Airtel Nigeria (Airtel Networks Limited), a leading mobile telecommunication services provider in
Nigeria and a member of Airtel Africa Group, is committed to providing innovative, exciting, affordable and quality mobile services to Nigerians, giving them the freedom to communicate, rise above their daily challenges and drive economic and social development. The company made history on August 5, 2001 by becoming the first telecoms operator to launch commercial GSM services in Nigeria and has scored a series of many “firsts” in the highly competitive Nigerian telecommunications market including the first to introduce toll-free 24-hour customer care; first to launch service in all the six geo-political zones in the country; first to introduce affordable recharge denominations; first to introduce monthly free SMS and first to introduce monthly airtime bonus.
A truly innovative company, Airtel has showed resilience, charting new paths in meeting the demands and needs of its esteemed stakeholders and enhancing distribution as well as providing affordable services to empower more nigerians.
In Nigeria, Airtel is working tirelessly to live up to an ambitious vision of being the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians as it offers a superior brand experience and a portfolio of innovative products & services ranging from exciting voice solutions to inventive data packages and mobile broadband.
Job Title: Manager: CS Core Planning
Airtel Nigeria – Nigeria
The function will define the optimal topology of the circuit switched core network to meet a premium service level and architecture; To evaluate network design and define integrated planning/implementation criteria and guidelines with partners for capacity management and dimensioning of the core network; Also would evaluate delivery of CS core projects to designed SLAs whilst exploring the most efficient ways to deliver any new functional requirements placed upon the CS Core Network by 2G/3G/LTE access technologies.
Optimal and Resilient Unified Core Network architecture to assure efficient and uninterrupted delivery of voice & next generation multimedia services
Drive planning and design excellence by providing quality solutions to business requirements at reduced cost/time.
Plan and facilitate the long term network evolution of CS core network within best industry practices with a side emphasis on improving CAPEX productivity and service offerings for competitive advantage.
Facilitate the establishment of high levels of reliability and redundancy in the core network.
Ensure that all CS core nodes (MSS, MGW, TSC, HLR, STP, etc.) are functional as per the business and network requirements including those in the EPC/LTE domain.sa
Effective lifecycle management of core elements under responsible area.
Detailed and Effective Documentation.
Ensure that the project related documentation reflects a fit-for-purpose design and complies with the contractual vendor requirements.
On concept of solutions proffered and prior to implementation, documentation in the form of SD, HLD and LLD designs should be prepared to include technical functionality, platform design and platform integration with relevant network elements.
Capacity planning
Ensure proactive network dimensioning and perform adequate expansions to cater for increasing traffic requirements.
Perform adequate dimensioning, of all MPC/EPC related Nodes – in accordance with network growth and projections.
Continuously being the loop of the network traffic, licenses, trends and various parameters to ensure the Network elements are operating as expected. Where required, take corrective action with input from Operations.
Effective understanding of Operational and Business support systems (OSS/BSS) for performance reporting, Key performance indicator (KPI) monitoring and tuning for effective end to end planning of data services.
Ensure projects are aligned with the Annual Operating Program (AOP)
Liaise with partner teams, Airtel HQ and other departments to evaluate progress and seamless delivery of Core network projects and deployment of key networks systems from initial design to full operational handover.
Derive maximum commercial benefit from CAPEX commitments in terms of injected capacity and services by ensuring all dependent enablers and functionality to deliver optimum services are fully implemented and functioning according to design specification
Employee Engagement
Provide consultation services to relevant business units including Liaison with Marketing and IT for new products and services.
Hold necessary kick off meetings with stakeholders where/when required.
Maintain high Team Harmony and Engagement at all times with both internal and external teams and stakeholders.
Vendor/Partner Management
Ensuring that the MS/MC partners deliver the projects to the high quality expected first time right.
New Initiatives
Engage with business teams to understand functional needs/business problems and concerns and come up with possible plans/solutions to address these requirements cost effectively
Technology assessments and POC trials (RFI/RFP/RFQ). Verification of solutions before roll-out.
Analyze business requirements and processes before converting ideas to solution design of new services; where required research into new technology and development in Telecommunication industry with regards to Voice and Multimedia services.
Time Management
Prioritize self-workload as required to meet the fluctuating demands of business and requirements from other stakeholders.
Desired Skills and Experience
Educational Qualifications & Functional / Technical Skills
Any of the following:
Detailed working Telecommunications experience with sound knowledge of mobile network planning and optimization
Previous O&M understanding would also be a benefit
Analytical and Presentation skills
A basic understanding of 3GPP /ITU-T and ETSI standards is required.
Bachelor/Masters of Telecommunication/Electronic Engineering degree
Relevant Experience
Minimum of ~5 years varied experience in planning, implementation, operation and maintenance with a Mobile Telecommunications Network Operator or Vendor
Vendor experience – HUAWEI, ERICSSON, ALCATEL LUCENT platforms and packet core architectures – Including Charging nodes in data networks.
An excellent understanding of the underlying IP transport networks with applications to converged networks would be of much added benefits.
Experience of the commercial deployment of a mobile/enhanced core network, which could include design, test and/or deployment.
Good understanding of Interrelated domains (circuit & packet core, online & offline charging, IN protocols, next generation technologies e.g. IMS) required.
Also a very good understanding of access network technologies (BSC, RNC) as related to core and the evolution of 3G networks moving towards 4G.
Experience of deployment of key network systems through the delivery life cycle from initial design to full operational handover
Good project management knowledge
Experience in measuring and analyzing network KPI ‘key performance indicators’
Other requirements
Personal Integrity and good interpersonal relationship
Personal tenacity to succeed
Must have excellent organizational and communication skills.
Highly organized and good at implementation
Time management skills with commitment to project timelines.
Self-motivational skills
Good analytical and problem solving skills.
Good practical skills in troubleshooting and fault resolution for supporting operations teams as an escalation point
How to Apply
Leave a Reply