Core IP Network Team lead / Architect at Netcom Africa

Location: Victoria Island, Lagos

Job Summary

• Design, monitor, manage, optimize and maintain Core IP network (Routers, Switches, International connections, domestic backhaul, base stations connectivity, excluding last mile client links).  
• Continuously monitor network actively to be able to predict future failures and notify and escalate current issues until closure.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
Network Operations:

• Manage & maintain core servers such as DNS, NTP, SPAM gateway, AAA, Monitoring, Syslog, Configuration management.
• Manage, troubleshooting of MPLS network (EoMPLS) implemented on all PoP's. Traffic Engineering of MPLS network where necessary.
• Manage, troubleshoot & monitoring of backhaul.
• Make use of available backhaul network bandwidth efficiently, distribute loads or load sharing where necessary.
• Identify any performance issues, make necessary recommendations.
• Implement automatic failover of links, performance routing.    
• Develop Preventive maintenance procedure to increase the availability of core services.
• Ensure that all maintenance activities are scheduled as per maintenance policies
• Manage Data Center to ensure orderly and secure environment.

Network Monitoring:

• Maintain 99.999 % availability of core services & Monitor network stability, availability and performance.
• Automatic alerting and escalating systems for device failure, performance issues, link failure or quality related issue.  
• Implement / manage & maintain Out of band monitoring of all core devices in POP's & other remote locations
• Develop framework and procedures for monitoring network elements
• Implement system for Log collection & management. Strategy to analyze log data periodical & take necessary actions where necessary.

Network Integration:

• Design, setup and configure complex switching environments.

Capacity Planning:

• Forecast and plan core network expansion prior to congestion based on sales forecasting and extrapolation of usage.

Network Optimization and Traffic engineering:

• Optimal use of available international bandwidth from different providers, escalate any issue to Tier I providers. Automatic failover in case of link failures, Ensure performance-based routing.
• Identify and classify traffic flows to relieve congestion and enhance user experience
• Ensure that IP transit routes are optimal and deliver highest performance in the industry
• Maintain Speedtest.net ratings for Netcom at top tier.

Network Security Management:

• Implement industry best practices for Security of core devices, implement templates where necessary & AAA system where necessary.
• Handle Spam / Public IP blacklist issue handling / customer awareness of Spam issues / Handling of customer spam issues.
• Implement Network Security Operations Center in NOC.

Network Documentation & Configuration Management:

• Maintain current IP Address registration information with Afrinic
• Maintain IP Address records for Netcom IP addresses
• Implement network documentation templates, standards & management procedure.
• Maintain up to date network documentation & version / change history.  
• Configuration management, periodical backups & track changes.
• Develops strict Change management procedure within the organization & eliminate any unauthorized changes on core devices or infrastructure such as power, backhaul.

Network Vendor Management (core network hardware / network providers):

• Liaise with providers to ensure that services are operating at proper function and performance.

Technical Escalation:

• Provide level 3 network support for all network issues.

Reporting:

• Provide Weekly report of Core Networks.

Management:

• Ensure implementation projects are completed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Implement industry standard Operational practices within the team.
• Evaluate various new technologies / products, make recommendation to management where necessary
• Develop policies and procedures as necessary to remain ISO9000/TL9000 compliant
• Develop Staff skills and experience.

Education and / or Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electronics / Communications / Network / Computer Engineering
• CCAr Architect (CCDE previous) and CCIE Routing and Switching certification or equivalent.
• At least 5 years in similar role for regional or nation-wide servicing ISP with national backhaul and international backbone circuits and global clients.
• At least 5 to 8 years demonstrable and proven experience in I.T architectural design and technology development within their specialty field, specifically in design and deployment of IT Technical and reference architectures
• At least 8 years demonstrable experience in Network and Voice operations and services, specifically, WAN (MPLS, SD-WAN), VPN, LAN, WIFI, Firewalls, UTM, Security, Monitoring (NOC), VoIP, SIP, ISDN.

Essential Skills / Knowledge / Traits:

• Expert IP Networking and Fiber Optic Network skills.
• Technical, analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent IT/Computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office software, other company and specific software applications)
• Strong organizational skills, effective leadership skills and confident decision-making ability.
• Patience and the ability to deal with people.
• Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Company.
• Availability in response to needs of the internal or customer for installation, maintenance, and equipment malfunctions.
• Willing to perform work and support outside office hour.
• Highly motivated and resourceful.
• Team player and be able to prioritize different request and requirements.

Desirable Skill / Knowledge / Trait:

• Project Management Professional, ITIL Professional
• Ability to steer through complex decisions, engaging key stakeholders in the process and be able to communicate regularly to the business and the team
• Ability to work well under pressure, to tight timescales and priorities, with a focus on cost-control and security, in a deadline driven environment.
• Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills required (e.g. listening, verbal, written) to communicate effectively at all levels of the business.
• Must be a self-starter to keep up with fast-changing trends.   Technical, analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.