STTA Telecoms Operations Specialist at North East Regional Initiative (NERI)

Number of Positions: Several

Position Start Date: Immediately

Position Summary: 

The STTA Telecoms Operations Specialist will support NLCB Program and Engineering units in the design, procurement, technical review, and installation of required telecommunication systems, as required by NLCB activities. Following installation, the Telecoms Operations Specialist may be required to provide training and maintenance support to beneficiaries. As NLCB activities take place throughout the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, the Telecoms Operations Specialist (TOS) will be required to travel to participate in community and stakeholder meetings, conduct site assessments, and provide technical training and maintenance support.

At the design phase, the STTA TOS will work with the Program and Engineering Units to provide detailed technical specifications for telecommunication systems, including radio (e.g. HF/VHF/UHF) and satellite systems (e.g. VSAT).  The TOS will engage with program staff, beneficiaries, and communities to develop specifications that are reflective of programmatic considerations in regards to telecommunications coverage, intended usage, and the target locations of North East Nigeria. The TOS will be responsible for ensuring that all specification requirements developed are in accordance with sound technical, quality, and engineering standards. During the procurement process for equipment, the TOS may be called upon to technically inspect and accept equipment before delivery and installation.

During implementation, the STTA TOS will be required to travel to oversee the deployment, installation, configuring, and commissioning of telecoms systems to various sites and provide updates, including technical assessment reports, pictures, and progress monitoring and reporting. During site visits, the TOS will be responsible for monitoring and troubleshooting the HF/VHF/UHF network to ensure strong coverage. The TOS may be responsible for training beneficiaries on proper usage and maintenance of the provided equipment. This may include training on radio communications procedures and the requirements for proper use of HV/VHF/UHF equipment. The TOS will be expected to keep NLCB staff informed of any technical problems and proposed solutions during and after installation and configuring.

Successful STTA TOS must have the strong technical and interpersonal skills required to successfully implement the scope of work as described above. S/he must have the analytical skills, knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the installation and operation of telecommunication system including HF/VHF/UHF and VSAT. Should be able to work independently with little or no supervision and must have at least five (5) years of working experience directly relevant to the proposed scope of work requirements.  

Reporting & Supervision:

The STTA Telecoms Operations Specialist will report to the Engineering Manager based in Abuja and will be supervised by Regional Program Manager based at Maiduguri (or his delegate) to oversee various projects as tasked.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist the Program and Engineering Units to provide detailed technical specifications for telecommunication systems, including HF/VHF/UHF radio systems and VSAT.  This may require engaging program staff, beneficiaries and communities to develop specifications that are reflective of programmatic considerations including coverage, intended usage, and the target locations. The TOS will contribute to the development of BOQs, technical scopes of work, price determinations, and any required designs or drawings. The TOS will be responsible for ensuring that all specification requirements developed are in accordance with sound technical, quality, and engineering standards.
• Advise Program and Engineering Units on the operating environment and enabling laws guiding the use of security and/or police communication radio systems and specifications in Nigeria
• Provide technical inspection and acceptance of equipment before delivery and installation.
• Travel to oversee the deployment, installation, configuring, and commissioning of telecoms systems to various sites and provide updates, including technical assessment reports, pictures, and progress monitoring and reporting.
• Monitor and troubleshoot the HF/VHF/UHF network or other telecommunications system network to ensure strong coverage. Keep NLCB staff informed of any technical problems and proposed solutions during and after installation and configuration.
• As requested, provide training to beneficiaries on proper usage and maintenance of the provided equipment. This may include training on radio communications procedures and the requirements for proper use of HV/VHF/UHF radio equipment.
•  Interface with grantees, vendors and contractors as required ensuring transparent program processes are upheld.
• Any other duties suitable to task and commensurate with ability.

 Required Skills & Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant technical field, including engineering or telecommunications.
• 5 years’ work experience relevant to the scope of work requirements. Specifically, experience in technologies and activities including radio and satellite programming, installation and repair. Experience in developing specifications to suit programmatic needs and demonstrated experience in installation and training is required.  
• Good understanding of operating environment and enabling laws guiding the use of security (and/or police) communication radio system and specifications in Nigeria.
• Ability to work independently, think creatively and apply problem solving skills and provide technical supervision.
• Ability to plan and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines and adjust priorities as necessary.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to manage a diverse range of professional relationships essential.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills in English. Oral communication skills; ability to convey technical information in an understandable manner and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people in person, on the telephone and in public setting.
• Computer and reporting skills’ the ability to use spreadsheet and word processing software and use e-mail.
• Fluency in Hausa or Kanuri desired.