Senior Specialist: Core Networks at Vodacom

Role Purpose
Provide expert-level support for all Voice Core, Data Core (Core - 2G, 3G, 4G, 5GC) networks, and Telco over Cloud (TOC) environments across Vodacom Africa Operating Companies within the planning, engineering, and performance management areas. Responsible for the aligned implementation of the Vodacom Group technology strategy, standards, guidelines, best practices, and the interface with Vodafone Technology Group.

• Core and TOC network governance and oversight.
• Support with strategy, architecture, planning/demand forecasting, and program management.
• Group technology analysis and reporting.

Your Responsivities Will Include

• Performance management support of the Core networks across Vodacom Opcos to ensure the networks are always performing optimally according to industry best practices. Review Core Network Service, Application, and Infrastructure Performance (Availability, Capacity, QoS).
• Support with network performance and technology analysis and recommendations that ensure optimal performance.
• Develop/support/lead network performance improvement programs across the Vodacom Group. Ensure alignment to and maintenance of Vodafone/Vodacom quality standards, resilience, and best practices in the Core and TOC network domains across Vodacom opcos.
• Development and maintenance of network guidelines (design, plan, build, operate and maintain) and best practices for the Core and TOC technology domains and facilitate knowledge sharing across the Vodacom and Vodafone Group.
• Standardization of technology, systems, and processes across the Group. Support vendor and product selection tasks and benchmarking of Core and TOC technologies, including requirements gathering, definition, technical reviews, testing, and acceptance. Identification and implementation of features, configurations, and best practices sharing across the Vodacom group to decrease operational costs and improve the operational efficiency of Core and TOC networks.
• Advanced understanding of GSMA 3GPP, ETSI, ITU-T, and TM Forum standards.
• Oversight of vendor compliance, technology evolution, and delivery. Conduct network audits, special investigations, and network health checks and provide detailed reports and recommendations. Support with planning/demand forecasting.
• Align Group opco’s and Vodafone concerning strategy, technology evolution, systems, processes, and delivery targets. Support and development of technology roadmaps, plans, models, business cases, and implementation thereof.
• Lead and provide technical support to proof of concepts and innovation and share programs and projects across the Group.
• Support Group analysis and reporting functions i.e. Exco analysis requests and progress reports.
• Co-ordination and execution of Group level network projects and initiatives across Vodacom opco are as required.
• Monitor and evaluate competitive offerings that could change the Core domain landscape and ascertain the impact this will have on Vodacom Group.
• Assist in creating, building, and maintaining the Core and TOC Architecture competency and capability, by maintaining and adhering to Core and TOC Architectural principles.
• Provide roadmap input in the development and evolution of Vodacom Core and TOC roadmap, in line with the future network vision.

The Ideal Candidate For This Role Will Have

• Matric/Grade 12 is essential.
• Minimum 3-year Degree/Diploma or BSc Engineering or B.Eng. or an equivalent NQF Level 6 qualification.
• At least 5 years in the telecommunications industry (experience in a medium to large-scale Core network planning and engineering role would be advantageous).
• At least 3 years of experience in Core and TOC planning, optimization, performance management, network analysis, technical investigations, research, and fault finding.
• Advanced network architecture design, planning, implementation, and troubleshooting experience and knowledge (CS Core, PS Core, IMS, 5GC, and TOC).
• Advanced Core and TOC configuration and network management system (NMS) experience and knowledge (Huawei, Nokia, HPE, Dell, VMWare).
• Good understanding of network planning, management, and monitoring tools such as IPAM, U2000, I2000, Netact, ARC, and CBAM.
• Detailed understanding of communication protocols across Voice Core, Data Core, 5GC, Data management, Policy, Signalling, TOC (IAAS, CAAS), VMWare, Services, Automation, and Orchestration.
• Good network security understanding and fundamentals.
• Commercial awareness – appreciation and understanding for minimizing and controlling capital and operational expenditure in Core and TOC networks toward achieving revenue targets and maximizing ROI.
• Good presentation skills.
• Good project management and reporting skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Effective management of own workload and time.

Closing Date: 15th, June 2022