Graduate Traineeship Programme
Update, 6 July 2010: The application process for these positions is now closed
21 June 2010
The National Consumer Agency (NCA) was established under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 2007. Alongside statutory responsibilities for the enforcement of consumer law and the provision of consumer-right-based information and education, the Agency seeks to bring the interests of consumers to the forefront of national and local decision-making in Ireland through research and evidence-based advocacy.
Since 2007, the scope of the NCA's work has broadened beyond the scope of the CPA 2007 with the addition, in April 2010, of responsibilities in respect of consumer personal finance information and education and the announced, but not yet effected, amalgamation of the NCA with the Competition Authority. Detailed information about the work of the Agency can be accessed via www.nca.ie.
The NCA is inviting applications, from suitably qualified candidates, to participate in its Graduate Traineeship Programme. The successful candidates will be recent graduates who are looking to gain valuable work experience, contributing to real projects while enhancing their skills and CV.
Two positions are available. The positions are temporary, are based in the NCA's Dublin offices and will be for a period of six months, from August 2010 to January 2011.
The Roles
1. Research Assistant (Legal Division)
The successful candidate will provide general legal support to the NCA's Legal Advisor and will work on two key projects:
- Researching and providing assistance in the preparation of codes of practice for the business sector. Such codes will be proactively launched and promoted by the NCA and will require considerable legal oversight in their drafting, review and publication
- Researching and providing assistance in the preparation of guidelines on the legal aspects of comparative advertising and marketing
The successful candidate may also be required to:
- Engage with external legal contacts as deemed appropriate by the Legal Advisor
- Attend meetings and seminars in a representative capacity
- Conduct legal briefings for staff as delegated by the Legal Advisor
- Undertake other such duties at an appropriate level of responsibility as may be assigned to ensure the efficient running of the Legal Division
2. Research Assistant (Research, Policy and Communications Channels Division)
The successful applicant will report directly to the Research Manager and will assist in the delivery of key research topics, inter alia:
- Assisting in the design and analysis of the NCA's price surveys; the researcher will assist in compiling and checking data and, critically, in its analysis
- Assessing the research and communications outputs of other national and international consumer entities to include making best practice recommendations for additions to NCA's websites, focus areas for service improvements, as well as identifying potential research topics
- Assisting in a systematic programme to interrogate the NCA's call centre database
The successful candidate will also be required to:
- Prepare research notes on, for example, inflation, consumer sentiment and retail sales
- Prepare management reports and website metrics and provide input to and assist with content development of the Agency's websites and social media presence
- Undertake other such duties at an appropriate level of responsibility as may be assigned to ensure the efficient running of the Research, Policy and Communications Channels Division
Candidate Profiles
1. Research Assistant (Legal Division)
The successful candidate will have:
- A third-level qualification (2:1 or higher) in law of which commercial law or similar, commercially related subjects, formed part of; A related postgraduate qualification would be an advantage
- The ability to work to tight time schedules within a small team
- Computer literacy
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proven ability to research and tailor information from many sources to a specific requirement
- Self-motivated with a proven ability to work unsupervised
- An interest in consumer legal issues is desirable
2. Research Assistant (Research, Policy and Communications Division)
The successful candidate will have:
- A third level qualification (2:1 or higher) in economics, business studies, the sciences (including the social sciences) or other relevant area; A related postgraduate qualification would be an advantage
- A proven ability to research and tailor information from many sources to a specific requirement
- Attention to detail and proven ability in collecting, collating, researching and analysing data
- An ability to prepare summaries of reports, trends and statistical commentaries, minute taking, meeting notes and other written material as required
- Computer literacy, especially in the use of the standard MS Office suite of applications
- Written and oral communication skills to a very high standard
- Familiarity and understanding of relevant consumer matters and consumer affairs would be an advantage
Terms
- The successful candidates will be offered a fixed-term six-month contract from August 2010 to January 2011
- The place of employment will be 4 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2
- The salary for the duration of the contract will be at an annual rate of €23,177
- The annual leave allowance will be 20 working days per annum (allocated on a pro rata basis)
- Interviews for both positions will be held in mid-July in the NCA's offices. Expenses incurred in attending for interview will be at the candidate's own expense. The NCA is an equal opportunities employer. Advice is requested where special requirements are needed if attending interview.
If you wish to be considered for the NCA's Graduate Traineeship Programme, please forward a comprehensive CV and covering letter detailing your suitability for the role to Mr. Fergal O' Leary, National Consumer Agency, 4 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2 or email fergal_oleary@nca.ie by Monday 5th July 2010.