Analyst

The Competition Enforcement and Mergers Division (CEM) delivers the CCPC’s merger review function and its administrative competition enforcement function as it relates to vertical and unilateral conduct. CEM is divided into two sections representing this dual remit of the division: (i) Mergers; and (ii) Antitrust Enforcement. CEM plays a key role in achieving the CCPC’s vision of open and competitive markets where consumers are protected and empowered, and businesses actively compete.

CEM’s Mergers Section examines mergers notified to the CCPC to determine if such mergers would result in a substantial lessening of competition in Ireland. The Mergers Section ensures that mergers which threaten to substantially lessen competition only proceed where measures are put in place that address the CCPC’s competition concerns. Where that does not happen, the CCPC can prohibit the merger.

CEM’s Antitrust Enforcement Section investigates suspected breaches of competition law relating to anti-competitive agreements and concerted practices between firms at different levels of the supply chain (vertical conduct) and abusive conduct by firms with a dominant position in the market (unilateral conduct). Through its administrative competition enforcement regime, the CCPC can impose administrative financial sanctions (fines) on businesses found to have breached competition law. This Section is also responsible for the CCPC’s functions under the EU Digital Markets Act.

Role purpose

The Analyst role in CEM is a fantastic opportunity for a recent or upcoming graduate to begin their career as a competition official. You will make a strong contribution to the success of civil competition enforcement and merger review by the CCPC, playing a key role in ensuring that markets work well for consumers.

As an Analyst, you will work on cases alongside senior colleagues and will assist in handling cases, gathering, and assessing evidence, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations. This is an ideal role for somebody who is curious and inquisitive. The diverse subject matter under investigation or subject to merger review will mean you will become familiar with many sectors of the economy during the course of your work.

You will develop and use research and investigative skills to investigate cases through desk research and market enquires, and by exercising the CCPC’s statutory investigative powers to conduct searches or inspections, interview witnesses and suspects, and compel the production of information. You will assist in recommending next steps and assess and discuss issues in written reports and memos.

You will also be required to accurately maintain case files and notes to ensure that cases adhere to the CCPC’s procedures and investigative best practice.

You will be primarily placed in one of the two Sections in CEM but will gain experience working across all CEM’s functions as well as having the opportunity to work with other CCPC divisions on cross-divisional teams.

You will have the opportunity to continuously grow and develop with support from the CCPC’s Learning and Development team, utilising both internal and external training. The CCPC encourage the development of its staff and provides regular opportunities for career progression within the organisation.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct assessment of competition complaints and notified mergers using agreed criteria.
• Identify and communicate issues arising out of your work and seek guidance as required.
• Draft Case Memos/Merger Determinations for review by Senior Analyst/Investigator, making recommendations for further action.
• Respond in a timely manner to correspondence in relation to competition and merger queries from businesses and members of the public.
• Participate as assigned in Divisional or Cross-Divisional teams conducting large-scale investigations or projects.
• Conduct open-sourced and desk-based research into particular competition issues/industries.
• The preparation of a wide range of documents relating to investigations and mergers, including information requests, third party questionnaires, meeting minutes and agendas.
• Travel nationally to conduct site visits and/or dawn raids as required in investigations and mergers.
• Represent the CCPC at international events and conferences. This may include, for example, European Commission Advisory Committee meetings, OECD conferences, European and International Competition Network Seminars.
• Publication and updating of the CCPC merger web page.
• Deliver other workstreams as may be required by the Director.

Essential:

• A graduate or postgraduate with a qualification in a relevant discipline such as business, economics or lawor a professional qualification in law.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work on one’s own initiative.
• Good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Intermediate PC skills with particular aptitude in using Microsoft Word and Excel.

Desirable:

• Experience in competition and/or regulatory matters.
• Knowledge of Irish and/or European competition policy and related legislative environment, issueschallenges and development.
• Project management or case management experience.
• Experience of assisting/conducting investigations (or inspections) into breaches of statutory or regulatoryprovisions.
• Established knowledge of competition, consumer protection and/or criminal law OR a demonstratedinterest in this area.

Application process:

To apply for this role using the link on the CCPC careers page, please submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter(approximately 1 A4 page) setting out your suitability for this role. Applicants should note that canvassing will resultin your exclusion from the process.

Closing date for applications is 12.00 pm, Tuesday, 21 May 2024.