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Specialist: Radio Optimisation South Africa , Innovation Centre

Ensure that the network is configured and is performing optimally at all times by providing the correct tools, systems, support and strategic direction to Radio Planning and Optimisation Engineers • Ensure that the network is optimised and performing at levels consistent with customer expectations and that tools used reflect customer experience as much as possible. • Provide process and delivery support for department optimisation function systems (Performance Management and Configuration Management) as well as strategies around tool selection. • Provide key analytical skills by facilitating/ assisting with Department reporting requirements.

KPA Duties

Strategy Development • Give input to development of Radio Network Optimisation strategies • Take network requirements and plan and design processes to perform optimally at all times by providing the correct tools, systems, support and strategic direction to Radio Planning and Optimisation Engineers • Assist with optimisation Tool requirements definition, selection and trials/ process integration for current as well as future Radio access technologies • Be aware of all converging technologies and ensure that support systems/ processes will be ready for these developments Planning & Delivery • Support access network controller node dimensioning, ensuring that access network controller node equipment is future proof and has adequate capacity to cater for forecasted rollout • Support access network controller node re-parenting exercises • Produce detailed and comprehensive designs for radio network optimisation, which can be directly implemented • Ensure implementation of radio optimisation plans are carried out fully with a smooth handover to Network Operations for cutover and integration into the live network, where applicable • Assist in the access network controller node roll out plan • Assist with aligning planning and designing with other functions • Assist in obtaining requirements from the Business for issues impacting network optimisation • Facilitate traffic and capacity requirements forecasting with appropriate tools • Participate in developing 1-3 year plans and translating strategy into both long term and near term plans • Translate high level plan to low level design as well as specify detailed configuration setting of design • Support definition of 1-year budget • Participate in scoping sessions • Ensure and manage adequate performance monitoring including network drive testing • Specify testing requirements and ensure testing • Verify bill of material (based on RfP in design phase) and confirm order of equipment and services • Perform final verification of the desired configuration prior to integration to align expected and actual network configuration • Perform final verification of integration • Prepare detailed design documentation for implementation and integration • Facilitate appropriate Server installation and maintenance (OS, maintenance patches, applications etc) for any supported tools. Network Optimisation & Performance • Ensure the network consistently delivers on customer expectations regarding network quality and capacity • Ensure the integrity of cell parameters within the network • Facilitate and capture knowledge of MTN engineers in business logic and rules into support systems. • Assist business with reports to show performance of network tied in with major planned work, Primary and Secondary KPI's tied to planned work activities tied to our Configuration Management Tool • Facilitate continuous improvement from the radio department and feedback to confirm that plans meet objectives • Facilitate tracking and reporting on performance problems and performance improvements on division level • Investigate performance issues and identification on changes required on division level • Escalate network performance impacting issues with Operations dept • Ensure updated and relevant QMS processes in place for radio network optimisation issues • Investigate, conduct trials, suggest and implement best radio network parameters and new features to ensure optimum quality on an ongoing basis • Review of design and drive optimisation changes • Drive Automatic Cell Planning and frequency Planning initiatives as required to support Optimisation requirement. • Ensure that network quality is monitored on a continual basis and service levels remain within the predefined KPI’s • Investigate, specify and facilitate in the development or purchase of tools and systems for network planning and optimisation processes • Specify optimisation related applications and guide software developers in the development thereof • Give guidance, assistance and high level support to Radio Planning and Optimisation Engineers on 2G network optimisation and performance issues as well as on network utilization and dimensioning • Development of new or modifying of existing business rules used in CM/ PM tools. Currently in developed in VBScript. Code updates for new algorithms or rules. Investigating whether additional calculations should be implemented for 3g or multiband cells Communication and co-ordination • Assist with day to day support on configuration management to planners • Assisting with Prioritising and following up with radio planners to be aware of and to clear critical discrepancies and Performance issues ASAP • Assist in communicating & distributing the experience gained by P&O engineers with regard to optimisation techniques • Communicate plans and integrate feedback both internally to RPO as well as to Marketing/ Sales Groups • Co-operate with and support other network group departments at all levels • Interface with other areas of the MTN business outside of the radio department (e.g. Marketing and MTN Group Network) as required for successful radio strategy development, radio optimisation and implementation • Interface with vendors for various issues impacting the optimisation dept. • Facilitate coordination of radio optimisation and its implementation with those of core and transmission • Interface with and follow up with suppliers and support with respect to Customer Service Requests/ issues and do corrective actions Financial Management • Continuously strive to identify and eliminate non-contributory expenditure Technology Competencies • Excellent knowledge of radio network planning & optimisation techniques • Excellent understanding of radio network planning tools • Profound understanding of the frequency planning process • Excellent understanding of drive test tools • Excellent knowledge of GSM radio technology, the Logical and Physical layers of GSM / UMTS radio interface and RF propagation principles • Good knowledge of UMTS radio technology • Detailed knowledge of GSM / UMTS system design and principles • Excellent understanding of the operational level of the 2G and 3G radio network • Understanding of wider trends in the international and local telecoms industry, incl. latest technological and market developments in relation to all aspects of Network Planning and Optimisation • Good knowledge of Software programming and Development Processes Role Complexity: • Dealing with a range of different departments across network group to ensure that the network is performing at optimum quality levels • Monitor international trends and business best practice in relation to all aspects of network optimisation techniques

Requirements

BSc. Electronic Engineering or equivalent at the discretion of the Optimization Manager
4 years experience in radio network optimisation and planning
Knowledge: • Have a very good knowledge and understanding of radio network planning and optimization principles and techniques (WCDMA, GSM and other radio network technologies like Wimax, Wireless Lan etc) • Have a good understanding of the end to end network nodes required in the GSM / UMTS architecture for both CS and PS) • Have a very good understanding of the tools used in the radio network planning and optimization process e.g. drive test tools etc • Have a very good understanding of the end to end mobile network and telecommunication networks in general • Understand principles, languages and tools of software development • Understanding of project management principles • Be computer and internet literate • Have a good understanding of PM, CM, FM Operations principles and practices. Skills / physical competencies: • Programming skills, Analytical skills, Numerical skills, Presentation skills, Project Management Skills • Ability to learn quickly to adapt to knew technologies and methods • Have a drive to constantly improve • Good communication and interpersonal skills Behavioural qualities: • People sensitivity (must be approachable) • Quick at learning • Able to understand complex technical concepts – need to comprehend the interaction/tradeoffs of different choices made in network Optimisation • Creative in the development of new methods and techniques • Be able to effectively communicate complex technical concepts • Assertive, proactive and be able to work independently and in a team

Reference No:IRC66281
Position Type: Permanent
Affirmative Action: N
Salary: -
Additional: Training: • Industry-specific training (GSM/WCDMA/Wimax etc) • Frequency Planning • Programming • Presentation • Project Management • Statistics OSS Exposure to GSM Cell Planning Principles (RF Design & radio capacity planning), GPRS and Packet Switched Data (PS network design & interaction with CS domain), Radio Optimisation (Understands the principles & process of ACP / AFP optimisation and enhanced radio optimisation features)

Applications close 2012-02-22