Chief Technology and Information Officer

Company Overview

MTN group, established in the mid-1990s, operates across Africa and the Middle East, serving over 290 million customers in 16 markets. The organisation offers a diverse portfolio including voice, data, fintech, enterprise, digital, and API services, underpinned by significant investment in infrastructure and innovation.

MTN Côte d’Ivoire business is undergoing a strategic restructuring of its Technology Department. This transformation will unify the current Technology and Information Systems functions under a newly created Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) role.

The CTIO will report to the CEO in Côte d’Ivoire and functionally to the Group CTIO. This is a high-impact leadership position, responsible for delivering the technology and information strategy to support innovation, growth, and operational excellence. The role is based in Côte d’Ivoire and requires fluency in both English and French. An attractive remuneration and benefits package is offered, with either a local or expatriate contract available.

The CTIO is responsible for formulating and implementing a comprehensive technology strategy, identifying and leveraging emerging technologies, and driving continuous improvement in technology infrastructure to foster innovation and maintain the Company’s competitive position in the market.

The role is also responsible for ensuring alignment of technology platforms to support revenue streams, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the business and its customers. The CTIO will also oversee the management of third-party partnerships, development of tender specifications, and the effective execution of the tender process.

The role includes designing a network development strategy aligned with business objectives, ensuring the effective deployment, operational performance, and maintenance of the Company’s radio networks, switching systems, VAS systems, RF transmission systems, and fibre network.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Contribute to the overall business strategy, ensuring continued leadership in the market.
  

• Define the functional strategy aligned with business goals.
  

• Implement the strategy through clear direction, structure, and frameworks.
  

• Lead annual Business Plan development and ongoing monitoring.
  

• Translate strategic objectives into operational plans and drive execution.
  

Staff Leadership & Management

• Mentor and coach direct reports to ensure high motivation and performance.
  

• Ensure skills transfer and business continuity through staff development.
  

• Guide and direct suppliers and third parties to achieve business objectives.
  

• Oversee team management including recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews.
  

• Develop and maintain a structure that meets departmental objectives.
  

Operational Delivery

• Develop the technology strategy in line with global best practice.
  

• Prepare and execute the annual Technology Work Plan to meet business objectives.
  

• Align technology functions with operational company goals.
  

• Ensure optimal network performance and maintenance of systems.
  

• Provide leadership and governance aligned with the Group’s strategy.
  

• Drive quality through advanced optimisation and performance monitoring.
  

• Maintain continuous delivery of IS services and monitor system performance.
  

• Manage cross-functional project teams and technical platforms.
  

• Lead on cybersecurity, information governance, and risk management.
  

• Partner with Finance to manage CAPEX/OPEX budgets and forecast plans.
  

• Participate in Capital Steering Committees to ensure governance and ROI.
  

• Ensure compliance with procurement procedures and tender governance.
  

• Assess M&A opportunities in the technology domain.
  

• Collaborate closely with customer-facing and operational departments.
  

• Research and evaluate emerging technologies to enhance strategy.
  

• Drive cost optimisation via infrastructure sharing and asset efficiency.
  

• Promote standardisation of technologies and group-wide implementation models.
  

• Build internal centres of excellence to support operations.
  

• Negotiate tenders and manage supplier relationships for optimal delivery.
  

• Benchmark processes and promote internal best practices.
  

• Foster collaboration with Group and regional technology teams.
  

• Act as a Brand Ambassador, promoting the Company’s values internally and externally.
  

Governance

Meetings and Transformation

• Lead strategic and operational meetings, providing input and direction.
  

• Drive transformation initiatives and risk mitigation.
  

• Approve and sign off new initiatives and budgets.
  

• Recommend changes to SLAs and internal policies.
  

Escalation Management

• Resolve critical service delivery issues.
  

• Escalate issues with significant impact if unresolved.
  

• Manage operational performance and implement improvement plans.
  

Reporting

• Provide monthly and ad hoc reports on projects and performance.
  

• Approve operational changes and control departmental budgets.
  

Managerial Responsibilities

• Promote collaboration and a culture of high performance.
  

• Provide strong leadership with both strategic and operational focus.
  

• Implement succession planning and ensure diverse talent development.
  

• Conduct performance reviews and set KPIs.
  

• Build and lead a world-class technology team.
  

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in an IT environment and engineering for GSM operations.
  

• Proven expertise in network architecture and operations.
  

• At least 5 years’ managerial experience, with 3 years or more in the relevant sector or industry.
  

• Minimum of 5 years at a senior management level within a technology environment, preferably in a multinational organisation.
  

• Experience within global/multinational enterprises; understanding of emerging markets is advantageous.
  

• Industry background in FMCG, telecommunications, retail banking, or service sectors is highly desirable.
  

• In-depth knowledge and experience in technical architecture and solutions design for mobile technologies, IT applications, and VAS platforms.
  

• Solid understanding of OSS/BSS systems related to service delivery.
  

• Demonstrated ability to work across diverse cultures and geographies.
  

• Pan-African multicultural experience is advantageous.
  

• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to self-motivate and lead in fast-paced environments.
  

• A mindset oriented towards innovation, inventiveness, and thought leadership.
  

• Exposure to global best practices and an international outlook.
  

• Fluency in both French and English is essential.
  

Functional Knowledge

• Next-Generation Network Deployment
  

• 5G and Internet of Things (IoT)
  

• Network Architecture and Operations
  

• Software-Defined Networking (SDN) & Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV)
  

• Microservices Architecture
  

• Cloud Architecture, Engineering, and Security
  

• Cloud and Edge Computing (e.g. AWS, Virtualisation, Cloud Platforms)
  

• Data Architecture and Engineering
  

• Data Science (AI/ML)
  

• Analysis of Data, Processes, Systems, and IT Infrastructure
  

• IT Strategy and Planning
  

• Systems Design, Integration, and Reengineering
  

• Cybersecurity
  

• Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (e.g. Machine Learning, Python, Hadoop, TensorFlow)
  

• IP Protocols and Governance
  

• API Portfolio Management
  

• DevOps and ML Ops
  

• SCRUM Methodologies
  

• UX/UI Design
  

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and General Automation
  

• Agile Methodologies
  

• Working knowledge of SQL, Java, VoIP, Cisco Technologies, and Open RAN
  

Core Competencies and Capabilities

• Strong business acumen
  

• Analytical thinking and data interpretation
  

• Strategic vision and planning ability
  

• Organisational agility
  

• Digital-first mindset
  

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and complexity
  

• Decisiveness and sound judgement
  

• Conflict resolution and stakeholder negotiation
  

• Financial literacy and numerical proficiency
  

• Champion of culture and change
  

• Project management expertise
  

• Effective people management and leadership
  

Behavioural Qualities

• Adaptable and resilient
  

• Demonstrates complete candour
  

• Culturally aware and inclusive
  

• Emotionally mature
  

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
  

• Possession of an MBA or Master’s degree is highly desirable.