Specialist - Special Projects Technology Information at MTN

Job Description

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job:  (Short description)

• To ensure that the regional radio network is developed and maintained such that it has adequate capacity, always operates at optimum quality and offers competitive coverage and associated products to market requirements

Responsibilities
Context: (Global influences, environmental / industry demands, organisational mission, etc.)

• Highly technical and fast changing environment
• Highly regulated industry
• Very competitive market 
•  Impact of increasing input costs, such as rentals and electricity, on site and MTN’s profitability

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)
Strategy Development

•  Give input  to development of regional strategy for radio access network roll-out
•  Support development of radio network strategies and key technology projects
•  Support translation of the network and radio strategies into near term plans

Enterprise Business Support

•  Provide information on customer locations’ coverage issues, solutions and execution progress to account team and Head Office staff 
•  Plan the growth of the radio network considering general engineering principles, analysis & interpretation of network statistics, knowledge of market requirements 
•  Achieve the most effective design of RF installation for the client’s needs within the network parameters which will satisfy all the demands of the market
•  Prepare presentations of network plans for EBU clients as and when required 
•  Collaborate with others regarding planning and support issues e.g. regional PMs, implementation and support teams

HetNet Design

•  Identify poor indoor coverage, hot spots and cell fringes to best deploy HetNet using geo-location tools, and network performance indicators
•  Design heterogeneous network solutions to provide capacity and coverage ; in-building solutions and small cells supporting (3G, LTE and Wi-Fi)
•  Understand network designs of third parties and approve the technical design as solution to requirements

Gated Communities coverage solutions

•  Compile designs and plans in estates and or suburbs for coverage and capacity for mobile broadband
•  Collaborate with Head Office team regarding priority areas, technology deployment, and alignment with fibre to the home
•  Survey with stakeholders for the optimal solutions e.g. transmission, implementation, property teams, third party contractors

Live Network Trials

•  Select correct site within parameters of installation cost, customers’ needs, expected traffic, environmental aspects, legislation and regulatory compliance and the existing radio network 
•  Oversee the installation of new base station equipment (small cells)
•  Network evaluation of new planning features to boost coverage and capacity
•  Ensure compliance of all rules, regulations, legislation, standards etc applicable on radio transmissions.
•  Continuously refresh and enhance technical skill and knowledge especially regarding new developments in the field of radio technology, radio network design and operation, network quality and network problems, radio access system design principles
•  Advise and support other specialists in the department
•  Investigate, specify and manage the development of tools and processes for network planning 
•  Investigate and recommend the procurement of tools and systems for network planning 
•  Suggest best radio network parameters for the radio network
•  Ensure that network quality is monitored in a continuous manner
•  Prioritise rollout and/or major site expansion towards improving customer experience in line with P10.

Communication and co-ordination

•  Communicate plans and integrate feedback
•  Co-operate with and support other network group and departments at all levels (e.g. CPG, Operations, Transmission, SMC, etc.)
•  Cooperate with other departments within MTN (e.g. EBU, marketing, etc.)

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity:  Refers to the responsibilities for directing, guiding, motivating  and influencing others.

•  No direct subordinates. Coordination with regional engineers is required 
•  Demonstrating a visionary approach to planning and optimisation and peripheral responsibilities by contributing new ideas, attitudes and systems for the improvement of the network and the performance of the team. 
•  Contribution and motivation. Understanding the value and cost of all available resources  (these include time, physical resources, time-saving developments such as automated processes, intellectual capital etc.) and acting accordingly to achieve the best results with the least possible cost to MTN in both the short and long term

Role Dependencies

• All business units within MTN SA (COO, CFO, Regulatory etc)
• MTN Group
• External systems supporting new lines of business  (Digital)
• MTN’s business strategy 
• MTN IS operations and applications
• Lateral Dimensions: These indicate the areas where the individuals could contribute uniquely in addition to the indicated duties, as well as how they could be affected by others or circumstances not necessarily under their control.
• Creativities (improvement/innovation inherent)  Indicates the potential for improvement and / or innovation inherent in a position.
• Keeping abreast with future and current planning and optimisation technologies and market developments, consumer requirements and international trends.
• Improvisation innovation and adaptation for competitive advantage.  
• P10 and Customer Network Quality of Experience improvement especially indoor experience
• Vulnerabilities (control span) Refers to the latent difficulties, or things that could potentially go wrong that affect a specific position.
•  Such vulnerabilities may / may not be under the control of the incumbent. Direct implication or firstlevel of impact.
•  Sensitive to non-delivery of work by other parties both within MTN and external to it (Telkom for example). 
•  Limited by slow of development of tools for both process-automation and new technology developments.
• Limited information relating to the market to be serviced since radio planning are first line initiators of radio network growth – bear the responsibility of the cost implications of site deployment
• Collaboration:  Refers to formal and informal relationships

 Key customers: 

•  MTN Client base: Design a network with acceptable GOS levels 
•  Marketing & Sales Departments: Giving info about the networks current status and future role out.
•  Transmission Department: Indicate technology and traffic mix in areas for sufficient backhaul transmission
•  Radio Maintenance Engineers: Offer support on network performance.
•  Implementation Engineers: Offer support on implementation and future role out of network.
•  Planning Manager: Reporting on network role out and new Capex requests for future budgets.
•  Quality Management: Reporting on network performance and GOS.
•  Regional Manager: Reporting on network performance and network role out.

 Key suppliers:

•  Contractors for small cell design and installations: Specifications & procedures. 
•  Work orders correctly defining the scope of work.
•  Hardware/Software vendors: Testing, commissioning and implementation of new applications.
•  Implementation: Delivering and implementing sites as designed by RP&O.
•  Relations, etc.
•  BSS
•  CNO
•  Transmission
•  Implementation
•  Property
•  Maintenance Engineers
•  Regional Managers
•  SMC
• Independent thought and Judgment: Relates to the decision-making constraints place upon a position or conversely, the degree of   freedom in decision-making.
•  Much independence, wide judgement within flexible boundaries of radio network design. Personal experience relied upon for effective planning of radio network   

Authorities:

•  Network parameter changes on live network (not Customer affecting)

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirements  - minimum necessary, and not the ideal / preferred should be included.

Education:

• Minimum of 3 year degree/diploma (May vary in accordance with specific country Opco qualification standards 
• Fluent in English and language of country preferable

Experience:

• 3 years’ experience in RF or telecommunications. GSM/WCDMA experience is a prerequisite. 
• Experience working in a medium  organization

Training: 

• Industry-specific training (WCDMA, LTE, WiFi)

Competencies

• Head - Big Picture Focus (10)
• Analytical Thinker -   Manages the alignment and execution of tactical activities
• Problem Solver  -  Assists in solving business challenges but looks to others for advice and guidance
• Operational Value Creator -  Executes on innovative commercial practices and identifies areas for continuous improvement

Heart – Emotionally Intelligent (20)

• Culture and Change Champion -  Role models ethical practices by living the MTN values and vital behaviours for others to follow
• Supportive People Manager – Is self-aware and supports team capability development through opportunity creation for realising potential
• Relationship Manager  -  Builds relationships with customers and teams to uphold the MTN brand

Hands – Results Focused (50) 

• Results Achiever  -  Drives team objectives and contributes to sustainability of results
• Operationally Astute -  Clarifies priorities, plans, organizes and co-ordinates the work of others