Regional Support Core Network Engineer at Safaricom Kenya

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Technical Team Lead – Core Network Regional Support, the individual is responsible for providing 1st line support for the core network elements and systems hosted in the data center and general data center management. This role involves 1st line fault management on core network systems and infrastructure (including MSSs, MGWs, SGSNs, MMEs, GGSNs, PGWs, PCRFs, CSDB, STP, DRA, Cloud Infra, Routers and Switches) as well as other systems hosted in the data center. The individual is expected to handle assigned Incidents, execute planned network changes, manage preventive maintenance tasks for the assigned data centers, support data center project activities to ensure they adhere to required standards, maintain inventory of all data center assets, Monitor and allocate data center resources as per laid down plans and ensure data center resources are optimally utilized.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fault Management:

• Analyzing the NE logs, carrying out Database Audits, Troubleshooting and solving of arising core network elements faults
• Solving of core network faults assigned through NOC, as well as incidents escalated from customer facing teams
• Providing workable and permanent technical solutions to reduce the downtime and repeat core network failures.
• Ensuring incidences are resolved or escalated to the next level as per SLA.
• Carrying out on site diagnosis and troubleshooting for all systems in the data center.

 Preventive maintenance:

• Schedule and manage Preventive Maintenance tasks as per laid down standards.
• Track and monitor Network and Service KPIs to ensure delivery as per SLAs.
• Continuously improve PM tools and methods to meet required standards.
• Track performance of data center Managed Services Providers.

Change Management and Projects:

• Making configuration changes on Network elements S/W upgrades.
• Provisioning of new core network elements and services
• Scheduling automated tasks to meet service requirements
• Ensuring changes are least disruptive and change objectives are met.
• Work with other support teams, contractors and Vendors in services integrations and management
• Ensure proper documentation after acceptance of new systems in the data center.

Inventory Management

• Keeping a log of all changes carried out on site
• Ensuring maintenance and support documentation are collected and properly store at the commissioning of a system.
• Carry out Audits and keep records on assets hosted in the data center
• Keep and manage a data center networking database

Business Continuity

• Plan, Schedule and Execute business continuity management tests and activities per site.
• Document learnings and post-test actions
• Continuously monitor high availability mechanism in place to ensure least service disruption

Health and Safety

• Ensure data center visitors are well informed on safety issues prior to access of facilities
• Ensure all data center users adhere to company H&S policy
• Champion H&S Committee activities per site
• Manage data center risks and avail disaster response matrix on site
• Enforce data center access management policy

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications or related IT field.
• Knowledge in Core Network Systems including IMS, CS, PS and SDM.
• Understanding of VoLTE, VoBB, CS and PS interfaces and protocols.
• Knowledge in scripting or programming language.
• Cloud certification will an added advantage.
• CCNA or related certification will be added advantage.
• Good report writing skills.
• Good communication and collaborative skills.
• Strong sense of integrity, responsibility and initiative.
• Self-organized, able to prioritize and execute multiple tasks efficiently.