Chief Technology and Information Officer

Bayobab; Dubai; On-site; AED 734,000 - 1,102,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital infrastructure provider in Dubai seeks a Chief Technology and Information Officer to provide visionary leadership for technology and information systems. The role includes managing a substantial financial portfolio, driving technology innovations, and leading a team of 150 professionals. Candidates should have over 15 years of experience in telecommunications, with a focus on executive leadership in technology programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years in telecommunications, with at least 10 years in executive roles.
• Proven experience managing large-scale technology programs.
• Recognised Technology leader in Telecommunications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and engineering of network and IT systems.
• Manage a financial portfolio of $150m CAPEX and $25m OPEX.
• Oversee and manage the Technology Division’s financial resources.

Skills

Telecommunication Networks Knowledge

Operational Management

Crisis Management

Commercial Acumen

Interpersonal Skills

Education

4-year Academic Degree in Engineering or Technology

Master’s Degree - MBA/MSc.

Job description

Company Overview, Vision & Values

MTN Digital Infrastructure – Bayobab Group is a purpose-driven and value-led organization

At Bayobab Group we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, every day. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our organisation is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.

Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.

As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!

Our commitments go beyond organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers, and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.

We are delighted that you are considering us as your career partner to make a mark in the world. We look forward to your application!

2. Mission/Core purpose of the Job

The Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) at MTN Digital Infrastructure – Bayobab Group provides visionary leadership for technology and information systems in the Bayobab Group and affiliates, ensuring that infrastructure and digital capabilities become a key enabler of business growth across Africa.

The CTIO is accountable for:

• Leading the planning, engineering, deployment, maintenance, and operations of Bayobab’s networks and IT systems providing Network and Infrastructure services to ~300 million customers across the African Continent and connecting to global carriers, OTTs, and hyperscalers.
• Delivering services across fixed and mobile, wholesale mobility (voice, roaming, messaging, signalling, interconnect, IoT, VAS,…) , and all associated tools supporting these systems.
• Managing and building Infrastructure services including subsea solutions, long distance terrestrial fibre systems, TowerCo, satellites, and AI-grade data centers.
• Managing the Information Systems portfolio including OSS, BSS, ERP, BI, middleware, and cybersecurity platforms.
• Designing and implementing the Technology roadmap in alignment with MTN Group guidelines, covering areas such as virtualization, automation, cloud/edge, NaaS, PaaS, and cybersecurity.
• Leading a Technology organization of 150 professionals (Managers & Specialists) and influencing technical teams across MTN markets (1000+ engineers).
• Managing a financial portfolio of $150m CAPEX and $25m OPEX annually.
• Driving innovation and human capital development to ensure Bayobab remains Africa’s leading digital infrastructure provider.

Responsible for managing all aspects of the customer experience, Technology vendors and partners.

3. Key Performance Areas

Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)

Technology Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and implement Bayobab’s Technology & Information Systems roadmap in alignment with MTN Group strategy.
• Anticipate and integrate emerging technologies (AI, cloud, cyber security, virtualization, NaaS/PaaS, IoT, etc.) to support business growth.
• Provide the Executive Committee with insights on disruptive technologies and their impact on the business.
• Responsible for identifying the Technology innovations that will form part of the services for the next decade and growing human capital skills.
• Ensure wide scale deployment of automation, AI and operational best practice to ensure world class services to customers.

Network & Infrastructure Operations

• Lead the planning, design, deployment, and operations of resilient network and IT architectures (fixed, mobile, data centers, subsea fiber, satellites, TowerCo, power solutions).
• Ensure high availability, redundancy, and service quality across all platforms serving wholesale, enterprise, and retail customers.
• Oversee delivery and enhancement of infrastructure supporting products and services.
• Implement a robust network management strategy.

Technology Governance & Performance

• Establish and enforce operating systems, governance processes, and performance frameworks in line with best practice and MTN Group standards.
• Monitor technology performance, identify risks, and implement risk management compliance processes and procedures.
• Chair/participate in strategic technology committees and provide direction for decision-making.
• Lead escalations and crisis management for high customer-impacting incidents and service issues.

Financial & Resource Management

• Oversee and Manage the Technology Division’s financial resources and budgets
• Drive initiatives to reduce cost of operations through a least-cost operating model.
• Allocate resources effectively to balance cost efficiency and innovation.
• Oversee forecasting, project budgets, and OpCo contributions where required.

People Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead a high-performing technology team of ~150 professionals, ensuring role clarity, succession planning, and career development.
• Build organizational capability by driving training, mentorship, and knowledge transfer.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement within the Technology Division.

Stakeholder & Customer Engagement

• Partner and collaborate with internal stakeholders (CEO, ExCo, FiberCo MDs, MTN Group Technology leaders) to deliver aligned solutions.
• Manage escalations from customers and internal teams, ensuring timely resolution.

Build strong relationships with regulators, carriers, hyperscalers, cloud providers and other external partners.

4. Job Requirements

(Education, Experience and Competencies)

Education

• Minimum 4-year Academic Degree in Engineering, Technology or related field
• Master’s Degree - MBA/MSc. (Business discipline preferred).

Experience

• 15+ years in telecommunications, with at least 10 years in executive in communication and technology leadership roles.
• Experience and Track record in Global wholesale services, fiber rollout, TowerCo, satellite, and data center and power solutions deployment
• Proven experience managing large-scale technology programs and influencing technical teams.
• Work across diverse cultures and geographies
• Experience in B2B and enterprise solutions within telecommunications or digital infrastructure.
• Recognised Technology leader in the Telecommunication industry through international awards and Membership in Academic bodies

Competencies

• Deep and wide knowledge of Telecommunication Networks and Information systems, across Mobile networks, Fixed-line networks and Information technology domains
• Deep and wide knowledge of Global Technology best practices and trends, including but not limited to 5G, Fixed/Mobile, fiber design/planning, capacity management, service convergence, System virtualization and automation, Cloud and Edge computing, Data Center management, Cyber security, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing complex Technology strategies and large-scale programmes
• Ability to think creatively and design non-traditional technical solutions to complex business challenges
• Proven track record on operational management of technical teams with 1000+ engineers
• Strong organisational awareness
• Sound commercial acumen with an understanding of the impact of Technology outputs on revenue generation
• Crisis management

Other Requirements:

• Regional and international travel.
• Ability to adapt to changing business requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Global mindset to service worldwide operations
• Attitude of Technical innovation & thought leadership to the organisation
• Multi-cultural experience
• Multi-country operations oversight experience

Internal Relationships

• MTN Digital Infrastructure - Bayobab Group CEO
• Bayobab Group CTIO’s direct reports.
• CCPbO , CFbO, and rest of Excom
• FiberCo MD’s
• MTN Group and Operating Units Technology CTIOs

External Relationships

• Strategic partners, including Carriers and Telecom Service Providers.
• Industry regulators and stakeholders.
• 3rd party customers.
• hyperscalers and cloud providers