Preparation Team Engineer in Oil and Gas Servicing Company

Location(s): Nigeria

Specialization: • Oil and Gas • Industrial Training

Industry: • Oil and Gas / Power and Energy

Application Deadline: 23/01/2017

Job Details

A reputable Oil and Gas servicing company, a lead contractor to ExxonMobil, Total, Shell, Chevron, Agip, FMC, etc is hereby recruiting into the underlisted job posts:

Activities:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

• Review wrong, fake materials.


• Make regular material audits at the Warehouse.
  Review MRP.


• Improve stock management of spare parts.


• Assist COMPANY to reduce his dead stock.


• Assist to triplet meeting.


• Assist the SITE as required for corrective maintenance


• Prepare work pack for specific maintenance job when requested


• Analyse CMMS report for his field of competence and recommend improvement solutions to COMPANY as required

Set up and implement technical procedures, follow-up and update maintenance procedure in relation with COMPANY representatives,

Purpose

• He checks and ensures that vital equipment on production sites is available as and when required.
  

  Qualifications required

  
  

• The holder of this position must have the following qualifications:


• Equivalent of DUT/BTS (French), B.Sc. Mechanical/Instrumentation/Electrical Engineering (2.1),


• 5 years of general industrial maintenance


• Computer literacy is required,


• Ability to work offshore under the climatic conditions of the site,


• Ability to work in a multinational team. Ability to work in a service relationship.


• Competence/experience in the relevant specialities (mechanical/fitting, handling, tooling, electricity, instruments),


• Experience in CMMS


• Working language: English

NOTE: APPLICANT MUST HAVE DETAILED KNOWLEDGE AS LISTED BELOW;

MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN

Theoretical knowledge

Petroleum:

–        Have a basic understanding of facilities / process (from well to export). Be knowledgeable of hydrocarbons behaviour and associated risks (explosion, asphyxia…).

Computer:

–        Be able to produce a report using Word, be able to perform simple calculation with Excel. Have been introduced to internet and mails.

Physics:

–        Understanding and use of basic laws and units of physic (Newton’s law, forces, mass, energy…). Be knowledgeable of materials / steels characteristics (use, resistance, corrosion and its prevention).

Engineering:

–        Be able to read and use drawings (P&ID’s, PFD’s, Isometrics), vendor documents (be able to determine tolerance and adjustment figures), name plate and data sheet. Be able to draw accurate sketches and item to scale.

Equipment:

–        Understand the working principles of main mechanical equipment: filters, gear boxes, exchangers, air coolers, diesel engine, gas turbines, centrifugal and reciprocating pumps or compressors, common valves types (butterfly, gate, ball, cage and PSV) and hydraulic systems (cranes, HPU, pumps). Be fully familiar with lubrification requirements and the different type of lubricants.

–        Be sensitized for each of those to their preventive maintenance tasks and purposes.

–        Be aware of CBM (vibration and oil analysis) requirement and purpose.

Maintenance:

–        Understand preventive, corrective maintenance and maintenance plan concepts. Have a basic knowledge of the CMMS (be able to issue a notification, read, interpret and complete work orders…). Be able on a given and simple preventive work order to prepare tools, identify spare parts and adapted procedure or work instruction.

Practical skills

–        Know how to select, use and maintain all the mechanical hand tools (all types of keys, files, drills, callipers, taps…). Be able to use measuring tools (micrometer, vernier, gauges…), torque wrench and fastener.

–        Be able to operate and maintain pneumatic drills or grinders. Be able to use workshop equipment (pedestal drill, hydraulic press…), in particular machining and tooling.

–        Know how to use basic lifting gear (chain block, slings…). Be trained to complete simple / basic lifting operation.

Maintenance know-how

–        Be able to follow maintenance route and fill up associated check-up list (monitoring of rotating equipment). Be able to carry out lubrication routine and top up as required with the correct lubricant.

