Head Of Unit Cartels (Ap)

Our client, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), is seeking a Head of Unit – Cartels Division (AP).
Division Overview The Cartels Division is responsible for conducting criminal and administrative competition law investigations, primarily aimed at detection, deterrence, and prosecution of cartels. These include serious cartel offences such as price fixing, bid-rigging/tender collusion, and dividing specific customers or geographic areas between competitors.
These offences are damaging to competition and the economy, causing consumers (including businesses) and/or the State to have less choice of goods and services available and/or to pay more for goods and services than they otherwise should.
The Cartels Division also investigates other horizontal anti-competitive practices and agreements (hub-and-spoke cartels, price-signalling, anti-competitive coordination or decisions by trade associations and professional associations, etc.), the offence of merger gun-jumping (where merging parties fail to notify a merger or implement a merger before approval has been obtained from the CCPC), as well as procedural offences or breaches of the relevant legislation, such as non-compliance by parties with the CCPC's enforcement powers.
The Cartels Division also considers immunity and leniency applications, confidential whistleblower information, complaints received, and performs specific outreach in relation to combating bid-rigging in public procurement.
Given these functions, the Cartels Division has the following two Sections:
Immunity / Leniency & Case Stream (ILCS)Investigations & Enforcement (I&E)The Immunity/Leniency & Case Stream (ILCS) Section focuses on pre-investigations (i.e., detection and assessments of potential cases) to develop and maintain a constant stream of investigations. The Investigation & Enforcement (I&E) Section focuses on conducting full investigations. There is significant cooperation and cross-over work between the two Sections.
The Role The Competition (Amendment) Act 2022 has introduced a new administrative enforcement regime for breaches of competition law. As a result, the Cartels Division is now responsible for operating two separate competition enforcement regimes: criminal and administrative. The 2022 Act also gives the CCPC additional investigative powers that can be used by the Cartels Division in its investigations. With these important changes to the competition enforcement landscape in Ireland, it is an exciting time to join the Cartels Division and the CCPC.
The work of the Cartels Division is varied, meaningful, and interesting. Team members tackle a diverse range of cases from various industries and sectors, which means they are constantly researching different sectors and industries, staying abreast of international developments regarding cartel enforcement, and growing their own skills through in-house and external training opportunities.
As there is a significant amount of cooperation and cross-over work between the two Sections, we are running one recruitment campaign for the Cartels Division, as follows:
Two Heads of Unit (at Assistant Principal grade) in the Investigation & Enforcement Section. These Heads of Unit will lead teams of investigators in the Investigation and Enforcement Section within the Cartels Division and will be responsible for driving and progressing investigations in accordance with the divisional workplan while ensuring efficient investigation management.
AND
One Head of Unit (at Assistant Principal grade) in the Immunity/Leniency & Case Stream Section. This Head of Unit will lead a team of investigators/analysts within the Immunity/Leniency & Case Stream Section of the Cartels Division, with a primary focus on cartel-specific detection and pre-investigations in accordance with the divisional workplan.
The roles encompass both desk and field-based investigative work, so access to a car and a full driving licence is highly desirable.
The Successful Candidates With a new era of competition enforcement in Ireland, we are keen to appoint people who can transfer their expertise into investigative work and utilise their leadership skills and experience to work with colleagues to help the Cartels Division effectively deliver its mandate and related functions.
We are looking for individuals who:
are excited about a distinctive opportunity to work with the Cartels Division and the CCPCcan demonstrate strong leadership skillsare analytical and critical thinkers, with a curious and creative mindare highly organisedenjoy managing teamsenjoy a varied workday.The Cartels Division is seeking to recruit individuals who may also have experience in any of the following:
Legal Work / LitigationCase Analysis and AssessmentInvestigatory WorkEnforcementForensic Accounting / Forensic AuditingRegulatory Compliance and Related Advisory WorkBusiness and Financial ConsultingFraud, AML, etc.Case ManagementThe above are guidelines only, as to the type of work you may have been involved in which you may have developed transferable skills suitable for the roles.
In addition to the immediate appointment from this campaign, an order of merit may be established. This may be used to fill any future vacancies at the same level within the Cartels Division or other Divisions of the CCPC where roles have similar responsibilities and/or similar skills are required.
Key Responsibilities Lead, motivate and manage a dedicated multidisciplinary team within the Cartels Division, including supporting their professional development.Devise tactical and strategic approaches to successfully deliver enforcement outcomes in criminal and administrative competition law pre-investigations (i.e., detection, assessments, with a view to developing a consistent stream of cartel cases) and investigations into cartels, horizontal practices, and gun-jumping investigations.Leading and participating in key investigatory steps including searches, witness interviews, and requests for information.Prepare statements of objections, investigatory reports, and referral files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).Draft internal and external communications, analyse various sources and types of data, and conduct fieldwork and general enquiries contributing to the progression of investigations.Attend court when required as an authorised officer.Contribute to the development of strategies, policies, and workplans within the Cartels Division, and work closely with colleagues across the CCPC to deliver on the organisation's objectives.Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including representing the CCPC at international conferences and fora.Work closely with the Director and the Deputy Directors to achieve the Division's objectives.Any other ad hoc duties as assigned.Essential: Technical/Professional: the candidate should have:
Relevant third-level degree in law, business, economics, forensic accounting/auditing, or similar related discipline.A proven track record of a minimum of 4 years' experience working in the conduct of regulatory, compliance, criminal and/or civil investigations, forensic work, or related enforcement actions.Successful track record of conducting analysis and providing direction on issues in cases concerning competition law, regulation, criminal or civil investigations/prosecutions or other comparable professional experience.Proven track record in:the ability to lead and deliver on parallel cases/investigations within tight time frames and with multi-disciplinary and cross-divisional participation.leading and managing teams.stakeholder engagement, including strong communication skills.Direct experience of leading and managing people/teams.Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to provide clear, focused, and practical drafting and solutions.Oral and written fluency in the English language.Desirable: Formal accreditation or postgraduate qualification in law, business, economics, economic regulation, leadership, or forensic accounting or auditing - in addition to the essential requirements.Professional experience in competition law or competition economics.Knowledge of national and EU competition policy, and the related legislative environment, issues, and challenges.Experience either in a law firm as a solicitor, as a practising barrister, as in-house counsel in the public or private sector, or in an equivalent position in a competition agency in the EU, UK or other comparable jurisdiction.Project management or case management skills.Access to a car and a full driving licence.Application Process: In order to apply for this opportunity, candidates must submit the application form for this opportunity before the closing date for applications.
The application form can be found here: https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/about/careers/current-opportunities/ To apply for this role using the link on the CCPC careers page, please submit an up-to-date CV AND a personal statement in which you set out how your knowledge, experience, and skills meet the role criteria by reference to specific examples (1000 words).
Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon, Wednesday 13 November 2024. Should you have any queries, please contact: ******

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