Specialist - Network Security

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 get earned the Top Employer Award – in recognition for our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and inclusive environment to people.
• 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

About The Job

Key accountabilities and decision ownership

• Take global operational ownership of network security infrastructure and operations. This includes managing firewalls, proxies, content filtering, load balancers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). Ensure compliance with standards, policies, and day-to-day operations.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify weaknesses in the network and systems.
• Collaborate with internal security experts, third-party sources, and suppliers to understand network security requirements, controls, policies, and threats. Identify opportunities to eliminate risk, improve service capabilities, and reduce costs
• Develop and implement incident response plans and procedures to quickly and effectively respond to security incidents and breaches.
• Manage user access by implementing access controls and strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Configure and maintain firewall rules and policies to control inbound and outbound network traffic.
• Monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and respond to security alerts
• generated by intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Create and enforce security policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Continuously monitor network traffic and analyze logs for signs of unauthorized access or unusual activity.
• Implement encryption protocols to secure data both in transit and at rest, safeguarding sensitive information.
• Manage the deployment of security patches and updates to network devices and systems to mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems and data from potential threats.

Business Competencies:

• Minimum of 3 years of work experience and 2 years of relevant experience in information security/cybersecurity
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Experience with securing various environments is preferred.
• Experience in working across security frameworks.
• Experience in working across security technologies.
• In depth understanding of the role of Information Security in network and system security.
• Proven experience based on ability to design and develop security architectures for complex multi-component systems.
• Demonstrated experience in developing conceptual, logical and physical IT security architecture deliverables.
• Possess very good knowledge of technological advances within the information security area

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications, post degree qualification
• One or more these industry Cybersecurity Certifications: CCNP-Security, CompTIA Security+, CCNP, NSE-4, NSE-6
• Experience and proficiency with the following:
  • Network security
  • End point security
  • Perimeter security
  • Privileged access management
  • Remote access
  • Telecom security
• Knowledge of basic system administration and operating system hardening techniques

Desired

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISM, CISA, CISSP-ISSEP, CISSP-ISSAP, CCIE security preferred.

Skills

• Network & Infrastructure Security (Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPN, MFA)
• Threat Detection & Incident Response
• Security Architecture & Compliance
• Cybersecurity Tools & Certifications (CCNP, Security+, CISSP)

Skills Required:

• Computer / Software / It / Data