Senior Architect - Technology.Technology

Strategy Implementation

• Assist in the creation of sub-divisional strategy in line with overarching divisional goals
• Ensure effective implementation of sub-divisional strategy by means of providing direction, structure, business plans and support

Staff Leadership and Management

• Provide direction to internal and external resources during the selection and implementation of business systems
• Lead the design, capacity monitoring and planning of IT application and system portfolio
• Direct and monitor the work of the SI (Service/System Integrator)
• Evaluate technology vendors and performance under the management of the systems integration partner
• Define the baseline and target architecture and perform gap analysis as well as migration plan of IS projects

Governance

Adhoc and Operational Meeting

• Set up / participate in adhoc and operational meetings 
• Report at process and functional level

Escalations

• Manage and resolve escalations that have impact on critical path of architecture delivery
• Escalate issues that will result in significant time, scope, employee / client or cost impact if not resolved
• Manage and provide solutions to issues that require formal resolution

Opco Operational

• Set up and manage architecture status meetings
• Review and identify key risks, issues and dependencies and set mitigation actions
• Manage budgets
• Sign-off / make decisions regarding operational changes

Performance

• Provide input to the performance review against agreed KPIs 
• Create and monitor plan for continuous improvement

Reporting

• Provide input into the review of reports on a weekly/monthly basis relating to progress made within the sub-division and in accordance with the measurement metrics set by the organisation
• Review reports on specific architecture projects as per the defined timelines as and when necessary

Operational Delivery

• Plan and design information systems to be implemented according to the organization’s goals, needs and objectives. 
• Define the baseline and target architecture and perform gap analysis as well as migration plan of IT/ICT projects
• Define roadmap components and resolve impacts across the architecture landscape
• Create architecture definition documents in such that it can be easily used by every decision maker in the organization for every IT/ICT-related business decision
• Maintain the IS application map portfolio lifecycle 
• Follow MTN Group architecture framework
• Maintain the architecture continuum where all architecture deliverables are kept (architectural design documentation, including diagrams, inventories, etc.)
• Lead the capacity planning of IT application and system portfolio
• Propose changes in process, policy and standards as they relate to the architecture and design principles.
• Ensure a technological awareness and lead the release of application map that fit with MTNC roadmap toward futures services and products.
• Ensure information and technology solutions balancing cost, functionality and practicality
• Collaborate with various businesses and IT stakeholders to define technical requirements and service levels, integration mechanisms, and solution architectures
• Develop and document architecture patterns, stacks, models and/or technical specifications
• Provide direction to internal and external resources during the selection and implementation of business systems
• Contribute to success of business systems by providing technical leadership and direction
• Research and maintain knowledge in emerging technologies and solutions to solve business problems
• Assess business requirements/needs and generate technical requirements for procurement of new or enhanced IT solution 
• Lead the estimation, analysis, design and implementation of business solutions for small or large programs or a number of complex projects and programs
• Fit architecture to purpose( ensure that all delivered features and solutions delivered address business needs …)
• Define the interaction between application packages, databases, and middleware systems in terms of functional coverage
• Lead teams in solving complex technical problems
• Provide technical expertise and detailed solutions for the strategic business planning for products and features development.

• Master’s in computer science, Information Technology, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field from a reputable institution
• Fluent in English and French preferable.
• 5-7 years of experience in IT architecture, with at least 5 years in a senior architect or lead architect role.

Experience in the following domain, with experience in supervising/managing others;

• Experience working within the telecommunications industry is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing large and complex IT architectures spanning multiple technologies.
• Experience with service-oriented architecture (SOA), microservices architecture (MSA), and event-driven architecture.
• Demonstrated understanding of network architecture, cloud computing, security, and relevant technologies specific to the telecommunications industry (e.g., 5G, mobile financial services).
• Experience working in a medium to large organization.
• Minimum of 2-3 years project management experience.
• Requirements gathering and business analysis experience.
• System development and design methodology experience.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating business processes and procedures related to document and record management.

TRAINING

• Leadership Program for middle management
• Finance for non-financial. 
• Employee Effectiveness & Emotional Intelligence
• ICT Basics (Including Cloud)
• MTN Customer Experience (Basics/Advanced)
• Business Risk/fraud
• 3G/4G/5G
• ETOM Process

INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS

• TOGAF
• Azure Cloud Fundamental
• ETOM
• Service Oriented Architecture
• ITIL Service Design / Service Strategy
• COBIT 
• Software Engineering

Project Management knowledge will be an avantage.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Deep understanding of network architecture: This includes knowledge of routing, switching, security protocols, and network design principles.
• Strong grasp of cloud computing: Familiarity with major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their architecture, services, and security considerations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of IT security: Understand security best practices, threat vectors, and solutions for securing IT infrastructure and applications.
• Expertise in telecommunications technologies: In-depth understanding of technologies like 5G, mobile core networks, and mobile financial services.
• Experience with relevant architectural frameworks: Knowledge of SOA, MSA, event-driven architecture, and their application in complex systems.
• Programming languages and scripting: Familiarity with scripting languages like Python or Bash for automation and configuration management.
• Knowledge of IT Infrastructure architecture with the relevant key principles.

BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE

Business Knowledge:

• Understanding of the telecommunications industry: Knowledge of market trends, regulatory landscape, and key challenges faced by the industry.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical solutions: Bridge the gap between business objectives and technology roadmap.
• Project management principles: Familiarity with Agile methodologies and traditional project management frameworks.

ADDITIONALKNOWLEDGE

Additional Knowledge (Highly Desirable):

• Standardization practices: Knowledge of IT standardization initiatives and best practices within the industry (e.g., MTN Group program PACE).
• Emerging technologies: Exposure to AI, machine learning, blockchain, and their potential impact on the telecommunications industry.
• Data management and analytics: Understanding of data architectures, data governance, and how to leverage data for insights and decision-making.

SKILLS

• Conceptual Thinker 
• Problem Solver 
• Improvement Driver 
• Culture and Change Champion 
• Supportive People Manager 
• Relationship Manager 
• Results Achiever 
• Operationally Astute
• Creativity, flexibility and adaptability
• Experience managing/delivering IS services including the initiation, scoping and delivery
• Ability to prioritize according to business strategy and identify and apply IT/ICT solutions and innovation to specific situations
• Proven ability to interpret and communicate technical information into business language and vice versa
• Management and Negotiating experience
• Leadership, team working, inter-personal skills
• Time and resources management 
• Business cases, business process, strategic planning

BEHAVIOURAL QUALITIES

• Unify people/Build a team
• Plan work
• Monitor work
• Problem solving
• Creativity, curiosity, playfulness
• High energy
• Strong Problem solving skills 
• Strong influencing & conflict resolution
• Active Listening
• Composure
• Ethic & Value

 

 

MTN Group Limited is a South African multinational mobile telecommunications company, operating in many African, European and Asian countries. Its head office is in Johannesburg. MTN recorded 232.6 million subscribers, making it the eighth largest mobile network operator in the world, and the largest in Africa. 
With more than 17510 professionals, working in over 20 countries around the world.
MTN recruiters are always searching for brilliant candidates with an entrepreneurial spirit, looking for a work culture where innovation is the goal, hard work is expected, and creativity is rewarded. MTN employees enjoy competitive salaries, excellent health benefits, and a network of like-minded co-workers that drive innovation across the entire telecommunication industry.