Senior Specialist - Core Planning Technology Information at MTN

Job Description
Task Complexity: 

Strategy Development 

• Contribute to the research and assessment of new core network technologies
• Participate in delivering a target architecture with a 3-year time horizon.
• Participate in the introduction of core network evolutions to meet marketing requirements and/or improve the efficiency and resilience of the network.
• Define the optimal network topology for the mobile and fixed core network platforms, connectivity of network elements to meet the promised grade of service. 
• Execute prompt provisioning of network capacity as required for all mobile and fixed network elements, features, protocols. 
• Plan and design the network architecture to optimally serve the growth of the mobile and fixed core network in terms of traffic, subscribers, and value-added services. 
• Optimize the mobile and fixed core network elements to ensure the KPI’s are within acceptable threshold e.g Pload, Signaling and traffic routes. 
• Maintain a standardized network numbering and element naming convention. 
• Conduct analysis of network model outputs and traffic patterns to evaluate model and proffer solution if necessary. 
•  Review new solutions design documents, NFV, SDN, IMS design and how it integrates to the existing CS Core network. 
•  Review existing architecture and advice on optimal design based on identified gaps. 
•  Conduct knowledge share with the core network planning team on existing and evolving technologies. 
• Take up specialized task on behalf of the Core Network planning team. 

Planning & Delivery

• Ensure that sufficient network capacity is deployed with a 6-month headroom to cater for the traffic forecast
• Ensure the efficient migration of the legacy circuit switch architecture to the next generation architecture within the relevant constraints
• Perform all related integration, implementation and troubleshooting where applicable
• Detail Product and Service design (route sizes, dimension)
• Develop equipment configurations to be ordered from supplier(s) including cost containment
• Ensure the core network evolves in line with Group Strategy 
• Participate in Group initiatives/activities in the core network planning, technical bid preparation and procurement. 

Network Optimisation & Performance

• Perform core network audits, optimization and performance monitoring 
• Document methodologies, plans, policies and procedures for core network planning
• Record keeping of technical details on network design, implementation plans and capital projects 
• Participate in the new product development process 
• 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 optimization changes.

Communication and co-ordination

• Develop and improve methodologies, procedures and processes
• Provide provision of detailed documentation for build and operations
• Be a subject matter expert on core network planning issues by studying global trends and networking with other professionals in this field, and by providing documented recommendations to various internal departments 

Financial Management

• Continuously strive to identify and optimize costs
• Provide budgetary input for core investments

Technology Competencies

• Interpret business requirements, Telecommunications Industry understanding, User Trends within Telecommunication, Trends of convergence of Networks, Voice Over-IP, Trends within Technology, Knowledge of vendors and suppliers capacity and trends, Knowledge of other network providers developments, Basic Telecomm legislation, Basic ICASA regulations, Analyze Network performance, Integration of network systems, knowledge of 3GPP , IETF and ITU-T standards
• Detailed knowledge of core network elements (HLR,HSS, AUC, EIR, FNR, STP, MGW, MSC server ,IMS Core), Knowledge of 2G/3G/LTE/NR technologies and 2G/3G/LTE solutions of existing suppliers, Integration/implementation and integration of network elements, Knowledge of International roaming implementation, Signalling Network Design
• Advanced knowledge of SS7, SIP, SIGTRAN, Teletraffic Engineering, Equipment dimensioning principles, Telecoms facilities, Charging principles, Numbering plan, IP networks

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity: .

• Act as Technical representative in contract negotiations with Commercial/Legal departments
• Manage activities between internal MTN departments and resources.
• Communicate actively throughout Network Group.
• Develop and manage standards and specifications
• Mentoring and coaching of junior staff
• Team lead for major project deployments

Qualifications

• Education:  B. Eng/BSc Eng (Electronics/Electrical) or Equivalent

Experience: 

• Minimum 7 years in Telecom environment, with at least 5 years working with “next-gen.” Networks, preferably in a planning and network design environment.