M-Pesa Africa - Change & Release Specialist at Safaricom Kenya

About the Role

This role is responsible for overseeing the controlled introduction of changes and software releases into the MPA environment. This role ensures that changes are well-planned, tested, and implemented while minimizing disruptions to business operations. The Change and Release Specialist collaborates with various teams to ensure that changes and releases align with business goals, maintain system stability, and comply with regulatory requirements. 

Responsibilities

Technical Review:

• Ensure the smooth running of daily technical review calls for Normal Changes (ITIL)
• Ensure minimum service disruption due to technical issues with changes
• Ensure clear and factual feedback to change initiators on issues during review
• Offer support to the L1 team with technical review of minor changes
• Support the Operational teams on technical topics
• Offer technical guidance to Operational Acceptance Tests (OAT) team

Change and Release Management:

• Develop and implement change and release management processes, policies, and procedures
• Review and evaluate proposed changes for potential impacts, risks, and benefits
• Coordinate change approval and ensure that changes are properly authorized
• Communicate change plans, schedules, and status updates to stakeholders
• Ensure all changes presented to the CAB are discussed and critiqued as per the Assessment criteria
• Ensure all major and critical changes discussed in the CAB have a deployment plan and CRQ which is duly completed and approved
• Ensure all changes are broadcasted to CAB, local Markets contacts and other related stakeholders by COB of every CAB or E-CAB meeting
• Oversee the release process and ensure correct patch is applied and on time

Risk Mitigation:

• Identify potential risks associated with changes and releases and develop mitigation strategies
• Assess the potential impact of changes on existing systems and services
• Implement controls to minimize risks and disruptions during the change and release process

Documentation:

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of change and release processes, approvals, and outcomes
• Create clear and accurate records for auditing, troubleshooting, and knowledge sharing

Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure that changes and releases adhere to regulatory requirements and internal governance standards.
• Implement security measures to protect data and maintain compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Technical SME or architect role with international companies – minimum 8 years 
• Technical analysis and risk assessment of complex IT changes - 8 years 
• Strong knowledge of high availability application and infrastructure architectures
• Subject matter knowledge of mobile payments applications and infrastructure
• Technical understanding of mobile telecommunications, mobile payments or similar financial system operations
• Operational experience in IT or telecommunication industry, knowledge of industry best practices and experience in technical assessment of complex changes