Lead, PS Core & MPBN Planning at Airtel Nigeria

Airtel Nigeria (Airtel Networks Limited) is a leading telecommunications services provider in Nigeria headquartered in Lagos, the commercial nerve-centre of Nigeria. The telco ranks amongst the top four mobile service providers in terms of subscribers with a customer base of more than 39.8 million. The company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce and enterprise services.

We are recruiting suitable candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Lead, PS Core & MPBN Planning

Job Identifications: 435
Location: Lagos
Employment type: Full time

Job Summary

• This role serves as the primary representative for business, technical, and functional requirements in Packet Core and IP Backbone solutions. 
• It is responsible for designing the optimal packet network topology to ensure premium service levels and architecture. 
• Additionally, the role involves assessing network design, establishing integrated planning and implementation guidelines with partners for capacity management and core network dimensioning, and overseeing project delivery to meet defined SLAs. 
• It also focuses on identifying the most efficient methods to implement new functional requirements for the Mobile Packet Core and IP Backbone Network.

Responsibilities
Planning and Architecture designed to provide quality and reliable service:

• Design optimal architecture for PS Core (both cloud-based and native), IP Backbone, and Enterprise networks using the latest technologies to enhance customer experience.
• Ensure all PS Core nodes (xGSN, xGW, DPI, PCRF, DRA, xDNS), IP Core nodes (Routers, Switches, Firewalls), and B2C/B2B nodes (FTTx Gateway, RADIUS, etc.) operate in alignment with business and network requirements.
• Supervise the integration of new IP Backbone components, focusing on routing, switching, and firewall configurations.
• Oversee Internet Edge routing and optimization strategies in collaboration with Tier-1 providers and CDN partners.
• Coordinate with vendors and Airtel HQ to develop and implement network solutions that enhance Core network performance and service delivery.
• Lead the deployment of key network systems through the full project lifecycle, from initial design to operational handover.
• Ensure all projects align with the Annual Operating Program (AOP).
• Validate the feasibility of new technical solutions and data products before initiating Proof of Concept (PoC) trials.

Detailed and Effective Documentation:

• Ensure project documentation accurately represents a fit-for-purpose design and adheres to contractual vendor requirements.
• Before implementation, prepare solution documentation, including System Design (SD), High-Level Design (HLD), and Low-Level Design (LLD), covering technical functionality, platform design, and integration with relevant network elements.
• Regularly update network documentation to reflect the current architecture.
• Conduct periodic audits and maintain documentation of network inventories related to PS, MPBN and Enterprise Core networks, detailing deployed components by quantity and type.
• Manage IP address resources effectively and maintain comprehensive records of allocations

Capacity Planning:

• Conduct proper dimensioning of Packet Core, MPBN, and Internet Edge Nodes in line with network growth projections.
• Analyze business requirements and translate commercial forecasts into optimal capacity planning.
• Continuously assess network traffic, licenses, system resources, and key parameters to ensure optimal network performance.
• Maintain advanced expertise in Operational and Business Support Systems (OSS/BSS) for performance reporting, KPI monitoring, and fine-tuning to enable efficient end-to-end planning of data services.

Expand & Evolve Core Network:

• Comprehend business requirements and their impact on data and IP Core network infrastructure.
• Proactively plan node expansions to accommodate future growth.
• Strategize the evolution of PS, FTTx, and IP Core networks in alignment with industry best practices

Employee Engagement:

• Offer advisory support to business units such as Commercial, Regulatory, and IT for new products and services.
• Organize and lead kickoff meetings with stakeholders as needed.
• Foster strong team collaboration and engagement with both internal and external stakeholders

Vendor/Partner Management:

• Ensure partners deliver solutions and projects that meet business quality standards with minimal to zero impact on live services

New Initiatives:

• Identify and implement new initiatives that align with business needs, enhancing user experience, reducing operational costs, and improving efficiency.
• Conduct technology assessments and Proof of Concept (PoC) trials (RFI/RFP/RFQ) to validate solutions before deployment.

Time management 

• Effectively manage and prioritize workload to adapt to changing business demands and stakeholder requirements

Dimensions:
Financial Dimensions 

• Budget: CAPEX- As per AOP CAPEX, OPEX– As per AOP(all of Network budget)

Other Dimensions:

• No. of direct reports: 6
• No. of Interfacing Functions: 5 (IT, Commerical , SCM, Enterprise, Airtel Africa HQ).

Qualifications
Educational:

• Bachelor/Masters of Telecommunication/Electrical & Electronics Engineering degree
• Certification in Cloud Networking, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), or Automation is an added advantage

Relevant Experience & Functional / Technical Skills:

• 10 - 12 years of experience in a large Mobile Network Operator within the IP Core and Packet Core domains.
• Hands-on experience with vendor platforms from Huawei, Ericsson, Cisco, and Nokia for IP and Packet Core architectures.
• Expertise in the commercial deployment of EPC/5G, including design, testing, and implementation.
• Strong proficiency in routing protocols such as OSPF, ISIS, BGP, MPLS, SRv6, EVPN, and VxLAN, essential for modern Service Provider Networks.
• Experience in deploying key network systems through the full delivery lifecycle, from initial design to operational handover.
• Proven ability to measure and analyze network Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• In-depth knowledge of telecommunications systems and technologies.
• Strong expertise in Mobile Packet Core and 3GPP standards for mobility and session management across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
• Comprehensive understanding of B2C and B2B services, including FWA, FTTx, and leased line technologies.

Other Requirements:

• Strong personal integrity and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Determination and resilience to achieve success.
• Exceptional organizational and communication abilities.
• Highly structured with strong implementation skills.
• Effective time management with a commitment to meeting project deadlines.
• Self-motivated with a proactive and innovative mindset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and fault resolution expertise, serving as an escalation point for operations teams.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills.
• Effective leadership and coaching abilitiesStrong project management skills.

Application Closing Date
17th April, 2025; 17:00

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online