IT Architecture Manager - MTN Ghana

Manager IT architecture will form a part of a highly skilled group of IT and management experts responsible for the Architecture of GlobalConnect global IT infrastructure and support other business units with the deployment and utilization of the assets. The role will be accountable for the IT blueprint, which includes the roadmap, selection technology, and solution architecture to address the needs of the business portfolios.

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities/outputs of the position (KPA's)

The Role will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:

• Defining and maintaining strategic technology roadmap and plans. Participate in IT planning and the annual budgeting process.
• Providing architecture and technology consultancy for Application and Technology portfolio planning.
• Broad engagement within Global Connects IT and business teams as well as externally with technology providers.
• Managing the delivery of strategic business, application, and technology architecture on projects to deliver desired business outcomes.
• Engaging and supervising architects in the development of the architecture (application and technology) roadmap that aligns with the strategic objectives of MTN GC business units and the different technology groups.
• Engaging with MTN GC business or IT partner support, manage competing demands through negotiation and compromise to ensure that the holistic needs of the organization are met.
• Bringing knowledge of Telecommunications and IT best practices and applying that information in discussing solutions that may address those needs.
• Managing and providing leadership to a cohesive team of architects, external experts, and consultants.
• Performing business analysis activities at the strategic, operational, and organizational level, working with key partners in the continual improvement of processes within the company. Takes the leadership role in exploring and analysing new applications in the marketplace, technology, and infrastructure services.
• Ensuring work produced by the team is aligned with other Enterprise, Application and Portfolio architects, providing holistic enterprise solutions.
• Ensuring completion of Architectural and project deliverables on time and under budget and that anticipated business outcomes are achieved
• Creating designs that leverage an MTN enterprise architecture’s standards and services that can meet key project design criteria (Availability, Recoverability, Scalability & Performance characteristics) and can be properly supported by the IT engineering, support, and operations teams throughout the project's lifecycle.

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)

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’ experience in Telecom domain in wide range of roles - Architecture, Delivery and Operations.
• Must have hands on experience in BSS and OSS Platforms – Salesforce(CRM, CPQ), Oracle ERP, Contract Management, Oracle ERP, Enterprise Integration Platforms, API Management Platforms, Service Activation and Provisioning Systems, Mediation and Billing, Service Assurance platforms
• Experience in revenue assurance and fraud management technologies and processes
• Must have experience in eTOM, SID and NGOSS Framework.
• Enterprise and solution Engineering experience
• Strong background in solution architecture preferably with leading telecom companies
• Knowledge of Telecom industry best practices, future trends, and design patterns
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies (advantageous)
• Experience working in a medium to large organization

Competencies:

• Strategy 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 MTN 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
• Demonstrated skills in Team Leadership
• Excellent Oral and Written Communications and Presentation Skills
• Must be self-motivated, analytical, detail oriented, organized and pursue excellence on all tasks
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to solve problems using a creative and logical mind set

Head

• Executes tactical plans to achieve strategic requirements
• Has the mental agility to identify and solve relevant business challenges
• Executes and identifies opportunities for commercial innovation and continuous improvement

Heart

• Role models ethical practices by living the MTN values and vital behaviours for others to follow
• Is self-aware and supports team capability development through opportunity creation for realising potential
• Builds professional networks across teams through collaboration and co-operation

Hands

• Produces sustainable business results through ethical practices
• Sets priorities, plans, organizes and coordinates the work of others

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Tasks:

• Recruit, develop and retain people with outstanding skills, qualifications and potential.
• Performance management and identification of training needs.
• Accountable for a customer-centric culture.
• Employee relations and collaborative teamwork.
• Coaching and guidance of subordinates.
• Build professionalism, loyalty and commitment to the organization.
• Communicate actively and effectively to resolve any potential conflicts that may arise.
• Living the MTN Brand – changing and influencing employees' behaviour.
• Clarify roles within the team to enhance collaboration and results
• Reward practices conducive to building individual and team confidence
• Optimal human resource allocation/redeployment in line with strategic objectives
• Manage conflict proactively and monitor disciplinary and grievance actions and trends
• Team learning and knowledge sharing within the team; appropriate strategic timing for people up-skilling in line with newly developed technologies and strategic practices
• Train, motivate & develop resources

Other:

• Regional and international travel (if required)