Manager - Core Network Planning at MTN Nigeria

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