Senior Specialist: Solutions Architecture

Reference Number	2030/MF/SnrSpecSolArc/TM/14-02/PE
Job Title:	Senior Specialist: Solutions Architecture
Location:	Port Elizabeth
Job Level:	4 (Lower)
Reports To:	Manager: Enterprise Market
Advert release date:	14/2/2012
No. of Positions Available:	1
Response Deadline:	21/2/2012
Objectives:	•Perform role of interface between customer, commercial and technical entities by translating between business requirements and technical specifications. • Provide a solution focused consultancy service to clients e.g. blue chip companies, SMEs, local, provincial and national government. This will be in support of sales and presales colleagues, which will entail the analysing of complex customer requirements • Provide high level assistance and support prior to solution implementation, during solution implementation and post solution implementation. •Build and maintain productive relationships with key clients, internal groups within the company, suppliers and partners. •Deliver presentations to customers on existing and emerging technologies as well as the benefits or impact of these on customers. •Identify opportunities within client environments for solutions or new product development. •Respond to business and wholesale customer queries as per request for information (RFI) and request for proposal (RFP) documents. •Conduct research on and keep abreast of ICT trends to identify new product opportunities. Utilise solution design experience and expertise to provide input into and create architecture for new product development. •Regularly meet with the internal parties; e.g. Products and Engineering teams; as well as external parties; e.g. suppliers and partners; in order to understand internal and external roadmaps, technology strategies and product strategies. •Review and assess all existing products and services or those being considered by Vodacom in terms of its applicability and impact on business customers.
Key Outputs:	•Conduct research on technology and provide architectural inputs •To carry out research on network impact analysis for various business requirements in conjunction with the various Engineering divisions •To carry out research on financial and business impact for various business requirements •To define and document technical solution proposals for various services or network enhancements •To optimize and implement Engineering processes
Competencies:	Skills: •Technical Writing Skills •Communication Skills •Research Skills •Co-ordinating Skills •Business Acumen •Service Orientation Skills. •Interpersonal Skills. •Analytical. •Creativity. •Presentation Skills. •Facilitation Skills. •Problem Solving Skills. •Negotiation Skills. •Decision – making Skills. •Software Development Skills. Knowledge: •Knowledge of Converged Solutions design and development e.g. fixed mobile convergence, triple and quad play services and unified communications. •Cross Domain Technology Architectural knowledge coupled with implementation experience including a combination of the following: Networking (Fixed, wireless and mobile), Telecommunications (TDM, VoIP), Security, applications, databases, storage and hosting. Architecture frameworks and methodologies •Research Methodologies •VAS and IN Technologies •Business Ethics •Engineering Standards •Business Process design •GSM •System Architecture Attributes: •Customer Focus •Exceptionally strong service and results oriented personality •Ability to work under intense pressure and deadlines •Flexible •Creative •Ability to work independently •Team Oriented •Analytical •Dynamic •Passionate about work •Self motivated •Quality oriented and attentive to detail
Requirements:	Qualifications: •Matric (Essential) •A 3 year Diploma / Degree in Information Technology / Engineering, or a SAQA Accredited Equivalent*. •Industry certification e.g. CISCO (CCNA/CCDA and above) CISSP (preferred) Experience: •5-8 years working experience in the Telecommunications Industry •In-depth knowledge of various technology architectural domains and convergence (preferred) •Architect new requirements and enhancements •Developing technical specifications in line with requirement analysis documentation •Design of systems according to the requirements gathered *Please note that the onus lies with the candidate to provide Vodacom with substantial evidence to prove that his/her qualification is equivalent to the required NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level for the specific position
Other:	Special Requirements: •Must be prepared to travel. •Work long hours when required.
Employment Equity:	The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.