Network Engineer: IP Operations at MTN

Job description

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job

To build infrastructure and solutions, configuring, upgrading and deploying them in alignment with overall capacity and utilization planning and MTN Business objectives

Ensure the most reliable, flexible, scalable and cost effective methods and technologies are utilised to meet all core network SLA targets

Key Performance Areas

• Operational Effectiveness:
• Consider the long term (1-2 years) implications of actions to the business from a broader perspective
• Consider the impact of products and/or solutions on other areas of the business, as well as the interdependency of other departments
• Ensure all solutions offered to customers provide adequate network security
• Ensure that all work operationally undertaken is carried out according to specification
• Manage defect prevention by ensuring effective root cause analysis of failures, thereby facilitating the reduction of repetitive faults
• Ensure the maintenance of the core network infrastructure during business hours and after hours
• Conduct pro-active maintenance of core network infrastructure (24x7)
• Monitor and manage load balancing and network optimisation
• Ensure that there are processes and contingency plans are in place for disaster recovery, redundancy and automatic failures
• Implementation of solutions and innovation in line with network architecture
• Prescribe and implement change control policies and procedures
• Ensure timely communication of all planned work to clients and internal departments
• Communicate all faults to clients via the correct channels
• Ensure that Network SLA’s are met
• Assist with the operational establishment and development of new MTN networks in the global arena
• Assist in managing project teams during the roll out of complex solutions
• Monitor capacity issues on the network and advise the IP Operations Manager, making recommendations as appropriate
• Plan capacity for the network and order upgrades as required
• Risk management – ensure that relevant risks are identified, communicated and managed
• Quality management – ensure that procedures and processes are in place and that quality control is managed and monitored
• Customer relations:
• Build and maintain solid relationships with all MTN Business stakeholders, including MTN Network Group
• Understand customer needs and develop and fine-tune networks accordingly
• Put contingency plans in place to prevent failures and enhance the customer experience
• Adopt a proactive approach to prevent problems from arising in the future
• General
• Provide on-the-job training and guidance to new and replacement personnel
• Responsibility towards continuous improvement and innovation at process and procedure level, providing input and recommendations into ways of fine tuning systems and processes in line with changing work practices
• Ensure consistency to work standard operating procedures
• Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity:
• Ensure that on-the-job training and guidance is provided to new and replacement personnel
• Build and enforce a customer centric approach
• Coach and guide fellow IP Operations Network Engineers
• Communicate actively and effectively resolving any potential conflicts that may arise
• Have the self insight and flexibility to adapt to different situations
• Manage cross functional interaction in order to optimise workflow
• Provide technical training (specific products) of support, deployment, sales and customer service staff
•  Demonstrate ability to pass on knowledge and play a mentorship role to other engineers
• Display proficiency in terms of project management (e.g. sub project management, time scale and deadline issues, escalation)
• Role Complexity:
• Participate in ad hoc projects as required
• Perform standby duties as per schedule
• Specialization in one of the key network technologies
• Creativities
• Provide cross-functional support to the business
• Maintain continual focus on changing technology
• Continuous innovative thought in order to improve/integrate new products and services into the network
• Make continuous improvements at system, process and procedure level
• Find ways to utilize the existing network optimally and efficiently
• Continuous self-study to improve knowledge at all times and to ensure always “top of game”
• Keep abreast of developments in technology to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation
• Vulnerabilities
• Network failures
• Inability of network to accommodate solutions proposed by sales
• Inability of network to accommodate future products proposed by product managers
• Multiple projects plus operational escalations can lead to unrealistic time demands
• Ineffective support from key stakeholders
• Non-achievement of turnaround times
• Independent thought and Judgment
• Capacity planning and optimization
• Identification of areas for improvement and innovation
• Autonomous on fault correction
• Simplifying / improving customer solutions within specifications and requirements
• Acceptance of technical and operational aspects of a product when handover takes place from development to production
• Liaison with product vendors regarding support issues
• Escalation of network capacity and architecture issues
• Use of best practice in adherence to change control procedures

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

• Minimum of 3 year Engineering degree/diploma
• Minimum of Cisco Professional Certification(CCNP) or Juniper Professional Certification(JNCIP) – preferably CCIE or JNCIE
• Fluent in English

Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years engineering experience in an IP networking arena, preferably in the service provider core network space
• Specializations in one of the major networking sectors
• Experience in customer facing service/support in IP networking space
• Minimum 2 years Project management experience
• Experience working in a medium organization
• Experience in switching and routing environment