About the Role

Department/Section: Technology / Technology Strategy and PMO

Job Title: Technology Strategy and Compliance Advanced Specialist

Reports to: Technology Strategy and Governance Manager

Job Purpose

The Technology Strategy and Compliance Advanced Specialist ensures Zain Sudan’s compliance with Group policies, international standards, and Sudanese telecom regulations while driving the strategic adoption of new technologies and innovation. By collaborating with Group teams, Internal Audit, Regulatory Affairs, other internal departments, and the Sudanese Regulator (TPRA), this role shapes internal governance frameworks, influences future regulations, and advances Zain’s technology strategy to enhance compliance, accelerate digital transformation, and contribute to the growth of Sudan’s telecom sector.

 Key Tasks / Accountability

Regulatory Compliance and Strategy:

• Collaborate with the Planning teams and Regulatory Affairs to ensure compliance and efficient management of spectrum, backbone, backhaul, landing station deployments, Site Certification, and QoS

• Oversee documentation and reporting processes, serving as the Regulatory Affairs department's single point of contact (SPOC).

• Handle TPRA consultative papers, anticipating future regulations and contributing to policies that advance Sudan’s telecom sector.

• Influence regulations for emerging technologies such as AI, Automation, NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), OpenRAN, Data Privacy and Security, Data Localization, Net Neutrality, Environmental Sustainability, Digital Identity, and Cybersecurity.

• Drive cross-operator collaboration to acquire new spectrums for supporting advanced technologies.

• Proactively advocate for regulatory changes that foster innovation and sector growth.

• Engage in advocacy at regional and international levels with regulatory bodies (e.g., ITU, GSMA) to influence global standards and ensure alignment.

Governance and Innovation and Risk Management:

• Develop and implement governance frameworks for compliance with local, Group, and international standards, including ISO 27000 and ISO 9000.

• Collaborate with the Cybersecurity function and ERM team to design Cybersecurity Governance Frameworks, conduct capability assessments, and ensure compliance.

• Design governance models that maximize value generation from technology investments while managing associated risks.

• Assess and manage potential risks related to regulatory compliance and new technologies adoption, ensuring mitigation strategies are in place.

• Study emerging innovative technologies to prepare the organization for their adoption and associated regulatory requirements.

Audits, Standards and Training:

• Manage internal audits and ensure alignment with Zain Group external audit requirements.

• Oversee compliance with ISO standards and external audits ensuring continuous improvement in governance and security practices.

• Lead with Regulatory team, training programs to ensure internal teams understand and adhere to compliance, governance, and regulatory updates.

Incident Response:

• Collaborate with relevant teams to develop incident response plans.

• Ensure readiness for incidents while maintaining compliance with regulations.

• Working with relevant teams to prepare needed incident reports.

Dimensions    

• Reports to: Technology Strategy and Governance Manager

• Regulatory Compliance & Influence: Ensure compliance with Group policies, international standards (ISO 27000/9000), Cybersecurity frameworks (e.g. NIST CSF and MITRE ATT&CK), and Sudan Telecom regulations and bylaws while shaping and influencing emerging technology regulations (e.g., AI, Cloud, Data Privacy, Net Neutrality).

• Spectrum Management: Oversee spectrum compliance, lead cross-operator efforts to acquire new spectrums, and support technological advancements.

• Other aspects of compliance: backbone, backhaul, landing station deployments, Site Certification, and QoS

• Governance and Risk Management: Design governance frameworks to enhance compliance, extra strategic value, innovation, and risk mitigation from technology investments.

• Audits & Standards: Manage internal and external audits, ensuring alignment with Group and international security standards.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with Zain Group, internal teams (Regulatory, Internal Audit, ERM, Planning, Operations, Service Quality, Corporate Strategy) to align strategy, compliance, and technology innovation.

• Sector Growth & Strategic Innovation: Drive digital transformation, prepare for new technologies, and advocate for regulations that foster telecom sector growth in Sudan.

What We Need From You

Personal Specifications

Qualifications/Experience

Education

Experience

• ·         Minimum of 4 years of experience in telecom regulation, compliance, governance operations, planning, service quality or technology strategy roles.

Knowledge

• ·         Knowledge of telecom regulations bylaws, spectrum management, and governance frameworks.

• ·         Experience in managing internal and external audits and understanding risk management practices.

• ·         Knowledge of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, Cloud, Data Privacy) and their regulatory implications.

• ·         Knowledge with ISO standards and Cybersecurity frameworks including ISO 27000, ISO 9000, NIST CSF, and MITRE ATT&CK

• ·         Certification in any of the following or related is a plus (ISO 27000, ISO 9000, CoBIT19, CISA, CCEP, GRCP, CIA, M_o_R, CRISC)

Skills

• Governance & Compliance

• Audit & Risk Management

• Strategic Planning

• Stakeholder Management

• Innovation & Technology Awareness

• Analytical Thinking

• Critical Thinking

• Leadership & Collaboration

• Passionate, Self-Motivated and proactive

• Strong communication, analytical and negotiation skills to engage with regulators, industry peers, and internal teams

• Strong ability to develop and execute long-term strategies for technology adoption and regulatory alignment

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive collaborative efforts toward shared objectives.

  Behaviors for Success

• Proactive Regulatory Engagement: Anticipate and influence regulatory changes, ensuring compliance and positioning Zain Sudan as an industry leader.

• Strategic Thinking: Balance long-term innovation with regulatory requirements to drive digital transformation and sector growth.

• Collaboration & Leadership: Work effectively across internal teams, stakeholders, and regulators to align objectives and drive initiatives.

• Analytical & Detail-Oriented: Ability to assess complex regulations, audits, and governance frameworks to ensure thorough compliance.

• Agility & Adaptability: Quickly respond to changing technological trends and regulatory landscapes to maintain a competitive edge.

• Results-Driven: Focus on delivering tangible outcomes, from improving compliance to fostering new technologies and business models.