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Specialist: Configuration Management -

Specialist: Configuration Management

South Africa , Innovation Centre

Job Mission

Ensure that the RAN network configuration is correctly maintained by investigating, developing and deploying the appropriate specifications, tools, standards, procedures and systems in order to maintain a network which meets MTN’s customers’ quality expectations Manage, provide leadership and take responsibility for system performance, functionality, development, testing, implementation and data integrity for Configuration Management Software Solutions.

KPA Duties

Detailed Description: Strategic input • Give input to development of Radio Information Management strategies • Support development of Radio Network Planning & Optimisation strategies • Support translation of the strategies into both long range and near term plans • Be aware of all converging technologies and ensure that support systems/ processes will be ready for these developments Planning & Delivery • Assist in obtaining requirements from the Business 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 network configuration tool requirements definition, selection and trials including process integration for current as well as future Radio access technologies • Assist with technical investigations into topics related to radio engineering software design and performance, such as new types of hardware, new design methodologies and the evolution of software systems • Participate in developing 1-3 year plans and translating strategy into both long term and near term plans Planning & Delivery • Ensure Timely Configuration of applications to support new parameters, commands and technologies and network software releases • Participate in scoping sessions • Recommend and Develop specifications for future parameter & network topology management tools, tool features, participate in negotiations with vendor for implementation, oversee the development, testing and implementation of these by a software house • Diagnose and correct malfunctions in the system by interfacing with MTN staff in several departments and with the vendor of the system • Work with subject matter experts & developers in specifying new features and capabilities • Ensure alignment with strategy and roadmap • Develop procedures and processes for efficient execution • Ensure final verification of the desired configuration prior to integration to align expected and actual network configuration • Ensure final verification of integration • Expose desirable and undesirable network settings and changes to all interested parties • Capture knowledge of MTN’s engineers in software rules and default parameter settings • Ensure parameter baseline is captured in configuration management system/s and applied across the network • Ensure correction of database problems and programming bugs • Participate in negotiations with vendors on pricing, priority of future features, bespoke development etc. • Make network parameter changes on live network when required • Recommend new configuration & parameter management tool features and negotiate with vendor for implementation • Ensure and implement adherence to work procedures and processes • Ensure preparation of detailed configuration documentation for implementation and integration • Suggest best radio network parameters for all technologies to deploy in network • Ensure guidance, assistance and high level support to Radio Planning and Optimisation Engineers on Radio network optimisation and performance issues • Oversee and participate in development of custom applications and tools to assist in the day to day configuration management activities outside of the 3rd party systems. o Ensure the specification and evaluation of all custom software tools developed in the Radio Configuration area o Ensure that these tools are effective and efficient and maintain relevance and value within the department o Ensure these custom tools are continuously maintained and supported. o Transfer knowledge to Radio Information Management team on custom developments • Evaluate the functionality and complexity of new Radio Configuration products or tools on the market. • Compile evaluation criteria and performance matrix for tender purposes • Scope the requirements for tenders and trials and participate in the physical evaluation of the products Network Optimisation & Performance((Software Systems) • Ensure the network consistently delivers on customer expectations regarding network quality and capacity in terms of configuration management • Provide continuous improvement and feedback to the radio network planning and optimization engineers in terms of configuration • Support investigation on performance issues and identification of changes required on division level • Ensure that the Planning & Optimisation engineers are adequately trained to operate systems • Ensure that MTN uses the state of the art tools in this important area • Encourage the application of these tools to other related areas (e.g. switch parameter management, transmission) • Ensure data integrity within the parameter management application, configuration database/s and supporting MTN South Africa’s RF engineers • Maintain data integrity in the application/s and network as far as possible • Authority to “do what is necessary” to get systems to work if necessary Communication and co-ordination • Assist in communicating & distributing the experience gained with regard to optimisation techniques, configuration baselines etc. • Communicate plans and integrate feedback • Co-operate with and support other network group departments at all levels • Support interface with other areas of the MTN business outside of the radio department (e.g. Marketing, MTN Group networks) as required for successful radio configuration and implementation • Manage interface with vendors for various issues impacting the configuration domain. • Guide and encourage professional configuration management within MTN SA as well as the wider MTN Group operations • Lead supplier relations and support with respect to Customer Service Requests and coordinate corrective actions Financial Management • Continuously strive to identify and eliminate non-contributory expenditure • Support managing expenditures in line with agreed budgets • Ensure evaluation of the functionality and relevance of new Radio Configuration system/s functionality from a financial benefit • Support definition of 1-year budget Technology Competencies • Very good knowledge of radio network planning & optimisation techniques • Understanding of the frequency planning process and drive test tools • Good knowledge of GSM and UMTS radio technology • Detailed knowledge of GSM / UMTS system design and principles, the Logical and Physical layers of GSM / UMTS radio interface and RF propagation principles • Good understanding of the operational level of the Radio Access Network • Detailed knowledge of equipment vendor OSS systems and interfaces • Detailed knowledge of Information Technology trends and best practices with a basic knowledge of telecommunication system trends • Oracle database development, Oracle PL/SQL, Unix skills, VBScript skills • Good knowledge of Multi-tier applications, GUI development, Web development, HTML, XML, UML and Object Oriented design and development • Understanding of wider trends in the international and local telecoms industry, incl. latest technological and market developments in relation to Radio Network Planning and Optimisation Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity: Directly manage activities of 2 direct reports Supervisory of contractor staff assigned to Configuration Management Role Complexity: • Responsibility for ensuring data integrity within the parameter & configuration management application/s and supporting MTN South Africa’s RF engineers • Diagnosing and correcting malfunctions in the system by interfacing with MTN staff in several departments and with the vendor of the system. • Promoting best practice RAN Configuration Management • Determine problems on other integrated systems affecting configuration management • Troubleshooting Vendor OSS issues related to Configuration Management • Vendor management and negotiations Other tasks: 1) Departmental relations: Identify the individuals reponsible for parameter management in other departments and applications for Configuration Management tools within their areas and expand adoption of the tool. 2) Supplier relations: Maintain a close level of interaction with all suppliers to ensure MTN’s requests are always prioritized and that the overall development direction is aligned with our requirements. 3) Network relations: Develop an understanding of MTN’s operations and build relationships with the engineers responsible for configuration management within each of these operations to facilitate the adoption of preferred Configuration Management solutions.

