General Manager - Network Services at MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria is part of the MTN Group, Africa\'s leading cellular telecommunications company. On May 16, 2001, MTN became the first GSM network to make a call following the globally lauded Nigerian GSM auction conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission earlier in the year. Thereafter the company launched full commercial operations beginning with Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. MTN paid $285m for one of four GSM licenses in Nigeria in January 2001. To date, in excess of US$1.8 billion has been invested building mobile telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria. Since launch in August 2001, MTN has steadily deployed its services across Nigeria. It now provides services in 223 cities and towns, more than 10,000 villages and communities and a growing number of highways across the country, spanning the 36 states of the Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Many of these villages and communities are being connected to the world of telecommunications for the first time ever. The company\'s digital microwave transmission backbone, the 3,400 Kilometre Y\'elloBahn was commissioned by President Olusegun Obasanjo in January 2003 and is reputed to be the most extensive digital microwave transmission infrastructure in all of Africa. The Y\'elloBahn has significantly helped to enhance call quality on MTN network.

Mission:

To lead the MTN Nigeria network operations team in its operation and maintenance of the network nationally, in order to meet the goals and objectives of the division, and ensuring MTN’s quality and service commitment to subscribers

Description:

• Review MTNN corporate direction and develop NWG Operations strategy for coverage enhancement, capacity and network performance optimization to ensure efficient utilization of deployed capacity.
• Review MTNN corporate direction and develop Network Operations Service strategy ensuring alignment with MTN corporate strategic objectives and develop plans to support business initiatives and enhance the Network Operations function.
• Develop framework, policies, standards, methodologies, plans and procedures to guide NWG’s operations and to enable the division to provide high quality services and attain set goals and objectives of MTNN.
• Develop, implement and ensure strict adherence to policies and procedures of MTNN.
• Ensure the MTN network is operated and maintained to company and market requirements as well as ITU.
• Oversee prompt management of major faults and ensure continuous monitoring of operations and performance of the core, IMPLS and transmission network.
• Make contributions to and ensure weekly and monthly reports on overall performance of the network are available.
• Work closely with other departments within the Network Group and other divisions to develop and improve NWG performance and QoS. 
• Responsible for developing and setting acceptance criteria for new PS/CS core nodes, IPMPLS, Power equipment and Core transmission equipment nationally.
• Review Core network best practices, new technologies and the corporate needs and develop business plans for NWG Operations 
• Provide technical leadership /advice in the formulation and development of departmental framework, policies/guidelines and ensure compliance of operations with MTN policies and procedures
• Develop and set acceptance criteria for core operational support systems.
• Oversee smooth integration of new network elements into the operational network and ensure strict adherence to policies and procedures of MTNN.
• Monitor and Maintain MTN network operations and associated platforms/systems to MTNN policies, the ITU specification as well as market requirements.
• Evaluate existing/new applications and user requirements on high level specifics, react to, and resolve all major faults, promptly
• Monitor operations and performance of the network and contribute to weekly/monthly reports on overall network performance, companywide.
• Ensure full understanding of the telecommunication industry (Global and Local) trends and developments in order to assess the strategic technology and regulatory impact on MTNN’s current and future business.
• Ensure efficient network resource allocation and cost optimization by ensuring optimal capacities deployment
• Establish processes and standards for impact assessment, and evaluation of systems and technologies with regards to customer experience
• Provide leadership and direction in the operations, leading team to deliver on respective business targets and improve overall performance of the department.
• Coach and mentor the Network Services’ team to ensure understanding of the objectives and goals of the department, awareness of all related job requirements and accountabilities and leverage human resources career development programs for staff career development.
• Identify, evaluate and track the development needs and performance of MTNN staff within the department, providing opportunities for staff to build on the company’s investment in their training and improve productivity.

Education:

• Fluent in English and language of country preferable
• First degree in Electrical/Electronics or Communications Engineering
• MBA or MSC in a related field will be desirable

Experience:

12 years’ work experience which includes:

• Senior management track record of 5 years or more; with at least 3 years in relevant sector/ industry as per relevant role
• Experience working in a global/multinational enterprise (understanding emerging markets advantageous)
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies
• Experience in Network operations and maintenance.

Method of Application