About the Organization
Safaricom Ethiopia is a purpose-driven technology company dedicated to transforming lives through digital connectivity and inclusive financial services. In less than four years, we have reached over 10 million customers, with our network now covering 55% of Ethiopia’s population. This rapid growth reflects our bold vision and trusted partnerships across the country.
We are guided by core values of customer obsession, innovation, integrity, and teamwork. Our workplace culture is dynamic, inclusive, and empowering, designed to nurture talent, encourage innovation, and foster professional development. For two consecutive years, Safaricom Ethiopia has been recognized as a Top Employer, honoring our commitment to an engaging, supportive, and diverse workplace.
Joining Safaricom Ethiopia means becoming part of a team that is shaping the digital future of Ethiopia. Here, your work has real meaning, your voice is valued, and your professional growth is our priority. We are especially committed to empowering women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in technology and leadership.
Job Description
The Specialist in Radio Access Planning will play a critical role in designing, optimizing, and maintaining our wireless radio access networks. This position is central to ensuring high-quality connectivity for millions of users and supporting the expansion of our digital services across Ethiopia.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing, planning, and optimizing wireless radio access networks, including propagation modeling, interference analysis, frequency planning, parameter definition, and ancillary equipment management.
- Reviewing frequency, PSC, and PCI plans to accommodate new sites while minimizing interference.
- Dimensioning new core and access network elements, signaling networks, interconnect routes, and IP packet core elements.
- Validating multi-vendor EPs, SAR approvals, and SSV approvals in coordination with the SMT team.
- Developing comprehensive network design reports and resilient business continuity plans.
- Evaluating the impact and requirements for introducing new services and technologies.
- Monitoring new site quality KPIs through performance monitoring and drive test analysis.
- Analyzing traffic trends, resource utilization, and optimizing network capacity for consistent quality.
- Testing and validating RF hardware and software feature proposals.
- Updating site databases, standardizing configurations, and maintaining high-quality network parameters.
- Resolving coverage-related customer complaints efficiently and proactively.
- Contributing to the development of internal radio network design and optimization processes.
- Preparing quarterly and annual forecasts for network capacity and interconnect route requirements.
- Collaborating with vendors to prepare test documentation for new or upgraded network elements.
- Advising on tools required for network analysis, planning, and optimization.
- Recommending parameter enhancements to improve overall network performance.
- Supporting network rollout, cutovers, rehoming, hardware/software upgrades, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
This role provides significant exposure to advanced telecommunications technologies, multi-vendor systems, and strategic network planning. It offers opportunities to lead impactful projects and collaborate with expert teams, enhancing both technical and leadership skills.
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree (BSc. Honors) in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, preferably with a focus on telecommunications.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in Radio & Access Core planning environments.
- Hands-on experience with radio planning tools, capacity planning tools, MySQL, M2000, NetAct, Advanced Excel, and Erlang-B.
- Experience with process automation, database audits, and interfacing with planning tools.
- Proficiency in SQL database queries and scripting; Python scripting, QGIS, Google Earth, MapInfo, and crowd-sourced analytics are an added advantage.
- Familiarity with Nokia and Huawei network systems is desirable.
- Practical knowledge of all RATs, interoperability, traffic modeling, coverage and capacity forecasting, core access planning, paging, and LAC dimensioning.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong analytical thinking and troubleshooting capabilities.
- Excellent communication and collaborative skills.
- Ability to plan, optimize, and manage complex network systems.
- Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Commitment to delivering high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type and Salary
This is a full-time position offering a competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience and qualifications. Safaricom Ethiopia also emphasizes career progression, learning opportunities, and professional growth for all employees.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications are encouraged to create or update their candidate profile on the Safaricom Ethiopia recruitment portal and click the “Apply” button. Only your resume is required—scanned certificates or other attachments are not necessary.
We strongly encourage women and underrepresented groups to apply and contribute to shaping Ethiopia’s digital future.
Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.