permanent basis.• Full time, 35 hrs per week• Annual Leave: 30 days per annum• The role will be a hybrid role combining home and office working. Our current hybrid policy is 2 days in the office.• Our office is located at One Shelbourne Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 NP20.• For a full list of benefits see our website here• This position is graded at the Principal Officer scale.• Successful candidates will be appointed on the first point of the scale.Application ProcessIf you are interested in applying for this position, please submit:• A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position via HERE• Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.• Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the processLate applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered. Competencies Please see the competencies below that will be assessed at interview stage for this competition.Leadership & Strategic DirectionJudgement & decision makingManagement and Delivery of ResultsBuilding Relationships & CommunicationSpecialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self DevelopmentDrive & Commitment to Public Service ValuesSelection ProcessThe selection process will include: Shortlisting of candidates based on the information provided in their application, assessed against the specified criteria for the role.- A competency-based preliminary interview- A second-round interview for candidates successful in the first round, which will include a presentation or another practical exercise.The first interview will take place via MS Teams. The second interview will be conducted in person at our Dublin office.Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if required, during the recruitment process. To discuss and request reasonable accommodations in confidence please contact amckiernan@cnam.ieCoimisiún na Meán is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and are committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce which reflects modern Ireland. We work to create a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunity and feels comfortable to be their authentic selves at work.Closing Date: 3pm 22 October