Head - Network Operations Centre at 9Mobile

Job Summary       

• Coordinate the implementation of an effective framework for the operation and maintenance of the Base Station Subsystem, provide support functions on access network and effective management of all monitoring tools
• Provide leadership and direction for the Network Operations Centre unit.

Principal Functions  

• Assist the Director, Network Operations in communicating the division's strategic direction and objectives to all staff.
• Assist in the definition of the division's plans, policies, projects and service levels.
• Plan and ensure implementation of established internal processes using best practice standards to ensure a stable and highly available systems platform for an optimal operating environment.
• Keep abreast of global and local best practice as it relates to the team function's activities.
• Continuously review the unit/ team's activities, make recommendations for improvement and implement approved improvement initiatives to ensure enhanced performance of the team.
• Identify required resources, personnel and funding to achieve the unit/ function's strategy.
• Establish and maintain relationship with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage and support network access and network performance management systems including all monitoring tools.
• Oversee the integration, management and administration of Base Station Subsystem (BSS) and access network platform infrastructure (UNIX-Solaris and application level) and other related equipment.
• Ensures processes and procedures (e.g.Escalation/reporting, updates, call answering/handling, and training) are in place to support scalable growth
• Continually identifies areas for process,quality and efficiency improvement within the NOC, recommends prioritized enhancements with supporting details to Change Control Board and oversees implementation.
• Manage and support admittance and access to Network Infrastructures locations especially MGW and BSC sites
• Ensure regular update of network element database documentation, support and monitor a proactive maintenance cycle on all access network systems and infrastructure.
• Delivers constant improvement in real-time identification and resolution of real-time problems; brings a deep attention to process, training and actions necessary to support outages time reduction and issue detection, response and recovery
• Investigate and identify reasons for abnormal network conditions.
• Take proactive steps to prevent network faults and failures.
• Serve as unit's primary liaison with third-party vendors and initiate regular meetings to agree on service levels.
• Manage vendor performance and ensure agreed SLAs are achieved.
• Review recommendations of the internal audit function relating to BSS operations policies, standards, guidelines and operations and take action as required.
• Implement the function's work programs and plans in line with agreed upon procedures and guidelines.
• Plan and manage the human and material resources of the team/ function to optimise performance, morale and enhance productivity.
• Manage inter-functional relations to ensure synergy across the various departmental functions.
• Monitor and control the budgetary needs of the unit/function.
• Develop and report on metrics for the performance of the NOC and individual NOC employees
• Prepare/compile agreed periodic activity and performance reports for the attention of the Director, Network Operations.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Director, Network Operations.

Educational Requirements    

• First degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering 
• Postgraduate/ professional qualification in a related field will be an added advantage.       

Experience,Skills & Competencies

• Nine (9) to twelve (12) years Telecoms workexperience with at least three (3) years in a managerial role.