Background

Nokia Corporation, stylised as NOKIA, is a Finnish multinational communications and information technology company, founded in 1865. Nokia is headquartered in Espoo, Uusimaa, in the greater Helsinki metropolitan area. The Optical Network Technical Sales Engineer Drives Optical Network solution strategy and design for customers across CEWA (Central East & Western Africa), acting as a trusted technical partner throughout the sales cycle. Architects customer-centric solutions, leads RFP and network design activities, and provides expert guidance to maximize network performance, scalability, and value from Nokia's optical portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver innovative Optical Network solutions that address customer business and technical needs.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor, building strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
• Lead solution architecture and RFP responses, influencing network design decisions and winning strategies.
• Guide customers on network evolution, providing expert recommendations for scalable, future-ready architectures.
• Drive adoption of Nokia's Optical portfolio, identifying opportunities to expand solution value and business growth.
• Manage new product introductions, roadmap discussions, and customer technical requirements.
• Champion competitive intelligence, translating market insights into differentiated customer solutions.
• Create compelling customer presentations and technical engagements that showcase the value of Nokia's optical innovations.

Qualifications and Experience

Must Have:

• Strong expertise in Optical Networking technologies, including network architecture, transport solutions, and optical design principles.
• Hands-on experience designing and optimizing optical networks, with the ability to translate customer requirements into scalable, high-performance solutions.
• Proven experience with Nokia 1830 PSS and deep knowledge of optical networking products and solutions.
• Customer-focused technical consultant with strong problem-solving, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing customer decisions and delivering compelling technical proposals.

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience supporting RFPs, bid responses, and pre-sales technical engagements in the telecommunications industry.
• Strong understanding of service provider network architectures, operational practices, and network evolution strategies.
• Experience managing customer requirements and collaborating with product management, R&D, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and responding to customer requests under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of competitive optical networking solutions and market trends, with the ability to identify new business and technology opportunities.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working schemes
• A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave, with the option to return to work within a year following the birth or adoption of a child (based on eligibility)
• Life insurance to all employees to provide peace of mind and financial security
• Well-being programs to support your mental and physical health
• Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
• Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
• Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
• A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development - for your role and beyond

• Design and deliver innovative Optical Network solutions that address customer business and technical needs.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor, building strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
• Lead solution architecture and RFP responses, influencing network design decisions and winning strategies.
• Guide customers on network evolution, providing expert recommendations for scalable, future-ready architectures.
• Drive adoption of Nokia's Optical portfolio, identifying opportunities to expand solution value and business growth.
• Manage new product introductions, roadmap discussions, and customer technical requirements.
• Champion competitive intelligence, translating market insights into differentiated customer solutions.
• Create compelling customer presentations and technical engagements that showcase the value of Nokia's optical innovations.

• Strong expertise in Optical Networking technologies, including network architecture, transport solutions, and optical design principles.
• Hands-on experience designing and optimizing optical networks, with the ability to translate customer requirements into scalable, high-performance solutions.
• Proven experience with Nokia 1830 PSS and deep knowledge of optical networking products and solutions.
• Customer-focused technical consultant with strong problem-solving, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing customer decisions and delivering compelling technical proposals.
• Experience supporting RFPs, bid responses, and pre-sales technical engagements in the telecommunications industry.
• Strong understanding of service provider network architectures, operational practices, and network evolution strategies.
• Experience managing customer requirements and collaborating with product management, R&D, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and responding to customer requests under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of competitive optical networking solutions and market trends, with the ability to identify new business and technology opportunities.

• BA/BSc/HND