Ip: Sr. Specialist: Transmission Network Specialist

Job Description

About Us

At Safaricom Ethiopia, we are a purpose-led technology company dedicated to transforming lives through digital connectivity and inclusive financial services. In under four years, we have grown to serve over 10 million customers, with our network now reaching 55% of Ethiopia’s population – a testament to our bold vision and trusted partnerships.

Guided by core values such as customer obsession, innovation, integrity, and get it done together, we are building a workplace that is dynamic, inclusive, and empowering. We believe our greatest strength lies in our people. That’s why, for two consecutive years, we have proudly earned the Top Employer Award – in recognition of our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and inclusive environment.

Join Safaricom Ethiopia and be part of a team that is shaping the digital future of Ethiopia. Here, your work has meaning, your voice matters, and your growth is our priority. Together, we are transforming lives for a digital future.

Responsibilities

Key Accountabilities and decision ownership:

1. Network Planning & Design

• Design, plan, and optimize IP/MPLS core, IGW, CDN networks, aggregation, and edge networks.
• Define and validate network architecture, including routing, QoS, multicast, and VPN services (L2VPN, L3VPN, EVPN).
• Evaluate capacity needs and develop network expansion/upgrade strategies.
• Participate in the introduction of new technologies (SDN, SRv6, EVPN, IPv6).
• Support provisioning of IP services for enterprises, wholesale, and mobile customers.
• Validate end-to-end IP service performance (latency, jitter, packet loss).
• Provide technical expertise in customer solutions design (e.g., enterprise VPN, dedicated Internet access).

2. Service Delivery & Customer Support

• Support provisioning of IP services for enterprises, wholesale, and mobile customers.
• Validate end-to-end IP service performance (latency, jitter, packet loss).
• Provide technical expertise in customer solutions design (e.g., enterprise VPN, dedicated Internet access).

3. Documentation & Processes

• Maintain detailed network design, topology, and configuration documentation.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Produce network performance reports and suggest improvements.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with transmission/optical, mobile core, and data center teams to deliver end-to-end services.
• Collaborate with vendors on software upgrades, bug fixes, and feature implementation.
• Participate in Proof of Concept (PoC) and interoperability testing.

Core Competencies, Knowledge and Experience

Business Competencies

• Uses a range of research and data analysis techniques to identify key system requirements impacting transmission/IP network traffic growth.
• Translates data into insights that identify opportunities and highlight threats to optimal and timely network optimization.
• Able to work independently.

Innovative Propositions

• Able to assess/explore new technology options and advise on appropriate adoption to meet business requirements.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders in discussions on new options and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering or Higher National Diploma in Electronics/Telecommunications.
• 5 or more years’ experience with 3 years in a specialized role in a busy telecommunications environment – involved in Transmission and IP Network design, planning, installations/commissioning, and operations, especially in IP/MPLS Networks.
• Working knowledge and experience in various transmission network technologies and integration with E2E IP Networks.
• In-depth understanding of IP network protocols – BGP, MPLS, OSPF, ISIS, Segment Routing, SRv6, IPv6, etc. Professional level certifications required (e.g., NRS II, CCNP, HCNP). Expert level certifications will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of software defined networking principles. 
• Knowledge of network scripting/programming languages (e.g., Python)
• Computer literacy – Able to create management reports and use project management tools
• Analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Project management skills

Skills Required:

• Computer / Software / It / Data
• Electrician / Electronics / Electrical / Engineering