Senior Investigator Job In Dublin

Job Description

Our client the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is seeking a Senior Investigator (HEO)

Division Overview

The Cartels Division within the CCPC 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 not only damaging to competition and the economy but ultimately cause 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 is also responsible for investigating other horizontal, anti-competitive practices and agreements (hub-and-spoke cartels, price-signalling, 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 alleged 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 our work with bid-rigging in public procurement.

Given these functions, the Cartels Division is made up of three Sections:

• Immunity / Leniency & Case Stream (ILCS) and
• Investigations & Enforcement (I&E)
• Criminal Competition Enforcement & Surveillance (CCES)

The Role:
The work of the Cartels Division is very 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.

The Senior Investigator/ will form part of a team of investigators in the Criminal Competition Enforcement & Surveillance (CCES) section within the Cartels Division, with responsibilities for driving and progressing investigations in accordance with the divisional workplan.

They will play a central role in the operation of the CCPC Surveillance Unit, with responsibility for undertaking elements of covert investigations.

This role requires a high level of discretion, analytical skills, and legal knowledge to ensure compliance with competition laws and regulations.

The Senior Investigator is required to play a leading role in finding and investigating alleged cartel offences and horizontal restrictive breaches of competition law.

As the role encompasses both desk and field based investigative work, the successful candidate must be the holder of a full Irish driving licence.

The Successful Candidate:
The Cartels Division is seeking to recruit individuals who have experience in any of the following:

• Case Analysis and Assessment
• Investigatory Work
• Enforcement
• Case Management
• Covert Investigations
• Legal and/or economic analysis.
• Forensic accounting / forensic auditing.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are excited about a distinctive opportunity to work with the Cartels Division and the CCPC.
• Have excellent investigation and case management skills
• Are analytical.
• Have experience working with covert investigation techniques.
• Are highly organised.
• Enjoy a varied workday and are critical thinkers, with a curious and creative mind.
• Have relationship building and communication skills.

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 in the Criminal Competition Enforcement & Surveillance (CCES) section


Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct criminal and administrative competition law investigations, including general enquiries, covert field work and investigation of potential breaches of competition law, specifically cartels, other anti-competitive horizontal practices and merger gun-jumping.
• Develop and implement strategies for gathering intelligence and evidence in a discreet and lawful manner.
• Assist other investigators or other parts of the Cartels Division in their investigation assessments or full investigations.
• Drive forward investigations, establish initial investigative steps, including at times drafting investigation plans.
• Use investigation tools including Requirements for Information (RFIs), witness interviews, voluntary cautioned interviews, summons procedures.
• Assist in search operations and act as exhibits officer and warrant holder during such operations when required.
• Contribute to, or prepare investigatory reports, Statements of Objections (SOs) and referral files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
• Supporting junior team members, in preparation of case files and other administrative matters
• Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to divisional, cross-divisional and organisational projects when requested
• Any ad hoc duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements:

• Relevant Degree or equivalent in business, law, auditing, or forensic accounting and a minimum of 2 or more years' relevant experience in the conduct of regulatory, compliance, criminal / civilor administrative investigations, forensic work, or related enforcement actions.

OR

• A minimum of 3 or more years' relevant experience in conducting, covert / criminal or civil investigations, related enforcement actions or other equivalent and relevant experience.
• Experience in conducting research/analysis/investigations or taking regulatory enforcement actions, or other equivalent relevant experience
• Good analytical and decision-making skills.
• Good written, interpersonal, verbal communication skills.
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Holder of a full Irish driving licence.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Irish and EU competition policy and related legislative environment.
• Knowledge of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009
• High level of integrity, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive information.
• Proficiency in using investigative tools, databases, and technologies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• People management experience.
• Case / investigation management experience.
• Project management experience.

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 from can be found here:

To apply for this role using the link on the CCPC careers page, please submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter, addressing the following two points in no more than 600 words total:

Please include an example highlighting your experience in the area of one of the following: Covert investigation, criminal investigation case, regulatory enforcement action or similar.

Please clearly indicate what your specific role was and how you contributed to the outcome.

Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon, Friday 4^th October 2024

Should you have any queries, please contact - [email protected]