Specialist: Testing Lead at MTN

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job
The  Specialist: Testing Lead is responsible for  the testing and quality assurance of all channel related solutions before they are rolled out in the live environment. The role conducts planned tests, catalogues test results, reports to management and suggests possible improvements/configurations to bolster functionality in the across the Digital Channels & products. The incumbent works closely with UX/UI teams in order to drive an enhanced user experience.

The role reports to  Senior Manager: Digital Experience & Enablement and is an individual contributor. The role maintains liaison with various Group Finco Technology &  Product teams, as and when required

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

• Support strategy execution in line with the overarching business and functional goals within area of specialisation
• Prioritise own workload, ensuring interaction with co-workers and other key stakeholders in developing implementation plans and executing them
• Abide by and execute the functional strategy cascaded by the functional lead

Operational Delivery

• Governance and Reporting
• Execute policies, procedures and guidelines cascaded by the functional lead and ensure compliance with the same
• Comply with the set governance mechanisms, under supervision from the functional lead
• Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of QA and Testing strategies and propose and offer suggestions for improvements

QA and Testing Operations

• Liaise with Product & UX/UI teams to understand solution developed and follow guidelines associated for QA and testing
• Coordinate execution of automated tests, as may be applicable, of incoming products
• Execute established test plans
• Accurately record and clearly document all actual results compared to expected results
• Maintain well organized record of test results and generate historical analysis of test results
• Fully document any unexpected anomalies identified in testing with instruction of how to recreate the anomaly.
• Play back test results to the Manager/ Product Manager and subsequently assist in the refinement of product and software requirements where applicable
• Develop and document application test plans based on software requirements and technical specifications
• Communicate with developers, product managers, usability engineers and technical support specialists on issues
• Work with technology teams to help perform root cause analysis of issues found in the production environment
• Execute implementation of the release process for tests with a positive result, under supervision of the manager
• Ensure that no release disrupts business as usual
• Resolve any escalations/critical incidents in the release process or escalate to higher level, as required
• Work with Development team to ensure that the product is fully tested
• Ensure that all enhancements, bug fixes, and new products are documented
• Identify and propose areas of improvement throughout the product development process
• Other tasks and duties, as assigned

Governance

Ad-hoc Meetings

• Participate and provide inputs in ad hoc meetings
• Execute day-to-day operations

Reporting

• Report on a daily basis to the functional lead relating to progress made within the work area and in accordance with the measurement metrics set by the organisation
• Report on an ad hoc basis on specific projects, as required

Escalations

• Escalate issues that will result in severe time, scope, productivity, and cost or resource impact to functional lead
• Notify escalations to reporting manager, that have impact on critical path of service delivery or that will result in significant time, scope, employee/customer or cost impacts if not resolved.

Function Tactical

• Execute projects initiated in the specific sub-function
• Abide by the established objectives, targets and budgets for the sub-function, when required
• Document identified key risks, issues and dependencies and set mitigation actions, with guidance from the functional lead
• Prepare documentation required for sign-off on tactical changes

Performance

• Assist in monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the performance and quality of products and services in line with defined functionalities and specifications
• Report on agreed KPIs and SLAs with regard to QA & Testing
• Ensure effective execution of day-to-day operations and resolve operational issues as they arise
• Improve productivity and quality through leading practice initiatives.

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)

Education:

• 3-year Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science / Diploma in Computer Science or related field required

Experience:

• 2 – 3 years of experience in product related QA and Testing or allied field is required
• Minimum of 1 -2 years’ experience in UX/UI related testing within the financial sector or banking industry, and telecommunications industry
• In-depth understanding of UX/UI design
• Experience in QA testing of mobile apps and platforms within a Fintech/E-Commerce environment
• Proven successful experience in the integration of consumer research into a business’s product design practice
• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum development process
• Experience with conducting user research and user research methodologies
• Experience working across global locations/ regions and have a grasp of political, social, infrastructure and integrity challenges
• Understanding emerging markets advantageous
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies
• Pan Africa multi-cultural experience is advantageous
• Willing and flexible to travel within Africa and Middle East
• English speaker. French, Portuguese, Zulu, Swahili, and other Africa languages a plus

Competencies:

• Functional Knowledge:
• Understanding of FinTech, banking, microfinance and payment businesses
• QA and testing documentation
• Knowledge of testing tools
• UX/UI Interfaces
• US/UI QA & Testing
• UATs
• Knowledge of experience in product usability testing tools
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, product usability moderating, experimental design, and test method selection
• Seep critical thinking skills for framing, analyzing, and synthesizing complex problems (qualitative user research and usability testing)
• Data analysis

Skills

• Analytics and interpretation
• Problem Solving
• Data interpretation
• Delivery focused
• Business acumen
• Continuous improvement
• Dealing with ambiguity and complexity
• Digital mind-set
• Organizational agility
• Project management
• Presentation
• Relationship management
• Attention to detail

Behavioural Qualities

• Adaptable
• Complete candour
• Culturally aware
• Emotional Maturity
• Innovation
• Relationship building
• Integrity
• Team Player