Specialist - Product Specifications.Technology Information at MTN

JOB DESCRIPTION

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job

• Effectively plan and implement in terms of cost and quality, products and specifications within the MTN network
• Focus on key projects such as RAN rollout and network resilience in respect to best fit for purpose technologies
• Research, and trial, in aid of selecting the most appropriate products, specifications and technologies in respect to the aforementioned projects
• Ensure a multi-vendor approach is adopted to ensure effective supply chain management to meet stringent rollout requirements

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Context (Global influences, environmental / industry demands, organisational mission etc.)
• Working domain across Engineering, Implementation and Operations
• Interface with Procurement, Warehouse, Planning, Network Operations, Regions.
• Visit supplier premises to evaluate existing and new products for evaluation
• Ability to keep track of global technology advancements and stay abreast of standardization work of relevant industry bodies

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

• Contribute to the definition of the products and specification strategy clearly describing the future vision for type approvals required and identifying key decision points to enable this vision to be achieved. 
• Participate in the translation of the products and specification strategy into long range plans. 
• Assist in formulating inputs towards the overall technology strategy. 
• Assist in delivering a product specification within a 3-year time horizon taking global technology developments into consideration.

Planning & Delivery 

• Determine / design site build & resilience product specifications. 
• Prepare technical evaluation criteria for products, evaluate products and present findings to product and specification committee (PSC). 
• Perform technical adjudications on new or existing products. 
• Manage product integration into the network by liaising with MTN staff (Engineering/Implementation/Operation) informing them of new products or processes. 
• Coordinated all RAN (BTS and Transmission) and Resilience specification changes and update all relevant specifications. 
• Ensure that the contents of site build Bills of Materials (BOM) are up to date for material planning requirements. 
• Develop cost saving and innovative ideas. 
• Assist with obtaining National build objectives as per agreed list. 
• Maintain knowledge regarding global trends in network power solutions. 
• Liaise with suppliers and assist staff on Transmission, RF, BTS, AC and DC power systems, Cooling, and other products used in the Implementation & Rollout domain. 
• As the specialist you will advise teams and or resolve technical problems that arise while implementing projects. 
• Support MTN Group with regard to specifications and product introduction. 
• Investigate all new products introduced by vendors and ensure seamless installation into network. 
• Write technical product specifications and enforce that products used for BTS site build meets the required technical standard and is correctly specified prior to deployment into the network. 
• Write and update RAN and Resilience specifications and ensure specification change control management. 
•   Perform Technical evaluations of PSC submissions and present to PSC Committee to approve products accordingly.

Project Management

• Develop and drive the execution of agreed products until handover to the project management office for rollout
• Drive the implementation, tracking, monitoring and compliance of the products approved
• Contract management in line with Procurement Policies
• Risk management in respect to life span of the products being presented to PSC
• Communication and co-ordination
• Ensure communication of plans and integration of feedback
• Prepare product specification documentation.
• Co-operate with and support of other network group departments at all levels.
• Manage and interface with other areas of the business outside of the core implementation department as required for successful planning and implementation (e.g., with Suppliers, 3rd Parties, local M&E Engineers, and Business & Logistics department to ensure that contracts from a technical perspective are negotiated in the best interest of MTN)
• Interface with legal and / or regulators where required.

Financial Management

• Continuously strive to identify and eliminate non-contributory expenditure
• Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Tasks:
• Influence subordinate Specialist / Engineers (local or regional) w.r.t product and specification related issues and policy.
• Act as technical representative in contract negotiations with Commercial/Legal departments
• Assist in controlling budgetary management for both capital and operational expenditure in line with the Business Units requirements.
• Communicate actively throughout Network Group.
• Develop and manage standards and specifications.
• Technical leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS
Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)

Education: Global Education Standards 

• B Degree or National Technical Diploma with relevant experience

Experience: Global Experience Standards (5)

•  Experience in the engineering and implementation environment in respect to mobile rollout and products / solutions thereof
•  Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous.

Training:

•  GSM training
•  General technological principles
•  Electrical Training
•  Technical drawings

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of GSM products and solutions in respect to sundry materials (fibre, copper cables), bracketry & structural considerations, EPC ( environmental, power and container / cabinet) considerations, rectifiers/ batteries / BMS and other resilience requirements

Competencies:

• Head - Big Picture Focus (10)
• Analytical Thinker -   Manages the alignment and execution of tactical activities
• Problem Solver  -  Assists in solving business challenges but looks to others for advice and guidance
• Operational Value Creator -  Executes on innovative commercial practices and identifies areas for continuous improvement

Heart – Emotionally Intelligent (20)

• Culture and Change Champion - Role models ethical practices by living the MTN values and vital behaviours for others to follow
• Supportive People Manager – Is self-aware and supports team capability development through opportunity creation for realising potential
• Relationship Manager - Builds relationships with customers and teams to uphold the MTN brand

Hands – Results Focused (50)

• Results Achiever - Drives team objectives and contributes to sustainability of results
• Operationally Astute - Clarifies priorities, plans, organizes and co-ordinates the work of others