Senior Specialist - Network Security Architecture

Senior Specialist - Network Security Architecture

Company: MTN

MTN is Africa’s largest mobile network operator, sharing the benefits of a modern connected life with 288m customers in 18 markets across Africa and the Middle East.

Job Overview: Design and maintain MTN’s Network Security architecture to protect networks, systems, and applications. This involves defining, planning, architecting, and coordinating the implementation and maintenance of information security necessary to support the OPCO’s IT, Digital, and Telecommunications network.

Context: Security is entering a new phase where the architecture and systems between IT and the Mobile Network are now using shared platforms or infrastructures. The candidate is responsible for vetting and advising all OPCO’s in the MTN portfolio on Core network, Digital, and IT security related projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide reports and analysis to support the development of the functional strategy in line with the overarching business goals.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to enable the regular review of the functional strategy, roadmap, and performance.
• Provide strategic and Security Reference Architecture portfolio leadership in line with business requirements.
• Align the vision of Group Information Security with the strategic objectives.
• Drive the adoption of common business rules, metrics, and measures.
• Facilitate the analysis of the current business environment to detect deficiencies and recommend solutions.
• Incorporate sound architectural governance practices.
• Improve and refine the security architecture portfolio.
• Lead and work on complex projects requiring in-depth domain knowledge.
• Provide ongoing subject matter expert level consultation to project teams.
• Model threats and risks and the controls necessary to mitigate them.
• Work closely with relevant MTN Group verticals to select the right security technology.
• Define functional and non-functional security requirements.
• Maintain a 3-5 years security architecture roadmap with budget requirements.
• Work with application functions/teams to assist with Security policy and process improvements.
• Manage and resolve escalations impacting service delivery.
• Escalate issues that will result in severe impacts.
• Input on objectives, targets, and budgets.
• Action key cyber security risks, issues, and dependencies.
• Report on a periodic basis on progress made.

Education:

• 4-year Information Technology/Information Systems/Engineering Degree.
• Master’s in business administration is advantageous.
• CISSP/CISM/CEH/CSSP certification.
• SABSA and/or TOGAF qualification will be an advantage.
• Cloud certifications (Azure, GCP, AWS) will be an advantage.
• Other Architectural qualifications (ITIL, TMF, COBIT) will be an advantage.

Experience:

• 5-6 years of relevant work experience in IT/Core Networks/Cloud technologies.
• A deep understanding of the Information Technology environment of a Telecom company or ISP.
• Experience in designing and implementing organization-wide network security policies.
• Experience in managing and implementing large scale Network security projects.
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies.

Functional Knowledge:

• Knowledge of technical security disciplines.
• Knowledge of security products, tools, and industry trends.
• Security protocols, communication protocols, cryptography, authentication, and authorisation.
• Working knowledge of current security risks, risk management, and assessments.
• Deep understanding of the MTN business and technology strategy.

Skills:

• Strong analytics/data interpretation and presentation skills.
• Detail orientation and high standards of work performed.
• Analytical and strategic thinking.
• Interpersonal skills and conflict management.
• Ability to cope with stress and deal with change.

Behavioural Qualities:

• Analytical, organised, and methodical.
• Operationally astute, proactive, and detail-oriented.