Mission/ Core purpose of the Job
Working closely with the MTN Executive Leadership Team and the Opco CEOs, the Executive: Group
Mission/ Core purpose of the Job
•A cloud Infrastructure specialist is a highly skilled professional responsible for designing, developing, and managing cloud-based infrastructure, applications, and services. Cloud computing enables organizations to optimize IT resources, improve scalability, and reduce operational costs. Cloud engineering is a multifaceted job that involves various cloud computing tasks and responsibilities
•Primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth functioning of an organization's cloud infrastructure. They work closely with other IT professionals, such as developers, architects, and system administrators, to design, implement, and maintain cloud-based solutions. The job description for cloud computing includes migrating applications, optimizing resources, and ensuring data security and compliance
•As a Cloud Infrastructure Specialist, your role in the Information Technology industry would involve building and maintaining the infrastructure that enables cloud computing. You would be responsible for designing, planning, and implementing cloud-based solutions that meet the needs of MTNSA, ensuring they are secure, scalable, and sustainable.
•Strategic Project Execution – Own project-level cloud issues and actively drive them towards resolution whilst ensuring support and engineering readiness for key milestones.
•Utilise containerization technologies such as Docker and container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes and manage and orchestrate containerized applications to ensure scalability, resilience, monitoring, and performance.
•Work closely with development teams to understand application requirements and optimise cloud resources and documenting processes, configurations, and best practices for knowledge sharing and future reference.
•Security and Compliance needs to be developed and implement at all levels of the cloud infrastructure to protect data and systems.
•Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a key responsibility for a Cloud Infrastructure Specialist, involving the use of tools like Terraform and Bicep to ensure the smooth functioning of cloud infrastructure.
•It's important to have a working knowledge of the Microsoft O365 platform and to understand the impact of cloud infrastructure on the company's strategic needs.
Context (Global influences, environmental / industry demands, organisational mission etc.)
The stability of systems is closely linked to MTN SA’s image, and loss of stability results in immediate revenue loss. Over 6000 internal users, over 400 vendor/partners, as well as some systems being directly exposed to the customer base.
There are a number of suppliers who need to be managed and their individual components made to function as a whole
Highly Critical environment needing core focus on Tactical and Operations Plans for Security Threats/Risks, Backup/Recovery, Business Continuity, Capacity Management, and other disciplines
MTN SA OPCO is a Dynamic Telecoms industry
Convergence of IS and Telco and the move to ICT
Complex interfaces between both internal and external technologies and service providers
High change rate of IT technologies and architecture
Conflicting demands between business and technology
Pressure to increase agility and reduce operational cost
Multi-sourcing and Multiple Vendor support of mid-tier and enterprise environments
Business demand for 24x7x365 availability
Cloud computing infrastructure investment is projected to be more than 60% of all IT infrastructure spend worldwide in 2023. This growth is driven by flexible cloud resources that enhance efficiency and productivity for technology decision-makers.
There are two stages of cloud maturity globally. The first stage involves adopting the cloud for essential cost reduction (operational expenditure and capital expenditure). The second stage links cloud investments to positive business value. These two stages are converging rapidly.
Strong data privacy protection and governance are essential for cloud adoption. However, perceptions of national data sovereignty and privacy frameworks vary, highlighting the need for global standards.
Cloud assets raise cybersecurity concerns, but they are necessary for growing AI and automation. The zero-trust user paradigm has gained wide acceptance across industries, with 86% of respondents using zero-trust architecture.
Cloud’s scalability mitigates compliance issues related to security, privacy, and environment, social, and governance (ESG). Many organizations use cloud tools for ESG reporting and compliance, as well as to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) compliance
Infrastructure and Cloud Context
Dealing & communicating with multiple departments within our organization.
Your day-to-day activities may include configuring cloud servers, developing automation scripts, monitoring system performance, and troubleshooting issues that arise. Additionally, you may work with other IT professionals to integrate cloud solutions with existing systems or to plan migrations to the cloud. A successful candidate for this role should possess a strong understanding of cloud computing, virtualization, and networking, as well as experience with infrastructure as code tools.
