Division Overview The CCPC is seeking to recruit a number of Analysts at Executive Officer level to work across the Antitrust, Mergers, and Research, Advocacy and International (RAI) Divisions.
Successful candidates will initially be assigned to one Division and will rotate through the remaining Divisions over a two-year period.
Final placement at the end of this cycle will be determined following consultation with the role-holder and in line with organisational requirements.
Analysts should expect to work on a mix of ongoing investigations, shorter research tasks, and longer-term projects during each rotation, depending on Divisional priorities.
Antitrust Division The Antitrust Division delivers the CCPC's administrative competition enforcement function in relation to: • anticompetitive agreements and concerted practices (excluding hardcore cartel conduct), and • abuse of dominance.
The Division investigates suspected breaches of sections 4 and 5 of the Competition Act, as amended, and Articles and TFEU.
Its work also includes operating a screening and case-pipeline function to identify issues in markets that may warrant further review or investigation.
Mergers Division The Mergers Division delivers the CCPC's statutory merger review function.
It assesses notified mergers and acquisitions to determine whether a proposed transaction is likely to result in a substantial lessening of competition (SLC) in any market for goods or services in Ireland.
Where a merger risks causing an SLC, the CCPC may approve it only with appropriate measures to address these concerns.
Where concerns cannot be resolved, the CCPC can prohibit the transaction.
The Division also undertakes market intelligence work to identify non-notifiable mergers that may still pose competition concerns.
Where appropriate, the CCPC may exercise its statutory power to "call in" such mergers for formal review.
Research, Advocacy and International Division The RAI Division fulfils the CCPC's statutory responsibilities in relation to: • policy research and analysis • advocacy to Government, regulators, and stakeholders • representing consumer and competition interests at national and international level This Division contributes directly to Strategic Goal 3—to be the leading voice promoting open and competitive markets and representing the interests of consumers.
Its work identifies potential policy interventions to improve competition and consumer outcomes and ensures Ireland's views are represented in EU and global fora.
The Role This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and inquisitive individual to contribute directly to the CCPC's mission of ensuring that markets work well for consumers.
As an Analyst, you will be exposed to the full spectrum of competition policy, including enforcement, merger review, market analysis, and advocacy.
The role provides a unique opportunity to develop a broad understanding of how competition and consumer protection issues affect the Irish economy.
You will play an active role on multidisciplinary case teams, working closely with colleagues from legal, economic, investigative, and policy backgrounds.
Your work will involve gathering and assessing a wide range of evidence, carrying out research, preparing written analyses, and assisting in the development of recommendations on next steps in cases.
You will also have the opportunity to contribute to market studies, regulatory research, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy initiatives designed to improve outcomes for consumers.
Depending on the assignment and stage of a case or project, your responsibilities may include: • Conducting structured research into markets, companies, and competitive dynamics.
• Analysing documents, data, and other forms of evidence to identify key issues or possible concerns.
• Drafting internal memos, reports, and briefing materials for senior colleagues, including the Commission.
• Assisting with investigative work such as interviews, requests for information, site visits, or dawn raids.
• Supporting the preparation of decision documents, market study reports, and external publications.
• Engaging with businesses, consumers, other regulators, and international bodies as part of the CCPC's advocacy and outreach work.
• Contributing to cross-Divisional teams on complex or high-profile investigations.
The role is varied, intellectually stimulating, and provides genuine opportunities to influence policy and competitive outcomes that matter to the Irish public.
Throughout your time with the CCPC, you will benefit from structured training, on-the-job learning, and the opportunity to develop skills across analysis, research, regulation, communication, and project management.
The CCPC encourage the development of its staff and provides regular opportunities for career progression within the organisation.
The Successful Candidate Analysts are key members of project and case teams, and your work will contribute directly to ensuring markets work well for consumers.
The successful candidate will be someone who is curious, analytical, and able to work collaboratively and professionally within a fast-paced regulatory environment.
The ideal candidate will: • Think critically and analytically, dealing effectively with a wide range of information sources, identifying key issues and trends, and drawing balanced, evidence-based conclusions that support case progressions and strategic recommendations.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, expressing ideas in a concise, structured, and articulate manner in both written and verbal formats, and adapting communication style to suit different audiences including colleagues, stakeholders, and external bodies.
• Work effectively as part of a team, developing strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels, sharing information appropriately, and understanding the importance of their role in contributing to team objectives.
• Demonstrate strong organisational and planning skills, taking ownership of tasks, prioritising effectively, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality outputs with attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to procedures and best-practice standards.
• Exercise sound judgement, evaluating information in the broader policy and organisational context, recognising when to escalate issues, and making pragmatic and fair recommendations.
• Show drive and commitment, taking initiative in progressing work, displaying resilience and adaptability in the face of changing priorities, and maintaining a strong focus on achieving results that serve consumers and the public interest.
• Display professionalism and integrity, handling confidential information appropriately, acting with fairness and respect, and representing the CCPC in line with public service values.
• Demonstrate a capacity to develop specialist knowledge, whether in competition law, economics, investigations, policy, or regulatory practice, and take responsibility for their own learning and development, seeking opportunities to broaden skills and support colleagues where appropriate.
Previous experience or knowledge of competition law or policy is not essential, but the successful candidate will have the ability to research and interpret evidence, analyse complex issues, and communicate their conclusions and recommendations clearly.
Key Responsibilities Analysts will contribute to a range of activities, including: • Assessing competition, economic, or legal issues using agreed criteria.
• Conducting desk-based and open-source research into markets, industries, and specific issues.
• Preparing memos, reports, and written analysis, including recommendations for further action.
• Drafting research plans, interview plans, requests for information, questionnaires, agendas, and minutes.
• Responding to queries from businesses and the public regarding investigations or competition matters.
• Identifying issues arising during casework and seeking guidance when required.
• Participating in site visits and, where necessary, dawn raids.
• Contributing to cross-Divisional projects and large-scale investigations.
• Representing the CCPC at national and international meetings, events, and conferences.
• Assisting with publication and maintenance of CCPC website content.
• Carrying out additional workstreams as required by the Director.
Essential Criteria • A graduate or postgraduate qualification (NFQ Level 8 or higher) with a strong research component in a relevant discipline such as economics, business, public policy, or law (including professional legal qualifications).
• Demonstrated experience conducting research or analysis in an academic, professional, or voluntary context.
• Experience preparing structured written outputs, such as reports, research papers, briefing documents, or similar setting out key findings from research, analysis, or projects.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a team in a professional, academic, or voluntary setting.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel in an academic, professional, or project environment.
• Ability to work with digital tools, databases, and information systems in a research or investigative context.
Desirable Criteria • Experience in competition, regulatory, or public policy work.
• Knowledge of Irish and/or EU competition or regulatory policy and the related legislative environment.
• Experience in project management or case management.
• Experience assisting with, or conducting, investigations or inspections under statutory or regulatory regimes.
• Established knowledge of, or a demonstrated interest in, competition, consumer protection, or criminal law.
Application Process To apply for this role, please submit: • An up-to-date CV, and • A completed application form setting out how you meet the essential criteria.
Applications must be submitted via the CCPC careers page.
Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.
This role closes on Monday, 20th April at 3pm.