Network Section Head

JOB PURPOSE

The role holder is responsible for managing all network
operations including developing data network architectures and standards,
maintaining network stability and installing software upgrades. The role holder
also drives system security evaluations and audits to identify network-based
vulnerabilities and recommend mitigating strategies.    

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / ACCOUNTABILITIES

1.      
Strategic Planning

·        
Develop the Network Security and Data Networks
& Voice Services Section strategy in line with the Network Management
Department strategy to ensure the achievement of Department objectives

·        
Implement the Section strategy and related
strategic plans in order to achieve agreed upon strategic goals and objectives

·        
Continuously evolve the   Network Security and Data Networks &
Voice Services Section operating model in compliance with relevant policies to
optimize performance and resource utilization

2.      
Job Specific Accountability         

·        
Develop data network architectures and standards
and integrating them in the enterprise architecture

·        
Lead the development and deployment of data
network and voice services and network security solutions including operational
/ stress testing, capacity planning, deployment, general release planning, load
balancing and conducting end user training

·        
Perform analysis of network needs and contribute
to the design of network architecture, integration and installation

·        
Develop processes and procedures to quickly push
out new software systems and services while minimizing system outages

·        
Negotiate with external vendors (Etisalat/DU) to
secure best leasing options based on their requirements

·        
Monitor and maintain network stability,
collecting and analysing network and memory utilization, and installing
software upgrades

·        
Define the service level agreements with clients
to manage efficient delivery of data networks and voice services for the leased
lines service

·        
Drive system security evaluations, audits, and
reviews and develop systems security contingency plans and disaster recovery
procedures

·        
Monitor firewall, intrusion detection,
anti-virus and patch deployment systems for all networks across all networks

·        
Lead physical tests in co-ordination with the
vendors for data network and voice services and network security on deployed
networks in client environments to ensure the quality of service

·        
Troubleshoot, investigate and resolve problems
related to the network security as well as application and system problems that
have been escalated for senior level support

·        
Drive active penetration tests  in co-ordination with SOC to discover
vulnerabilities in information systems across all network environments

·        
Identify and resolve complex data network
problems utilizing structured troubleshooting methods, techniques and tools

·        
Respond to security incidents, investigating
security breaches and providing fault resolution and escalation

·        
Monitor network security, performance, maintain
system logs and schedule network maintenance as required

·        
Guides the virtual network tools management
including identification, assessment and deployment of solutions in line with
defined SLA’s 

·        
Maintain management databases, network device
configurations, circuit information and operations network diagrams for network
infrastructure including the development of database requirements, and
establishment of data file backups

·        
Ensures the maintenance of documentation of
network configurations and cabling layouts for deployed client networks

·        
Identify emerging technology solutions that can
be leveraged to enhance network security protocols

3.      
Budgeting          

·        
Prepare and recommend the Network Security
Section budget based on benchmarking, insights and analysis

·        
Monitor the financial performance of the Network
Security Section against budgets to identify and capitalize on potential areas
for cost reduction and performance improvement opportunities

4.      
Operations Management

·        
Manage daily operations ensuring that work
processes are optimally delivered adopting a continuous improvement mindset

·        
Provide management information and insights on
all dimensions of Section performance to facilitate discussion and decision
making, both on a periodic basis and for ad-hoc executive management
requests 

·        
Manage and guide project teams in order to
optimize efficiency, ensuring  that the
project cycle is completed in accordance with agreed project parameters (cost
budget, timelines, scope  and quality)

5.      
People Management

·        
Manage the activities and work of team members
and evaluate their performance by providing formal and informal feedback

·        
Nurture talent within the Section by providing
guidance, mentoring and coaching

6.      
Policies, Processes & Procedures             

·        
Recommend improvements to Department policies
and direct the implementation of procedures and controls covering all areas
of  Network Security activity so that all
relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering
quality, cost-effective services

·        
Optimization of policies, processes and
procedures emphasizing digitization and paperless strategies

·        
Ensure the implementation of various information
security practices and standards to ensure compliance with relevant policies
and the protection of our client’s data and information in conjunction with the
Information Security Department

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Qualifications  

·        
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science /
Information Technology or equivalent

Professional Certifications         

·        
Relevant certification in network management
such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or equivalent

Years of Experience      

·        
8 – 10 years of relevant experience in network
management

Nature of Experience   

·        
4 years in positions of progressively increasing
managerial responsibilities  

Job Specific

Skills    

·        
Excellent Knowledge of technical troubleshooting

·        
Understanding of System Development Lifecycle

·        
Understanding of System Development Lifecycle

·        
Experience in LAN/WAN design and implementation

·        
Excellent debugging and optimisation skills

·        
Excellent planning and organizing skills

·        
Ability to multi-task and work under tight
deadline

·        
Strong analytical skills

Business Language Skills             

·        
Fluent written and spoken English essential,
Arabic preferred

Communication and Interaction Skills   

·        
Adapts style and uses persuasion in delivering
messages where issues may be complex, audience perspectives may be divergent,
or information may be non-routine in nature

ROLE DIMENSIONS

People Management    

·        
Direct Reports: (number and nature of role)

·        
Indirect Reports: (number and nature of role)

Financial Responsibility /
Budget Supervised

·        
Operational Expenses (AED)

·        
Capital Expenses (up to AED)

·        
Projects Budgets (AED)