Understanding underlying Infrastructure technical topologies, including ( Databases, Networking, Storage, virtualization, Hardware, HCi/MCi, load balancers & Firewalls )
Knowledge of Data center layout & design
Setting up external meetings with vendors or MTN personnel
Following all IS internal processes and policies including ITIL/ITOM/ITSM process.
In conjunction with Internal Audit and IT Security, ensure business objectives and risks are effectively managed.
Evaluate and recommend necessary changes in performance tuning, infrastructure design, and monitoring.
Conduct extremely complex technical evaluations and suggest proposed physical architectures along with detailed designs.
Analyze problems, evaluate technical issues, test, maintain, modify, integrate, monitor and ensure to automate software systems.
Conduct long-range strategic plans of IT infrastructure plus operational aspects of application execution within infrastructure.
Handle organization-wide Windows-based application projects of complexity to ensure the application's optimal performance and related infrastructure.
Configure complex and visible integration aspects like MW connectivity, database connectivity, and SOAP calls to attain business requirements.
Execute application-level SSL plus configure mutual validation for back-end systems communication.
Execute technology successfully with minimal downtime as well as minimal disruption.
Write infrastructure-related scripts to automate all manual tasks plus streamline operational activities.
Involve actively in teams of cross-functional project to assist solve problems inclusive of different technologies straddling multiple work groups.
Conduct complex technical evaluation, and design review and recommend proposed physical and logical designs
Excellent troubleshooting skills for infrastructure, application, and database errors for performance issues
Working knowledge of the basic cloud infrastructure (IaaS) components
Install and configure VMWare ESX hosts and virtual environments
Configures, monitors, and maintains Linux and SAN systems to provide optimum performance and system availability
Install, and configure x86 hardware platforms
Create and implement scripts for Cloud platform monitoring and alerting purposes
Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to system performance, network and storage
Gather performance and data usage statistics for capacity planning and reporting
Work closely with IT security to monitor the company’s cloud privacy.
Offer guidance in infrastructure movement techniques including bulk application transfers into the cloud.
Identify the top cloud architecture solutions to meet the strategic needs of the company successfully.
Handle and resolve infrastructure issues.
Collaborate with team members to improve the company’s cloud management and deployment plans.
Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)
Task Complexity: At the discretion of the Line Manager
Role Complexity/ Task Complexity:
Financial Management
Contribute to budget forecast, planning, and development in line with MTN SA's financial requirements
Identify and eliminate non-contributory expenditures
Completion, presentation, and approval of Business Cases for owned Projects (CAPEX)
Provide Technical and Financial input to non-owned Projects
Provide the Technical Detail to Procurement, to raise Purchase Orders for the procurement of Infrastructure and Services
Track the progress of Purchase orders with Procurement
Contract Management
Assist Commercial and Procurement with Technical Consultation in contract negotiations with Vendors
Provide Technical content for RFP’s and RFQ’s
Assist Commercial and Procurement with the Technical evaluation of RFP’s and RFQ’s
Capacity Management
Plan and Maintain capacity on infrastructure building blocks
Identify initiatives that will free up capacity (over allocated environment or unused environments)
Identify initiatives that will reduce Software Licensing requirements (Server virtualization, Core reduction on Enterprise Platforms Etc.)
