System Engineer: VAS (Internal/External ) Full Time NEW

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.

Key accountabilities and decision ownership:

• Transforming requirements into stipulations, test, implement and maintain VAS applications.

• Research and perform proof-of-concept on new technology and methodologies that can improve the architecture, user experience

• Implement rollout of routine business requirements including but not limited to building USSD menus, backend API integration, testing and other service requests on the VAS platforms to deliver new services and improve on existing services

• Constantly improve and enhance the code that power and drive the VAS services

•  Collaborate with the rest of the project members and the engagement manager to design and launch new features.

•  Troubleshoot technical issues, fix code bugs, and set up the required infrastructure

•  Engage members of other departments in resolution of issues as well as planning of network related projects.

•  Provide input and ideas into the assessment of technical feasibility of new products or service propositions from the Business Unit

• Provide technical expertise in planning and design for new VAS solutions or optimization of existing solutions in line with the IT strategy execution plan.

• Actively participate and provide professional expertise in defining strategy, roadmaps, architecture design and evolution especially towards Cloud & Micro services or applicable technologies.

• Timely delivery of project plans and architecture designs with the goal of ensuring high quality standards are met and solutions are operationally viable.

• Enhance processes and DevOps to improve delivery and increase efficiency by focusing on continuous improvement and optimization

• Core competencies, knowledge and experience:
• Business Competencies:
• Profiency in VAS Solutions.
• Technical analysis and solution design, Development and implementation for all VAS Products & Services
• Creativity and Innovation
• Fulfilment of business requirements through Innovative solutioning, and creative use of appropriate technologies and system capabilities to ensure that business and technical requirements are met in accordance with timelines, Quality and user experience in line with best practice
• Business Know how
• Sound knowledge of products and services with good track record of solution delivery
• Collaboration and cocreation with business and other Technology partners to drive innovative solution implementation.
• Working with Change
• Ability to communicate and drive change,
• Ability to influence others to adopt change.
• Ability to drive initiatives without any formal authority in an ambiguous and startup environment
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• Project and Programme Management
• Sound knowledge of products and services with good track record of solution delivery
• Management across multiple delivery areas and vendors
• Excellent systems analytical and communication (written and verbal) skills along with meeting facilitation skills
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• Functional Competencies:
• Domain experience in GSM is a must with a bias towards CCS, Mediation, Voucher Management, Provisioning, Roaming, Interconnect, Invoicing.
• Working knowledge on cloud Native, TCP, CNF & VNF solutions.
• Deep understanding of 3GPP protocols and API interfaces (REST, SOAP

Must have technical / professional qualifications: 

• BSc. Degree or equivalent in one of the following: Telecommunication Engineering/Electrical Engineering/ Electronics engineering/Computer Science/IT.

• 3+ years’ experience in IT / telecommunication environment or Software Engineering

• Good knowledge in VAS solutions including Messaging, Voice & Service Delivery Platforms

• Experience on development in Java

• Experience with REST API and microservices development

• Strong understanding of virtualization and container infrastructure technology

• Knowledge of Distributed Systems, analytics tools such and Python, Standard Query languages, Procedural Programming languages, Linux/Unix, Shell scripting

• Experience with JavaScript, JSON, XSLT, XML

• Knowledge in TCP/IP, IP Traffic Engineering, SS7 signaling, GSM MAP and SMPP Protocols

• Working knowledge in Unix systems and Databases – Oracle, MySQL.

• Deep understanding of 3GPP protocols and interfaces

  Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have assumed current Safaricom role for a minimum of 12 months period.

• Employees are strongly advised to discuss their career aspirations with their line managers when they apply for vacant jobs.

• Candidates are eligible to apply for roles at the same level (possible lateral move to another function) or one level higher (next higher immediate level)

• Please be aware that promotions (band increments) may lead to changes in financial rewards. However, lateral moves only result in changes to job title and reporting lines.

• For Regional roles, knowledge of the Region local language is essential