Job Description

Main Purpose:
The Head of Technology is expected to implement & manage the technology roadmap for Opco FibreCo by aligning and managing efficient and effective network roll out set up, operate a cost effective and future proof network & infrastructure, delivering excellent quality of service, coverage, and capacity.
This role is to provide sound technical leadership in all aspects of business. The role is expected to be the technology go-to expert and play an integral role in setting up the fibre infrastructure & service orchestration. The Head of Technology will oversee overall IT Network & Infrastructure development utilization plans and manage all information technology resources for the Opco FibreCo.

Context
Bayobab is entering a new phase where operational and commercial excellence to maximize value from its Infrastructure business. FibreCo is a fully owned subsidiary of Bayobab that has been set up to drive Fiber connectivity. The management team of Bayobab FibreCo is expected to drive synergies across verticals of the infrastructure business, create an integrated InfraCo with a “one stop shop” value proposition for end customers and minimise operational costs.
There is an increased focus in the commercial areas, new products and services and scaling up of the infrastructure business. The incumbent must therefore ensure the successful delivery in context of:
• An expertise-based multicultural organisation
• A dynamic and evolving field of Telecommunications & Fiber Connectivity
• Rapidly changing ICT/wholesale environment
• Revolutionary hybrid workforce practices which are bringing together global labour markets
• Convergence in markets and exploration of non-traditional revenue streams requiring complex interpretation and structuring.

Evolving industry sector constantly presenting new challenges and opportunities to the core businesses
• Agile ways of working

Key Performance Areas
Key Deliverables
The Head of Technology & Network will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:
Strategy Development and Implementation
• Cascade the Group strategy to create functional strategy aligned with the overarching business goals, under oversight of the Bayobab CTIO
• Ensure effective implementation of the functional strategy by means of providing direction, structure, frameworks, models, plans, and roadmaps.

Oversee regular review of the functional strategy and roadmap, under oversight of the MD, to ensure its alignment with the changing dynamics of the internal and external ecosystem.

Staff Leadership and Management
• Source, induct and manage talent in accordance with legislative guidelines.
• Continually develop a culture of strong collaboration and effective team working

Ensure open communication channels with staff and implement change management interventions where necessary.
• Provide definition of roles, responsibilities, individual goals, and performance objectives for the team
• Set KPIs and provide regular performance feedback through a well-defined and implemented performance review program.

Develop and implement a training plan to build and develop skills within the team.
• Performance manages resources in accordance with HR policy and legislation where necessary.

Actively participate in leadership team and develop skills of own team.
• Promote a ‘partnership approach’ to develop strong relationships with other working groups and ensure adherence to Group governance.

Governance
Strategic Meetings
• Participate and provide input in strategic meetings.
• Provide inputs & drive OpCo wide transformation initiatives, elicit inputs from relevant parties.

Provide inputs to and ensure adequate risk mitigation and controls in the function.
• Perform evaluation baseline of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and KPIs
• Drive preparation of proposals/ business case on change initiatives SLA, policies, and procedures

Escalations
• Escalate issues that will result in severe time, scope, productivity, and cost or resource impact to MD / Bayobab Technology teams.
• Manage and provide solutions to escalations that have multiple processes / functions impact on critical path of service delivery.

Function Tactical
• Review and finalise objectives, targets, and budgets for the function, under oversight of MD.
• Review key risks, issues and dependencies and set mitigation actions, seeking guidance from the MD as and when required.

Sign-off / make decisions regarding tactical changes and where required seek sign-off from Management.

Performance
• Monitor Technology & Network functional performance and alignment with overall OpCo strategy.
• SLA approval and exception performance review

Budgets
• Manage function’s budgets in line with business objectives, under oversight of MD.
• Ensure that the cost of operations is managed, in line with a least cost operating strategy stemming from the business drivers, under oversight of the MD.

Operational Delivery
Functional Leadership:
As the functional leader of the Technology & Network vertical, the role is accountable to:
• Monitor and align the direction, strategy, and results of the Technology & Network vertical, collectively and as individual work areas in the OpCo, ensuring that the Group guidelines are duly complied with.
• Lead and deploy an integrated solution development and problem-solving philosophy across the function.
• Serve on the executive committee to align technology goals to other departmental and organizational objectives.

Delivery Leadership:
As the delivery leader of the Technology & Network vertical, the role is accountable for the following work area outcomes:
• Manage the Technology Infrastructure, Network and Service delivery for International IP Leased Lines, National IP Transit, Backhaul, National & Metro Leased Lines
• Manage Fiber assets & capex more than 20 Mn USD
• Oversee team, resources, and service providers to ensure provision and quality of service and connectivity and to support implementation of changes to support service delivery.
• Accountable for the architectural and design to the develop of the Fibre Network and supporting Infrastructure environment.
• Manage technical implementation of agreed initiatives working with all required parties to ensure successful delivery.
• Assist Group Technology team in deploying IT Infrastructure and assets within the OpCo and monitor to ensure that Infrastructure & assets usage, performance & maintenance is as per standards.
• Oversee Technology & Network work packages including fibre network design, underground conduit design, and fibre splicing design.
• Oversee Fiber infrastructure Network Deployment plans in line with Bayobab Technology team guidelines.
• Accountable for network resilience and redundancy plans for the network
• Oversee & Manage equipment providers, subcontractors (civil engineering), technical teams.
• Oversee & manage Network Planning & Capacity, Network operations and Infrastructure roll out.
• Manage the enterprise Information Security & IT service management for the Opco.
• Ensure customer complaints & escalations are resolved within the agreed SLA timelines with the Manager Services provider.
• Understand the technology trends in telecom infrastructure and need to validate and apply relevant technology changes to evolve the company infrastructure to meet changing business and customer requirements.
• Build quality assurance and data protection processes and policies by ensuring accurate SOPs and maintenance of critical documentation.
• Develop, track, and maintain network availability and quality metrics for all routes.
• Knowledgeable in the Disaster Recovery processes of the systems & infrastructure
• Oversee & ensure appropriate maintenance processes are in place to protect the performance of the service in the longer term

Education
• Minimum B. Tech/B.Eng. /B.Sc.
• Minimum 4-year degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Master’s degree in technology/engineering is preferred.

Experience:
• Minimum 5 to 8 years relevant experience in a similar position with at least 3 years in a managerial role
• 10 to 12 years of Professional/Technical Experience in wholesale/infrastructure/B2B Telecommunications sector/ industry with good knowledge in Planning & Designing of FTTX Networks
• Experience working in a service-based business for FTTx and Telecommunications Design of Infrastructure (Civils and Fibre) will be advantageous.
• Experience in MapInfo/Spatial net/GIS Tools/AutoCAD will be useful.
• Good knowledge of BOQ and BOM for FTTx Designs
• Proven track record in leading and delivering successful network rollout projects.
• Experience working in a global/multinational enterprise with a good understanding emerging market.

Functional Knowledge:
• FTTX Network solution design & planning
• Backbone transmission planning & roll-out
• Service Orchestration
• Cabling & leased line management
• Network operations management.
• Outsourcing contract management
• IT service & platform management
• Service monitoring.

Skills
• Strategic thinking
• Technical Acumen
• Business Acumen
• Analytical thinking
• Conflict management
• Data interpretation
• Decision making
• Delivery focused.
• Leadership
• Negotiations
• Innovation
• Presentation