Manager - Core Network Planning 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job

• To provide Strategic Leadership to ensure the efficient and effective planning of the converged Core platforms including voice, unified communications and collaboration (UCC), value-added services (VAS), messaging, and security and in line with the business requirements (required timelines, budget constraints and quality standards).
• To provide Strategic Leadership for the expansion and monetisation of the Core platforms and to manage the design and planning of sustainable, future-proof Core platform services that support the present and future Expansion for Bayobab
• To map out a technology roadmap for technological migration in line with global technology trends.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

The Role will be accountable to achieve the following objectives: 

• Developing the Bayobab planning function to meet the changing needs of the business and users, new projects, and technologies
• Collaborating with business teams to continuously evolve Bayobab systems, focusing on supporting increased sales, customer experience, and profitability.
• Facilitating Network governance process in coordination with Bayobab CTIO stakeholders and Senior Management, participate in planning for future strategic innovation and business needs.
• Defining Core platform network planning tools, processes, and standards, and roadmaps.
• Reviewing the designs and functional requirements of the Core platforms within scope to ensure that all requirements are satisfied.
• Working with business and technology leaders as appropriate to ensure proper alignment of business systems solutions with business goals and processes. 
• Establishing standards, methodologies, and documentation for the Core platforms and network. 
• Deliver a target Product and Services architecture with a 3 year time horizon taking global technology developments into consideration
• Maintain budgetary spend within the company approved business plan
• Ensure timeous rollout of Core infrastructure and services.
• According to departmental KPI’s in line with the company mission, objectives and customer satisfaction indices

QUALIFICATIONS

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)

Education:

• Minimum 4-year Academic Degree (B Eng. / BSc Degree preferred) 
• Master’s degree is advantageous
• Relevant certification/accreditation/membership with professional body as required for role 
• Fluent in English 

Experience:

• 5+ Years of progressive experience managing the implementation, integration, and operations of carrier-level applications in a variety of technology footprints.
• Functional experience in Core platforms including voice, unified communications and collaboration, and related value-added services (VAS) and security.
• Knowledge of IP, CCNA is an added advantage.
• Familiarity with SIP and IP Telephony protocols and call flows as well a troubleshooting 
• Extensive knowledge of virtualized environments (VNF’s) and API’s.
• Extensive knowledge of cloud native solutions i.e containerisation (CNF’s).
• Strong Knowledge on IMS Core technologies and GSM/LTE/5G network architecture.
• Strong knowledge in Voice Core network elements - MSC, MGW, HLR, HSS, SBC and IMS (TAS and CSCF), EPC.
• Extensive experience with unified communications and collaboration (UCC) platforms including voice, IP telephony, instant messaging, desktop sharing, presence and web conferencing, audio and video conferencing, hosted contact centre solutions, etc.
• Strong understanding of various deployment architectures and approaches including customer premise, infrastructure partnerships, interconnects, cloud delivery UCaaS, etc.
• Understanding and experience with IP, VoLTE, VoWiFi, or IMS nodes (SBG, CSCF, DNS/ENUM, MMTEL, SCC-AS, HSS, AFG).
• Strong protocol knowledge in SIP, RTP, MEGACO, SCCP, GSM MAP and SS7/SIGTRAN/ISUP, GTP.
• CAMEL/GRX/GTP/DIAMETER knowledge is an advantage.
• Understanding of billing systems, CDR’s, TAP flows, TAP files.
• Knowledge of UNIX-Solaris, AIX, HPUX, Windows, Linux and cloud technology
• Experience and knowledge with Mobile Number portability and Number inventory management solutions.
• Platform analytics relating to voice and UCC platforms.
• Understanding of other core platform areas including SMS/messaging, mobile roaming, signalling, and related value-added services (VAS) and security
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organisation
• Leadership and organisational skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Time management and agility towards change both organisational and network
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to solve problems using a creative and logical mind set
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies (advantageous) 
• Manager track record of 3 years or more; with at least 2 years in relevant sector/ industry
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous

Competencies:

• Implementers, Decisive Problem Solver, Best Practice Value Creator 
• Culture and Change Champion, Guiding People Manager, Relationship Builder 
•  Results Achiever, Operationally Astute 
• Detailed knowledge on the international telecommunication infrastructure industry regarding latest industry trends and competitive landscape within the Bayobab footprint 
• Strong understanding of managed networks 
• Strong analytical skills to be able to execute market analysis, competitor landscape reports and customer monitoring - Understanding the connectivity infrastructure wholesales landscape with a focus of emerging markets
• Ensures execution of strategies through creating and implementing tactical plans for others to follow
• Encourages commercial innovation and continuous improvement for systems, processes, products, and service offerings
• Role models ethical practices by living the MTN values and vital behaviours for others to follow
• Builds relationships across the business in order to influence decision-makers and build team credibility
• Produces sustainable divisional results through ethical practices
• Sets priorities, plans, organizes and co-ordinates the work of others

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Tasks: 

• Accountable for a customer centric culture.
• Employee relations and collaborative teamwork. 
• Build professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to the organization. 
• Communicate actively and effectively resolving any potential conflicts that may arise. 
• Living the MTN Brand – changing and influence employees behaviour. 
• Manage conflict proactively and monitor disciplinary and grievance actions and trends 
• Team learning and knowledge sharing within team; appropriate strategic timing for people up-skilling in line with newly developed technologies and strategic practices

Method of Application