About Safaricom Ethiopia
Safaricom Ethiopia is a purpose-led technology company transforming lives through digital connectivity and inclusive financial services. In less than four years, the company has grown to serve over 10 million customers, with network coverage reaching 55% of Ethiopia’s population. Guided by values of customer obsession, innovation, integrity, and collaboration, Safaricom Ethiopia fosters a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering workplace. The company has earned the Top Employer Award for two consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to people and performance.
Role Purpose
The Senior Cyber Security Architect is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing robust security architectures for IT systems and mobile and fixed networks. The role provides strategic and technical leadership in cybersecurity, ensuring the protection of digital assets, regulatory compliance, and the adoption of emerging security technologies.
Key Responsibilities
Plan, research, and design secure architecture for IT systems and mobile and fixed networks. Develop and document technology security controls and requirements aligned with business and regulatory standards. Evaluate and recommend emerging security technologies, including AI-driven threat detection and quantum-safe encryption. Ensure cost-effective and optimized cybersecurity solutions. Provide cybersecurity consultancy to technology and business projects, including secure DevSecOps practices. Lead and provide technical supervision to the Technology Security team. Contribute subject-matter expertise to security policies, procedures, and awareness programs. Respond to security incidents in a timely manner and deliver post-incident analysis and reporting. Provide accurate reporting on architectural solutions, identified risks, and recommended mitigation measures. Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies to protect enterprise digital assets. Lead and mentor cybersecurity professionals to ensure high performance and readiness. Create and enforce cybersecurity policies and ensure compliance with industry standards. Define and implement endpoint, cloud, and hybrid environment security strategies. Collaborate with internal teams, third-party vendors, and suppliers to manage security risks, improve capabilities, and optimize costs. Develop and maintain incident response plans and breach management procedures.
Core Competencies and Experience
Minimum of five years’ experience in information security or cybersecurity, including at least three years in a telecommunications environment. Strong knowledge of IT governance and security frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST, COBIT, SOC 2, ITIL, and SOX. Proven experience in IT network and systems administration and cybersecurity solution implementation. Experience with layered security architecture, network security technologies, firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, anti-malware, DDoS mitigation, and risk and vulnerability assessments. Strong understanding of DNS, routing, authentication, VPN, proxy services, and network segmentation. Demonstrated ability to design security architectures for complex, multi-component systems. Experience developing conceptual, logical, and physical security architecture deliverables. Strong leadership skills with experience building and managing high-performing technical teams. Ability to work under time and resource pressure while engaging a wide range of stakeholders. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. One or more industry certifications such as CISM, CISA, CISSP-ISSEP, CISSP-ISSAP, CCNA, Azure Security Engineer, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Fortinet NSE-4/NSE-6. Experience in network security, endpoint security, cloud security, and hybrid environments. Knowledge of operating system hardening and system administration best practices. Additional advanced certifications such as CISSP, CCNP-Security, CCIE-Security, or Azure Solutions Architect Expert are an advantage.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are encouraged to create or update their candidate profile on the Safaricom Ethiopia recruitment portal and apply online. Please ensure an updated resume is attached before submission.