Engineer - Transmission Planning Network Planning and Engineering Technology Information at MTN

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)

Task Complexity: 

Strategy Development

• Participate in the translation of the transmission strategy and architecture into long range plans for the Regions
• Assist in formulating inputs towards technology strategy. 
• Assist in delivering a target Product and Services architecture with a 3 year time horizon taking global technology developments into consideration

Planning & Delivery

• Responsible for the timely planning of the Regional Mobile Transmission networks within MTN 
• Drive execution of near term plans
• Forecast capacity and traffic and align with Radio, Core & IP plans and with strategy and roadmap
• Ensure correct planning of Transmission w.r.t fixed and mobile operator interconnections where required
• Plan transport capacity across access, backhaul and backbone infrastructure to support all of MTN’s bandwidth requirements 
• Evaluate new Access and Core Backbone Transmission Network Equipment and Specifications
• Identify geographical location for equipment to be installed
• Request funding and issue request for purchasing (RfP) to vendor, verify bill of material and confirm order of equipment and services
• Verify configuration 
• Ensure implementation of Transmission plans is carried out fully with a smooth handover to Network Operations for cutover and integration into the live network 
• Ensure that policies, procedures and quality standards are adhered to in the planning process

Network Optimisation & Performance

• Ensure quality objectives are met and maintained
• Ensure future proof transmission plans to guarantee deliverables are met according to customer requirements both internal and external 
• Track and report on performance problems and performance improvements on division level 
• Investigate performance issues and identify changes required on division level
• Review design and drive optimisation changes
• Tender evaluations and formulations
• Provide high level support on the planned network/technologies

Communication and co-ordination

• Ensure communication of plans and integration of feedback
• Prepare implementation and integration documentation
• Co-operate with and support of other network group departments at all levels
• Manage and interface with other areas of the MTN business outside of the transmission department as required for successful planning and implementation (e.g. with Suppliers, 3rd

Parties, local Transmission Engineers and Business & Logistics department to ensure that contracts from a technical perspective are negotiated in the best interest of MTN) 

• Interface with regulator 
• Provide high level planning support function and representation (technical) for Transmission planning departments in MTN Group Operations

Financial Management

• Continuously strive to identify and eliminate non-contributory expenditure

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity:  

• Influence subordinate Transmission Engineers (local or regional) w.r.t Transmission related issues and policy 

Role Complexity:  

• To ensure that all work carried out is communicated with all relevant role players including cross-functional areas.
• Lateral Dimensions: These indicate the areas where the individuals could contribute uniquely in addition to the indicated duties, as well as how they could be affected by others or circumstances not necessarily under their control.
• Creativities (improvement/innovation inherent)
• Various courses and seminars relating to Transmission in general. 
• Continuous consultation with Transmission Service Provider(s) (internal or external) in order to improve service levels, polices and procedures within the Transmission scope.
• Keeping abreast of future and current technologies relating to Transmission and planning
• Innovating new ideas and procedures in order to improve the planning, availability and quality of the Transmission network

Vulnerabilities (control span)

• Lack of information sharing within own Transmission department
• Service Level Agreement with Transmission Service Providers (internal or external). 
• Lack of readily available information and requirements from other internal departments or sections within the Network Planning departments.

Collaboration:  Refers to formal and informal relationships

• Responsibility towards:  
• direct reports:  none
• matrix reports:  All network Group divisions, all local & regional Transmission Engineers
• key customers:  MTN internal customers, i.e. all Network Group divisions, receive information pertaining to a project on a per-project basis
• key suppliers: Telkom SA, Tier 1, 2 and 3 operators?????, Microwave and Optic Transmission suppliers, Network Management hardware & software suppliers e.g. all TX VARS and service providers. Other vendors?

Discretionary Space: The degree to which individuals are allowed to exercise independent thought and judgment.

Independent thought and Judgment:

• Select suitable technology vendor/ private contractor/ other in terms of technical compliance, in line with departmental rules and regulations.

Authorities: 

• Approve, plan and authorise requests for transmission within MTN including voice and non-voice

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements  -

Education:

• B Degree or National Technical Diploma with relevant experience

Experience:

• Over 3 years in Telecommunications, with experience in Transmission planning environment

Training:

• Transmission courses relating to Transmission DXX, SDH, Microwave,Routers & Switcheds,GSM etc
• Management Training