Senior Specialist - Internet Protocol Planning Technology Information at MTN

Strategy Development:

• Development the strategy and architecture of the core IP network, clearly describing the future vision and identifying key decision points to achieve it
• Ensure that the core IP strategy and architecture aligns with business objectives and strategic plans of other departments
• Translate the core IP network strategy into short, medium and long term plans and drive the execution of these plans
• Identify opportunities and concerns to be addressed from emerging core IP technologies and trends
• Review and assess new core IP technologies
• Ensure radio, core and transmission strategies are combined into an overall cohesive network strategy for achieving MTN’s strategy and vision
• Develop objectives for the planning and delivery of core IP network investments
• Develop a target product and service architecture with a 3-5 year time horizon taking global technology developments into consideration

Communication and co-ordination:

• Ensure all network planning departments have a full and up to date understanding of the core IP strategy
• Ensure high level of co-operation with and support of other Network Group departments at all levels
• Interface with other areas of the MTN business outside of the Network Group as required for successful strategy development, planning and implementation
• Build the understanding of existing and emerging IP technologies across the business
• Represent MTN SA in regulatory, industry and other public forums

Operational effectiveness:

• Drive best practice, continuous improvement and innovation at process and procedure level whilst ensuring adherence to change control policies and procedures
• Verify that platform, features and functionality meet design objectives
• Analise traffic utilization data and/or forecast data to develop hardware and/or software requirements for equipment provisioning, service restoration, network evolution or new, enhanced customer services
• Provide complete and accurate documentation on the Mobile and ISP core IP networks
• Take action to prevent the reoccurrence of problems, identifying external parties to assist with problem solving if required
• Consult to solutions consultants regarding the planning and design of effective solutions for customers, ensuring that the needs and requirements of the customer are taken into account and that solutions are aligned with the operational plans of the technical team
• Provide input and recommendations into solutions for tenders
• Initiate and implement ideas and feedback on network tools, procedures and improvements to area functionality
• Provide constant status, feedback and progress reports on new build and solution delivery and support deliverables, reporting risk, change, status, decisions required etc. to stakeholders
• Ensure conformance to performance parameters and SLAs in all areas of planning, building and configuration of the MTN core IP network
• Architectural design in LAN, WAN, multi-services (IP and MPLS) and Data Centre
• Creation of business cases specifically related to new ventures and new technologies
• Development of policies, procedures and processes
• Technology investment appraisal, benchmarking and reporting
• Lab-testing of new technologies and solutions in terms of conformance, performance, interoperability and manageability
• Pro-active planning in the core IP network, ensuring sufficient capacity is available of the MTN core transport network within budget constraints
• Understand and determine the needs of all internal data customers within MTN in terms of bandwidth, QoS, traffic management and VPN requirements
• Understand and apply best practice w.r.t financial impact of implementing new or upgraded technologies
• Interface with other departments within Network Group, IS, EBU and Product Development to determine needs and assist in problem-solving
• Determine and document MPLS VPN customer requirements
• Identify and scope MPLS VPN traffic requirements
• Identify and document location of systems and PoP sites for WAN connectivity
• Plan class of service for specific VPN, within the framework of the QoS policy
• Prepare High and Low-level design documentation
• Prepare Statement of Work (SoW) for implementation teams
• Maintain continual focus on keeping technical solutions current, remaining aware of changing technologies and filtering information to the team, continually looking for ways to improve all aspects of technology development and service delivery
• Consider the 1-2 year implications of actions from a broad perspective and on the impact of solutions on other areas of the business, including interdependency aspects of the business
• Assist with the operational establishment and development of new MTN networks in the international arena

Financial Management:

• Ensure core IP strategies are based on sound financial modelling and are aligned with business objectives
• Ensure MTN SA cost drivers and network capabilities are aligned with business objectives
• Provide input into the forecasting and planning of budgets for the implementation of new solutions
• Monitor and report on variances, cost control and efficiencies relative to planned budgets

Knowledge transfer:

• Provide on-the-job training and guidance to new and replacement personnel
• Mentor engineers within the Department and Business Unit
• Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity:(Direct)

Provide technical training (product-specific) to support, deployment, sales and customer service staff

• Provide on-the-job training and guidance to new and replacement personnel
• Mentoring engineers within the department and Business Unit
• Display proficiency in terms of project management
• Build and enforce a customer-centric approach
• Communicate actively and effectively resolving any potential issues that may arise
• Manage boundaries that separate units in order to optimize workflow and improve productivity

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:

• Minimum of 3 year technical degree/diploma
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Juniper Professional Certification (JNCIP) is a pre-requisite
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE) is a pre-requisite
• Fluent in English

Experience:

• At least 5 years in engineering experience in IP/MPLS network design and/or support
• Specialisation in one of the major networking sectors
• Knowledge of mobile core networks
• Knowledge of ISP networks and peering methodologies
• Knowledge of IP security techniques
• Knowledge of Data Centre switching technologies
• Vendor management
• Project management
• Financial and accounting literacy would be advantageous
• Leadership/management experience would be advantageous
• Programming, scripting and database knowledge would be advantageous
• Experience working in medium to large organisations

Key roles that the Human Resources team performs:

• Executive Role: Specialists in all aspects of people management. High-level input at a strategic level into all key business decisions.
• Audit Role: Ensures all areas of the organization are compliant with legal requirements AND best practice employment policies and procedures.
• Facilitator Role: Close partnership to support, advise and extend the ability of all areas of the organization to meet their objectives through the implementation of highly effective employment practices in areas such as Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Reward systems, Performance Management, Health and Wellbeing.
• Consultancy Role: Provide expert advice to the organization and it’s managers on any aspect of workforce management and employee relations and performance.
• Service Role: Ensure the organization is fully aware of and is equipped to deal with developments impacting employment matters, such as changes in legislation, changes in the characteristics of the labor market.