Vnet Manager

_VPUU NPC is a Public Benefit Organisation implementing multi-sectoral integrated area-based upgrading programmes of neighbourhoods in townships and informal settlements. This is done in partnership with communities, municipalities, provincial and national government._
- We work in an integrated team of community participation, socio economic development, operation and maintenance, spatial planning and design, infrastructure development, and knowledge management towards sustainable urban neighbourhoods. For our team we are looking for a VNET Manager_
- V-NET is VPUU’s licensed community wireless network operating in 5 townships and informal settlements with 105 public access points and over 65,000 users. We offer universal basic internet access to the public for free, several packages for fast paid uncapped broadband access, and WiFi to the home and local businesses. V-NET also provides connectivity to key VPUU offices, neighbourhood centres, and community registers, strengthening VPUU’s mission of creating safer and more sustainable communities._
- V-NET is one of the largest community networks on the continent, and we are searching for a telecommunication professional to join our awesome team as we embark on an expansion to connect far more underserved communities in Cape Town and beyond._

**VNET MANAGER**

**Up to R40.000 CTC per month (Depending on experience)**

**12 months Fixed term Contract**

**Key performance areas**:

- Drive the strategic, economic, and technical activities of our rapidly growing community network.
- Co-develop and implement business models (including CAPEX and OPEX budgets) against VPUU’s specific organizational objectives.
- Work with VPUU Senior Management to ensure synergies with VPUU Areas of Expertise
- Ensure effective use of VPUU’s resources and technology investments to grow the network, including a robust 10Gbps microwave backhaul infrastructure.
- Direct V-NET Network Planning, Engineering, and Implementation, including infrastructure build out in low income formal and informal settlements.
- Ensure reliable and efficient operations of the V-NET network in several different areas, including Gugulethu, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Philippi
- Manage and build the capacity of the V-NET team and community technicians who help install, manage, and maintain hotspots and other infrastructure.
- Cultivate relationships with community organizations and leadership and work with VPUU management and internal IT Manager to ensure V-NET is bringing down the barriers of access and advancing VPUU’s mission.
- Lead business development and marketing activities to ensure sustainable growth.
- Oversee all network and data centre operations, processes, and security to deliver reliable services to communities and VPUU offices.
- Lead on software and hardware upgrades, maintenance, configuration on firewalls and other network security related devices or software
- Leverage VPUU and V-NET’s solar and power infrastructure and assets to ensure service levels, especially during load-shedding.
- Work with VPUU IT Manager on network hardware procurement and asset management and integration of IT and network infrastructure and services.
- Lead the management and growth of the V-NET data centre and services, including over 40TB of storage capacity for local/offline services and content.

**Key Requirements**:

- Certificate/Diploma in Computer Sciences, Networking, or a related field, or associate degree required; bachelor's degree preferred
- Mikrotik, Ubiquiti, Cambium or other network qualifications are an advantage.
- Experience in ICT or Telecommunications industry in management, ideally with least 5 years with a wireless internet service provider.
- Proven experience with the design, deployment, and operations of physical network infrastructure - experience with optical network solutions, fibre, and microwave technologies a plus
- Strong technical and network engineering and operations skills - including experience with standard network management and monitoring software and services.
- Ability to lead and grow our V-NET and community technician teams
- Strong understanding of networking and routing
- Good understanding of network security
- Experience with various software monitoring systems such as Ubiquiti UISP and UniFi, Zabbix, LibreNMS and integrated CRM tools.
- Proven experience in managing a WISP or related network - qualifications in network engineering not a requirement but a big plus.
- Strong experience with UniFi Controller, UISP management and network optimization
- Interest in and contributions to open source projects
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Fluent English, Afrikaans and or IsiXhosa is an advantage
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team
- Solid communication and time management skills
- Detail oriented and reliable
- Valid Driver’s licence
- Valid COVID 19 Vaccination certificate

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: U