Manage capacity based on organic growth and project-related requirements
Vendor Management
Maintain vendor interaction for infrastructure platforms, designs and technologies
Manage dependencies between multi-sourcing vendors
Maintain the relevant MTN SA vendor relations
Ensure that the vendor provide the maximum value at a minimum cost to MTN SA
Asset and Configuration Management (Hardware and Software)
Implement asset management lifecycle practices are followed (plan, procure, upgrade/optimize, retire)
Document Infrastructure assets in the CMDB
Ensure that the relationships between Infrastructure CI’s in the CMDB is defined to such a degree that the CMDB represents the Physical Operations Model of the Infrastructure Layers of for the infrastructure designs
Project Management
Provide prioritisation for IS Projects
Complete Project Terms of Reverence Documentation or review/approve Statement of Work documentation provided by Vendors
Track Project Budgets, Sign-off Project Milestones and Invoices
Fulfil the Role of Project Owner for Infrastructure Services - IS Planning and Scheduling owned Projects
Fulfil the role of Infrastructure Architect, if required on non-owned Projects
Manage team to execute on rationalisation and optimization projects so as to maximise efficiencies
Conduct regular meetings where projects, goals, objectives, performance, risks, issues and mitigation plans are presented and discussed
Ensure that Policies, Procedures and Project Governance are followed in the execution of the Project
Ensure and manage optimal performance of contracted or projected resources
Re-prioritization of resource and projects
Decision-making and ownership of problems, issues and risks on projects
Demand Management
Execute on the agreed Infrastructure Services - IS Planning and Scheduling Business Plan within the constraints of approved Budgets (owned)
Manage demand for unplanned infrastructure requirements
Assist other departments with Infrastructure Requirements (non-owned) by providing technical input into Business Cases, obtaining Quotes (in conjunction with Procurement) and assisting with the procurement of the Infrastructure, Services or Software Licensing
Action day to day requests for infrastructure or services raised by Business
Software Licence Management
Manage Software licensing of Vendors, for example Redhat, VMware and others
Implement initiatives that can reduce Licensing costs
Manage Software Licensing Maintenance/Support Contracts
Continuous Improvement and optimisation
Infrastructure Services - IS Planning and Scheduling and Infrastructure Services – Operations will function as a cohesive Unit
Discuss Project Progress, and resolve issues that can impact Project timelines
Resolve any capacity or operational issues raised by operations and, if required, update or change Infrastructure designs and capabilities
Provide Operations the opportunity to provide input into the Infrastructure Roadmaps and Blueprint designs
Meet with Vendors on a regular basis to discuss opportunities for optimization and cost reduction
Research new Infrastructure Technologies and conduct Proof of Concept Projects to demonstrate possible value to Business
Cloud Management
Design, build, and manage the cloud infrastructure environment.
Work closely with IT security to monitor the company’s cloud privacy.
Offer guidance in infrastructure movement techniques including bulk application transfers into the cloud.
Identify the top cloud architecture solutions to meet the strategic needs of the company successfully.
Handle and resolve infrastructure issues.
Collaborate with team members to improve the company’s cloud management and deployment plans.
Perform cloud servers including security configurations, patching, and troubleshooting.
Develop and organize cloud systems.
Work closely with the development team to identify and ensure that the cloud solutions meet company standards of reliability.
Implement and automate security controls, governance processes, and compliance validation.
Manage disaster recovery and create backup policies.
Utilize technology to automate tasks and reduce manual efforts.
Design and deploy secure, scalable, and robust cloud environments
Implement and optimize cloud infrastructure for best cost, performance, and security
Develop scripts for automating cloud/server functions
Ensure business continuity through effective disaster recovery and backup procedures
Manage and troubleshoot the cloud infrastructure
Implement cloud-specific best practices and standards
Work collaboratively with software engineering to define infrastructure and deployment requirements
Monitor system performance and ensure reliability and availability
Conduct technical reviews and audits of cloud infrastructure
Stay current with industry trends and recommend changes to maintain competitive advantage
Infrastructure Design
Complete infrastructure designs to the appropriate level of detail, ranging from simple capacity increases, build documents (simple requirements) to complex detail Infrastructure Designs (new implementations like Exchange, LYNC and SQL 2014)
Upgrade, revise and optimise infrastructure based on changing business and operational requirements
Provide Infrastructure Design Services to other Business units like Group, EBU and Service Delivery
Design, implement and optimise Infrastructure Building Blocks like Enterprise Oracle Database and Application Platforms, Virtualisation Platforms, Shared SQL Database Farms, Tapeless Backup platforms, Shared Storage Platforms
Compile Infrastructure Blueprints and roadmaps
Infrastructure Implementation
Manage the implementation of Data Centre Infrastructure (APC Racks, Network and Fiber Switches, Network and Fiber Cabling, Power cabling) for owned and non-owned Projects
Assist Infrastructure Services – Operations and Data Centre Manager in A and B Power Testing in IS Data Centres
Assist Data Centre Manager in the implementation of Data Centre Best Practices (Hot Cold Isle, Cooling, Cable management, rack utilization etc.)
