Job Title: Core IP Network Team lead / Architect
Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Job Summary
- Design, monitor, manage, optimize and maintain Core IP network (Routers, Switches, International connections, domestic backhaul, base stations connectivity, excluding last mile client links).
- Continuously monitor network actively to be able to predict future failures and notify and escalate current issues until closure.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Network Operations:
- Manage & maintain core servers such as DNS, NTP, SPAM gateway, AAA, Monitoring, Syslog, Configuration management.
- Manage, troubleshooting of MPLS network (EoMPLS) implemented on all PoP’s. Traffic Engineering of MPLS network where necessary.
- Manage, troubleshoot & monitoring of backhaul.
- Make use of available backhaul network bandwidth efficiently, distribute loads or load sharing where necessary.
- Identify any performance issues, make necessary recommendations.
- Implement automatic failover of links, performance routing.
- Develop Preventive maintenance procedure to increase the availability of core services.
- Ensure that all maintenance activities are scheduled as per maintenance policies
- Manage Data Center to ensure orderly and secure environment.
Network Monitoring:
- Maintain 99.999 % availability of core services & Monitor network stability, availability and performance.
- Automatic alerting and escalating systems for device failure, performance issues, link failure or quality related issue.
- Implement / manage & maintain Out of band monitoring of all core devices in POP’s & other remote locations
- Develop framework and procedures for monitoring network elements
- Implement system for Log collection & management. Strategy to analyze log data periodical & take necessary actions where necessary.
Network Integration:
- Design, setup and configure complex switching environments.
Capacity Planning:
- Forecast and plan core network expansion prior to congestion based on sales forecasting and extrapolation of usage.
Network Optimization and Traffic engineering:
- Optimal use of available international bandwidth from different providers, escalate any issue to Tier I providers. Automatic failover in case of link failures, Ensure performance-based routing.
- Identify and classify traffic flows to relieve congestion and enhance user experience
- Ensure that IP transit routes are optimal and deliver highest performance in the industry
- Maintain Speedtest.net ratings for Netcom at top tier.
Network Security Management:
- Implement industry best practices for Security of core devices, implement templates where necessary & AAA system where necessary.
- Handle Spam / Public IP blacklist issue handling / customer awareness of Spam issues / Handling of customer spam issues.
- Implement Network Security Operations Center in NOC.
Network Documentation & Configuration Management:
- Maintain current IP Address registration information with Afrinic
- Maintain IP Address records for Netcom IP addresses
- Implement network documentation templates, standards & management procedure.
- Maintain up to date network documentation & version / change history.
- Configuration management, periodical backups & track changes.
- Develops strict Change management procedure within the organization & eliminate any unauthorized changes on core devices or infrastructure such as power, backhaul.
Network Vendor Management (core network hardware / network providers):
- Liaise with providers to ensure that services are operating at proper function and performance.
Technical Escalation:
- Provide level 3 network support for all network issues.
Reporting:
- Provide Weekly report of Core Networks.
Management:
- Ensure implementation projects are completed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
- Implement industry standard Operational practices within the team.
- Evaluate various new technologies / products, make recommendation to management where necessary
- Develop policies and procedures as necessary to remain ISO9000/TL9000 compliant
- Develop Staff skills and experience.
Education and / or Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electronics / Communications / Network / Computer Engineering
- CCAr Architect (CCDE previous) and CCIE Routing and Switching certification or equivalent.
- At least 5 years in similar role for regional or nation-wide servicing ISP with national backhaul and international backbone circuits and global clients.
- At least 5 to 8 years demonstrable and proven experience in I.T architectural design and technology development within their specialty field, specifically in design and deployment of IT Technical and reference architectures
- At least 8 years demonstrable experience in Network and Voice operations and services, specifically, WAN (MPLS, SD-WAN), VPN, LAN, WIFI, Firewalls, UTM, Security, Monitoring (NOC), VoIP, SIP, ISDN.
Essential Skills / Knowledge / Traits:
- Expert IP Networking and Fiber Optic Network skills.
- Technical, analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent IT/Computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office software, other company and specific software applications)
- Strong organizational skills, effective leadership skills and confident decision-making ability.
- Patience and the ability to deal with people.
- Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Company.
- Availability in response to needs of the internal or customer for installation, maintenance, and equipment malfunctions.
- Willing to perform work and support outside office hour.
- Highly motivated and resourceful.
- Team player and be able to prioritize different request and requirements.
Desirable Skill / Knowledge / Trait:
- Project Management Professional, ITIL Professional
- Ability to steer through complex decisions, engaging key stakeholders in the process and be able to communicate regularly to the business and the team
- Ability to work well under pressure, to tight timescales and priorities, with a focus on cost-control and security, in a deadline driven environment.
- Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills required (e.g. listening, verbal, written) to communicate effectively at all levels of the business.
- Must be a self-starter to keep up with fast-changing trends. Technical, analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Job Features
Job Category | Information Technology / ICT, Telecom/Robotics/Technology |