Requirements

• Preferably a BSc. Electronic Engineering/Computer Science or B-Tech or equivalent with experience at the discretion of the Radio Information Management Manager
• 5 -10 years experience in GSM/UMTS or telecommunications systems with a proven track record • Computer Systems experience with good understanding of Computer Software & Hardware • 2 years programming in the following: Oracle database development, Oracle PL/SQL, Multi-tier application design and development, application GUI development, Web development, HTML, XML, Object Oriented design and development • Project Management experience • Principles of Change Management
Knowledge: Exposure to Radio Optimisation (Understands the process of frequency planning and advanced radio features i.e. DTX, Power Control) Exposure to GSM/UMTS Radio interface Have a good understanding of the end to end network nodes required in the GSM / UMTS architecture for both CS and PS) In depth knowledge of telecoms and IT systems and networks Understand principles, languages and tools of software development Understanding of project management principles Skills / physical competencies: • Programming skills, Analytical skills, Numerical skills, Presentation skills, Project Management Skills • Integration of systems, analysing system functionality and providing system interfaces. • Large volume data processing, analysis and management • Problem and user requirement analysis and developing solutions. • Ability to learn quickly to adapt to new technologies and methods • Have a drive to constantly improve • Good communication and interpersonal skills • Analytical mind – ability to analyse Engineering problems, software systems, applications, data and provide appropriate solutions. • Good problem solving skills. • Ability to conceptualise and draw out user requirements and implement a suitable solution, especially in the radio Engineering functions. • Presentation skills Behavioural qualities: • Able to work independently of supervision • Self-motivation • Strong team-player • Integrity and openness • Assertiveness • People sensitivity (must be approachable) • Knowledge Sharing • Good inter-personal skills - user feedback and knowledge transfer and communication with colleagues • Able to motivate team • High cultural awareness

Reference No:IRC79223
Position Type: Permanent
Affirmative Action: N
Salary: -
Additional: Training: • Industry-specific training (GSM and UMTS, LTE advantageous) • Exposure to GSM Cell Planning Principles (RF Design & radio capacity planning), GPRS and Packet Switched Data, Radio Optimisation (Understands the principles & process of ACP / AFP optimisation and enhanced radio optimisation features) • Project Management • Programming • Oracle Database and PL/SQL skills • Programming • Presentation Skills • Statistics • OSS

Applications close 2012-07-16

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Specialist: Configuration Management -