Implementation of Server and Storage Infrastructure as per IS Business Plan, BAU requirements and IS Projects
Business Continuity
Provide the infrastructure capability to implement a Disaster Recovery Plan in conjunction with outsourcer, other IS Departments, vendors and partners
Governance
Ensure that corporate governance is implemented and adhered
Compliance and adherence to MTN SA Policies and Standards and remediation of audit findings
Ensure alignment with Best Practices (ITIL, TOGAF, eTOM, CoBIT, PMP, others) and ensure updates to Practices
Ensure focus on IT Security, Governance and Best Practice Controls via established and continuously evolving methods of mitigating current/future threats
Define auditable processes and governance that will ensure the delivery of quality Infrastructure deployments
Communication and co-ordination
Support the development and maintenance of sound interworking between Infrastructure Services - IS Planning and Scheduling, Infrastructure Services – Operations and other departments like Service Delivery, EBU and Group
Interface with other areas of the MTN SA business for effective customer support, reporting on business KPIs as appropriate
Interface effectively with vendor interfaces for function specific products and services systems
Ensure rapid response and appropriate support for high value customers and efficient and effective support is provided for all customers
Monitor and manage overall customer satisfaction
Audit Management
Create and approve documents prior to issue
Communicate to interested parties about new or changed documents
Review and maintain documents as necessary
Ensure that changes and the current revision status of documents are identified
Ensure that relevant versions of applicable documents are available at points of use
Ensure that documents are readily identifiable and legible
Ensure that documents of external origin are identified and their distribution controlled
Prevent the unintended use of obsolete documents and apply suitable identification to them if they are retained
Plan new or changed services
Ensure planning for the new or changed services are conducted on time
Authorise design, development and transition activities
Communication to relevant parties
Identify, assess and manage risks;
Test new or changed services;
Expected outcomes from delivering the new or changed services, expressed in measurable terms.
Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity: Refers to the responsibilities for directing, guiding, motivating, and influencing others. At the discretion of the Line Manager
Supervise graduates and junior engineers /project resources to ensure that tasks and responsibilities assigned are completed accurately and in time
Ensure communication of issues for resolution at an early stage of the process
Guide, coach, motivate, influence and develop graduates and junior engineers
Prioritise work for team to ensure that SLA’s and deliverables are met
Conduct regular meetings where projects, goals, objectives, performance, risks, issues and mitigation plans are presented and discussed
Support line Management to ensure that team members adheres to the principles of the Company’s values at all times
Responsible for supplier teams both on & off site.
Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)
Creativities (improvement/innovation inherent) Indicates the potential for improvement and / or innovation inherent in a position.
•Research new Infrastructure Technologies and Conduct Proof of concept Projects to demonstrate possible value to Business
•Business improvements to meet operational and in turn organizational requirements
•Knowledge transfer between Senior Infrastructure Architects with different Specialities
• Problem-solving and lateral thinking
•Continuous reassessment, improvement and analysis of existing processes and policies
•Continuous improvement in cost, quality, service, and Operational product innovation
•Automation of manual tasks which results in efficient resource utilization and improved service availability
•Be proactive in anticipation of new technologies resulting in continuous service improvement
•Utilise MTN SA Academy/U-learn platforms to grow Technical experience and knowledge
Vulnerabilities (control span) Refers to the latent difficulties or things that could potentially go wrong that affect a specific position. Such vulnerabilities may / may not be under the control of the incumbent. Direct implication or first level of impact.
•Budget constraints
•Downtime approval for the upgrade or refresh of existing production environments
•Short deadlines for implementing change
•MTN SA / MTN SA Group expansion
•Re-prioritization of resources and projects
•Cross-functional teams and command thereof.
