Specialist - Network Sub-systems Technology Information at MTN

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Context: (Global influences, environmental / industry demands, organisational mission, etc.)
• All operational aspects of the current GSM/WCDMA telecom technologies as used in the current MTN network architecture, this includes future technological advances in the mobile arena as well the convergence of technologies in the data, internet, e-commerce and voice arena, VoIP, self-provisioning, IP, VoWiFi, VoLTE etc.
• ISUP carriers (Telkom, and Neotel); across internal MTN departments (DCG, HLS, Network Performance) and divisions (IS, EMM, Provisioing), industry for a (GSMA – Africa Interest group).
• The Network Operations Division shall ensure world class quality and availability of the Network and services for MTN customers at all times in a cost-effective manner.
• High Tech, flexibility, knowledge sharing. 
• Commitment to MTN values.

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

Task Complexity: 

• Network Implementation
• Prepare DT “Data Transcripts” for all AXE/CPP elements” HLR-FE/STP/MBC/MGW as and when required according to project plan. (Include B-number tables/Link requirements/interconnect requirements/software levels/Point Code allocation etc.).
• Submit DT for validation.
• Complete Full integration testing on new nodes, including but not limited to – Billing verification/Voice/Data testing. 
• Integrate the operational requirements for new technologies and services that will be supported by Network Operations and as per Planning/Marketing Requirements.
• Responsible for national data changes
• CP & APG slides – testing and integration.
• ATP testing

3rd Party Implementation 

•  Implement and maintain routing to third parties i.e. Vodacom/Cell C/Neotel/IVR/RBT/Telkom/Call Centres/VoIP T3 operators/Premium Rated  numbers – Marketing Requirements etc. 
• Provides solutions on how the designs align to the network.
• Conduct analysis, evaluations and testing before implementation takes place. 

Expansions

•  Remodelling/redefinition the national switching equipment according to Core Planning requirements.
•  Ensure that switch capacities are monitored and expansion of links and signalling/AXE & CPP equipment/processor upgrades are executed. 
•  Liaise with Core Planning regarding HW & SW requirements.

Support

•  Implement new software levels when released by vendors. 
•  Provide analysis and reccomendations for vendors and other departments internally on faults.
•  Compile a document / process on planned work and seek approval in the planned work forum.
• Assist in project planning
• Manages project teams and provides technical expertise.
• Conducts research for fault purpose as an when needed.  
• Enhancements of software and hardware to be more efficient.
• Design and customize for clients on adhoc basis.
•  Assist Regional maintenance, NOC, VAS, Pre-Paid, Customer Services, Core Planning, HLS and Ericsson support staff where required. 
•  Assist in the development of an automated and effective environment.
•  Escalate unresolved faults to NOC.

Routing 

• Implement and standardised B-number analysis table, this includes pre-analysis, the allocation of BNT values, the routing, the allocation of special numbers, global title routing & NDCs. 
• Maintain standards in core routing.

Policy changes

• Documentation of methods, plans, policies and procedures.
• Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity:  Refers to the responsibilities for directing, guiding, motivating  and influencing others.
• Engineer and or team lead day to day activities.
• Effectively plan the short to medium rollout of projects, hardware, software and new technologies into the core network and ensure that this adheres to timelines & standards
• Attend meetings.

Role Complexity:  

• Changes on the network may result in network outage or call setup problems;
• Optimize and refine testing services on the DCG and/or F.A.C.T.S tool;
• Generating test cases and track trends on the DCG and or F.A.C.T.S tool in order to identify problem areas;
• Generate reports and updates on projects.
• 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)  Indicates the potential for improvement and / or innovation inherent in a position.
• Continuous improvement and optimisation of National Network Data, process and technical
• Ability to make task easier and accurate
• Improvements to meet operational requirements
• Knowledge transfer
• Problem solving and lateral thinking
• Vulnerabilities (control span) Refers to the latent difficulties, or things that could potentially go wrong that affect a specific position. Such vulnerabilities may / may not be under the control of the incumbent. Direct implication or first level of impact.
• AXE/CPP equipment downtime
• Short deadlines in implementing change
• Changes in equipment types
• MTN network expansion
• New technologies
• Support of tools and systems
• Transmission availability
• Switching equipment/network availability

Collaboration:  Refers to formal and informal relationships

• Responsibility towards:  who are they and what do they receive from the incumbent.
• Direct reports: None
• Key customers: Marketing/CS/Core Planning/VMS/Pre Paid/Transmission/IP/CNOC/HLS
• Key suppliers: Ericsson and Huawei
• Relations, etc.: Friendly, professional and helpful
• Discretionary Space: The degree to which individuals are allowed to exercise independent thought and judgment.
• Independent thought and Judgment: Relates to the decision-making constraints place upon a position or conversely, the degree of    freedom in decision-making.
• Independent thought and Judgment: 
• Technical viability of implementing external requests.
• Decision making and ownership of problems
• Escalation, technical liaison

Authorities:

• Complete technical documentation 
• National data changes. 
• National switching equipment remodelling/redefinition
• Increase spectrum as and when required on all technologies
• Allow or disallow changes on the SS network.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements  - minimum necessary, and not the ideal / preferred should be included.

Education:

• Minimum of 3 year Engineering degree/diploma  
• Fluent in English 
• Experience in supervising others/technical lead

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience technical management role within a GSM/WCDMA telecommunications environment;
• Experience working in a medium organization