Specialist - Radio Network Data Engineering Science.Technology Information

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job
•    To provide and achieve company-wide innovation in the technology domain through data engineering to apply high level problem solving and specialist analytical knowledge, in terms of MTN radio network (i.e. GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR and future radio access technologies). 
•    Data analytics and automation is crucial in this role to enable MTN to make more informed planning and investment decisions driven by data analytics and machine learning.

Context (Global influences, environmental / industry demands, organisational mission etc.)
•    Work within the legal, regulatory and commercial environment of South Africa
•    Be aware of the constant evolution within the Telecom industry and Technology field
•    A strong need to keep abreast of industry changes 
•    Ability to keep track of the emergence of new technologies and software
•    Focus on the South African environment – trends and competitors   
•    An external focus, to align with market expectations

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)
Task Complexity: 
Technical Strategic Input
•    Contribute to the definition of the analytics dashboard reporting strategy within the Radio Technology domain clearly describing the future vision for analytics reporting and identifying key decision points to enable this vision to be achieved.
•    The incumbent needs to demonstrate conceptual mastery of key telecoms and data engineering principles and contribute towards development and implementation of analytics dashboard reporting strategies with time horizons of up to 5 years.
•    Take part of network wide strategic analytical projects related to the mobile radio environment and provide analytical inputs as required.                                 
•    Stay up to date with the latest developments and technologies within radio planning and radio technologies domain.
•    Be supportive in the innovation of software development.
•    Ensure that these tools are effective and efficient and maintain relevance and value within the network department
•    Partake in High level strategic initiatives for MTN. This may involve making presentations to audiences on various topics related to Radio Technology/Planning and Data Science aspects.
•    Contribute towards effective processes put in place for continuous improvement from the radio department and feedback is in place for confirmation that plans meet objectives.
•    Conduct research and present data engineering innovation strategies to the Senior Manager Radio Technology.
•    Ensure that all innovative ideas are in alignment with strategy and roadmap.

Planning & Delivery: 
•    Make use of expert analytic knowledge and models to refine and create dashboards and/or models (e.g. VoLTE penetration, device ecosystem, radio hardware configurations, capacity utilization) related to the Radio Access Network for all current and future technologies.
•    This position is inherently creative, as the incumbent will need to leverage expert analytical and technical knowledge of various device/product offerings, equipment configurations, and software features of more than one OEM to synthesize best-practice methods, which will not only strongly influence ‘how people work’, but also network decision-making.
•    A fair amount of softer ‘people’ skills is also required in the role as communicating effectively with senior management, sharing knowledge, conflict resolution, etc. are all a part of effective project management.
•    Ensure automation of these dashboards and/or models through tools such as SQL/PowerBI/Tableau/Python etc. to ensure up to date trends for data reported to management.
•    Utilize expert data engineering knowledge to create and automate day to day radio technology and/or planning activities.
•    Leverage from knowledge and understanding of radio network planning and optimisation techniques to develop online dashboard reports for decision-making.
•    Maintain and enhance radio technology device insights dashboard environment over time to support the network team to monitor smart devices type approved in Test Switch and for better decision-making to improve competitiveness in the market.
•    Ensure that monthly auditing utilising automated dashboards is conducted on IMT frequency spectrum deployed and key network configurations (e.g. carrier power settings impacting EIRP transmit thresholds; QCIs utilised for MBB and FWA services; DSCP markings defined on RAN nodes).
•    Perform network analysis and reporting (device/traffic/technology/frequencies/parameters) and identify trends to predict future network requirements (VoLTE, device, capacity, coverage etc).
•    Provide recommendations of device band combinations and/or capacity upgrades to be introduced into the MTN network to ensure the best suitable trade-off between cost and radio performance.
•    Execute project management of key network projects in line with industry best practise.
•    Identify new software requirements for the Radio Technology team 
•    Prioritize the development of new applications/dashboards and tools as required by the Radio Technology team leveraging effectively time management to achieve goals.
•    Ensure the specification and evaluation of all custom software tools developed
•    Ensure end to end integration of software tools and systems
•    Where required ensure tools are configured optimally and adapted to ensure continuous improvement. 
•    Assist with the project management of special network projects/trials within the radio technology team that involves data collected from the network for decision-making.
•    Deliver communications (Presentations, Technical Papers, Reporting) that combine complex technology and business benefits succinctly to audiences as appropriate (including Team members, Board, Senior Leaders, both within and outside MTN SA).
•    Ensure that key stakeholders within radio planning and optimisation team understands the dashboards developed for decision-making.
•    Provide training and/or assistance to Planning, Optimisation and Technology Engineers to ensure continuous improvement of practices.      
•    Develop best-practice documentation and guidelines for utilising key dashboards created for decision-making. 
•    Live the MTN Brand – change and influence employees’ behavior.

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)
Education:
•    Bachelor’s degree or National diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Experience:
•    Minimum of 3 years’ industry experience in a RF/Cellular environment
•    Experience with SQL scripting and working with computer databases
•    Experience in business intelligence dashboard development
•    Experience working in a medium to large-sized organization 
•    Experience in a multi-cultural environment 
•    Strong analytical background

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

Other:
Training:
•    Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.)
•    Industry/Tertiary training: GSM/WCDMA/LTE/NR radio network planning
•    Planning & Optimization Tools

Knowledge:
•    Mobile network technology background 
•    Data science background
•    Project Management Principles
•    Business Intelligence Tool – PowerBI
•    Database – SQL
•    Coding – Python

We are a purpose and value-led organization.

At MTN, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, everyday. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.

Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.

As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!

Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.

We are delighted that you are considering us as your career partner to make a mark in the world. We look forward to your application!