•Systems interdependencies and complexities
•Outsourced and external service provider support as well as operational dependencies
•Obsolete technology
•Pace of changing customer requirements
•Exchange rate fluctuations affecting budgeted Capex
•Changes in supplier alliances and technology roadmaps
•Business pressures based on fluctuating prioritization of projects
•Business understanding of planned or implemented technologies
Independent thought and Judgment: Relates to the decision-making constraints placed upon a position or conversely, the degree of freedom in decision-making. At the discretion of the Line Manager
•Decision-making and ownership of problems & projects
•High-stress environment where faith in staff & good judgment is required
•Contracts and tenders evaluation, recommendation and sign-off
•Escalation, technical liaison, report generation
•System selection and motivation
•Ability to plan and coordinate
•Board paper submission - Ability to present
•Personal discretion in determining appropriate approach to identify gaps relating to infrastructure building blocks and Business systems
Education:
•Minimum 3 year Diploma or Degree in Information Systems or Engineering (Bsc IT, Bcom IT, Diploma IT)
•Project management (PMBOK, PMP) or any other project management accreditation
•Azure fundamentals, Azure administrator, Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions, Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies
•Virtualization, SAN, Networking certification, server Infrastructure
•Any other qualification or certification relating to the job profile will be welcomed.
Experience:
•5 years technical coordination or project management experience in a complex, multi-system, multi-environment role
•Extensive experience with multi-tier systems and supporting application and infrastructure deployments
•Knowledge of various infrastructure technologies such as server clustering, intra-site load balancing, fail-over replication and mirroring, and identity management
•Ability to analyse problems, drive issues to resolution
•Strong interpersonal, communication skills are essential
•Must be able to lead and drive collaborative work sessions
•Must work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to manage multiple tasks, projects, and initiatives all with different priorities at the same time
•5 years of working with WebLogic, Oracle DBMS, WebSphere, and network devices and firewalls, either as a project manager, technical coordinator, engineer, or system administrator
Training:
•IT-related training and Technology specific certification
•Architecture framework-related training – eg TOGAF
•Project Management, General Management
•ITIL Foundation Certificate
•Infrastructure-related training or certifications
Competencies
Knowledge:
•Knowledge of the Telecommunications industry is an advantage.
•Ability to understand how the IT technology supports the business
•Solid understanding and technical expertise in a broad range application and technical architecture components (applications/OS, database, network)
•Ability to assimilate information into an actionable model and plan
•Strong OS, DB, Storage, HW and Networks knowledge
•A good understanding of available and emerging IT technologies
Skills / physical competencies:
•People management skills.
•Business acumen
•Strong Negotiating skills
•Project Management and Planning skills
•Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills
•Good interpersonal skills for written, oral and face-to-face communications
•A good understanding of statistical and analytical principles and processes
•Ability to work effectively with clients, management and staff members
•Resourceful
•Be Innovative
•Integrity
•Perseverance
Authorities
Authorities: At the discretion of the Line Manager
Head disciplinary actions
Staff performance assessment
Supplier selection
Payment of invoices
Negotiation of Service Level Agreements
Department Budget
Huge Influence on how to spend IS CAPEX and maintenance/operating budget
Collaboration (Formal and Informal Relationships)
Responsibility towards: who are they and what do they receive from the incumbent.
All MTN SA divisions: Group, EBU, Service Delivery, Enterprise Services and Commercial Management
Key Customers: All functions within the IS division and shared technical support areas within the business
Key Suppliers: Supplier representatives from key vendors to handle technical specifications, contracts and orders
Matrix reports: Influence and work with senior technical professionals in developing infrastructure design and strategies. May lead cross-functional and divisional teams
Independent thought and Judgment: Relates to the decision-making constraints place upon a position or conversely, the degree of freedom in decision-making. At the discretion of the Line Manager
Decision-making and ownership of problems & projects
High-stress environment where faith in staff & good judgment is required
Contracts and tenders evaluation, recommendation and sign-off
Escalation, technical liaison, report generation
System selection and motivation
Ability to plan and coordinate
Board paper submission - Ability to present
Personal discretion in determining the appropriate approach to identify gaps relating to infrastructure building blocks and Business systems
We are a purpose and value-led organization.
At MTN, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, everyday. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.
Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.
As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!
Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.
We are delighted that you are considering us as your career partner to make a mark in the world. We look forward to your application!
