The Manager – Messaging Planning will be accountable to the following objectives:

• Developing the Bayobab planning function to meet the changing needs of the business and users, new projects, and technologi
• Collaborating with business teams to continuously evolve Bayobab core network platforms, focusing on supporting improved performance and customer experience.
• Facilitating Network governance process in coordination with Bayobab stakeholders and Senior Management, participate in planning for future strategic innovation and business needs.
• Defining Messaging platforms planning tools, processes, and standards, and roadmaps.
• Reviewing the designs and functional requirements of the Messaging 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 Messaging 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 Messaging platforms, infrastructure, and services.
• According to departmental KPI’s in line with the company mission, objectives and customer satisfaction indices

Staff Leadership and Management

• 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 Bayobab – 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
• Continually develop a culture of strong collaboration and effective team working.
• Provide definition of roles, responsibilities, individual goals and performance objectives for the direct reports.
• Develop and implement a training plan in order to build and develop skills within the team.
• Performance manages resources in accordance with HR policy and legislation where necessary.
• Actively participate in leadership team and develop skills of own team.
• Promote a ‘partnership approach’ to develop strong relationships with other working groups and ensure adherence to Group governance.

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
• Participate and provide inputs to overall Lanning budgets in line with business objectives, under oversight of SM.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Minimum 4-year Academic Degree (B Eng. / BSc Degree preferred)
• Master’s degree (advantageous)
• Relevant certification/accreditation/membership with professional body as required for role
• Fluent in English and language of country (preferable)

Experience:

• 5+ Years of progressive experience managing the implementation, integration, and operations of carrier-level applications and platforms in a variety of technology footprints and geographies and markets.
• Functional experience in Core platforms including messaging, mobility, roaming, signalling, and related value-added services (VAS) and security.
• Knowledge of IP, CCNA is an added advantage.
• Solid understanding of virtualisation and cloud-based solutions and technologies in relation to Roaming, Messaging and Signalling platforms
• Hands on experience with Messaging hubs / platforms as well as value added platforms.
• Hands on experience with SMS Routing, Hub and Firewall technology
• Understanding open connectivity roaming hub and/or experience working with Data Clearing Houses is a valuable asset.
• Strong Knowledge on GSM/LTE/5G network architecture and signalling architecture (STP’s/DRA/DEA).
• Strong Knowledge on End to End architecture and connectivity at solution level including core network, signalling, roaming and VAS.
• Expert Knowledge of Signalling  protocols and standards relating to CAMEL/GRX/GTP/DIAMETER, SIP, RTP, MEGACO, SCCP, GSM MAP and SS7/SIGTRAN/ISUP.
• Understanding of the standard call flows for messaging, roaming Vas and Signalling involving multiple services.
• Basic understanding of IPX and its positioning with the career network infrastructure.
• Understanding of IoT platforms, providers and mobile roaming and roaming VAS.
• Expert in SMS/SMPP data solutions (A2P,P2A, P2P, RCS, etc).
• Understanding of billing systems, CDR’s, TAP flows, TAP files.
• Knowledge of UNIX-Solaris, AIX, HPUX, Windows, Linux and cloud technology including containerisation (CNF’s).
• Extensive knowledge of virtualized environments (VNF’s), API’s.
• Understanding of other core platform and network areas including voice core, unified communications and collaboration, and related value-added services (VAS) and security. Familiarity with SIP and IP Telephony protocols
• Understanding of troubleshooting processes for connectivity and services.
• 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)
• Identifying and mitigating risks associated with network planning, ensuring business continuity and minimizing service disruptions

Functional Knowledge: 

• Understanding of telecommunications fundamentals, including concepts like circuit-switched and packet-switched networks, standard protocols and interfaces.
• In-depth knowledge of core network architecture, including various generations of mobile networks (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G), as well as fixed-line networks.
• Familiarity with network protocols and industry standards, such as GSM, CDMA, LTE, IP, MPLS, and others.
• Knowledge of core network elements like Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), and other elements in 4G and 5G networks.
• Proficiency in using network planning tools and software for capacity planning, and network optimization.
• Ability to assess network capacity requirements and plan for the expansion or enhancement of network resources to meet current and future demands.
• Skills in monitoring and managing network performance, including troubleshooting and optimizing network elements to ensure optimal service quality.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the telecommunications industry to ensure legal and operational adherence.
• Keeping abreast of emerging technologies in the telecommunications field, such as network virtualization, cloud-native architectures, and edge computing.
• Collaboration with other departments like operations, engineering, and business development to align network planning with overall business objectives.
• Managing relationships with equipment vendors and staying informed about the latest advancements in network infrastructure technologies.
• Leadership skills to manage a team of network planners, engineers, and analysts, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Strategic thinking
• Technical Acumen
• Business Acumen
• Analytical thinking
• Conflict management
• Data interpretation
• Decision making
• Delivery focused
• Leadership
• Negotiations
• Innovation