–        Be able to prepare and install any type of flange gasket. Complete bolting following methodology.

–        Be able to align V-belt, pulley and tension belts following methodology.

–        For common types of valves be able to overhaul them and carry out minor adjustments while in service (tightening of gland packing).

–        For gear box, be able to align gears, inspect & identify faults.

–        For rotating equipment, be able to assist in diagnosis faults and failures, assist in alignment (prepare, cut shim material for alignment, level…). Be able to assist in the removal and replacement of any type of bearing. Check the clearance.

Safety at Work

–        Be knowledgeable of electrical habilitation requirements and be certified as required.

–        Be aware of permit to work, electrical and mechanical isolations requirements. Be aware of gas test requirement.

–        Be knowledgeable of area classification and Ex materials requirements.

–        Be knowledgeable of PPE requirement and MSDS.

–        Understand hazards associated to leak tests and hydrotests.

–        Be aware of colour coding & certification requirements for lifting equipment. Correctly report anomalies, accidents, near misses

INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN

Theoretical knowledge

Petroleum:

–        Have a basic understanding of facilities / process (from well to export). Be knowledgeable of hydrocarbons behaviour and associated risks (explosion, asphyxia…).

Computer:

–        Be able to produce a report using Word, be able to perform simple calculation with Excel. Have been introduced to internet and mails.

Physics:

–        Understanding and use of basic laws and units of physic (temperature, pressure, volume, density; specific gravity…).

Engineering, be able to:

–        Read and use drawings (P&ID’s, ESD matrix and loop diagrams), vendor documents, name plate, datasheets. Be knowledgeable of instrument symbols.

–        Understand regulation principles and be able to analyse them (differentiation in between cascade, split range, simple).

–        Understand basic logic concepts (AND/OR…).

–        Have a basic understanding of PCS, F&G, and ESD systems. Understand inhibit, alarm and trip concepts.

Equipment:

–        Understand working principle of basic instruments: level and interface level transmitters, thermocouples, manometers, vibration probes, metering devices (orifice plate, coriolis, turbine, volumetric).

–        Have basic knowledge in pneumatics and hydraulic distribution as well as electrical engineering (SOV, timer, relay…).

–        Understand manual and automatic valves (including PSV) principle and command (positioner…).

–        Be familiar with all types of F&G detection (fusible loop, UV/IR, gas, smoke);

Maintenance:

–        Understand preventive, corrective maintenance and maintenance plan concepts. Have a basic knowledge of the CMMS (be able to issue a notification, read, interpret and complete work orders…). Be able on a given and simple preventive work order to prepare tools, identify spare parts and adapted procedure or work instruction.

Practical skills

–        Know how to select and use the necessary hand tools. Properly operate, maintain and use the available set of workshop tools.

–        Correct use and handling of tubing, compression fittings, gaskets, “O” rings, cable glands…

–        Correct use and handling of multimeters, calibration unit, hydraulic pumps, deadweight tester, temperature bath, smart calibrator.

Maintenance know-how

–        Be able to complete a loop test from a transmitter / valve, SOV, limit switch, etc… to input / output of PCS/SSS.

–        Be able to calibrate a valve positioner.

–        Gauges & transmitters (pressure, level, temperature and flow): be able to install, remove, calibrate, and test most common types of devices.

–        F&G detection: check, calibrate, test most common type of Fire & Gas detectors (be able to ensure inhibits are in place).

Safety at work

–        Be knowledgeable of electrical habilitation requirements and be certified as required.

–        Be aware of permit to work, electrical and mechanical isolations requirements. Be aware of gas test requirement.

–        Be knowledgeable of area classification and Ex materials requirements.

–        Be knowledgeable of PPE requirement and MSDS interpretation.

–        Correctly report anomalies, accidents, near misses.

ELECTRICAL/HVAV TECHNICIAN

Theoretical knowledge

Petroleum:

–        Have a basic understanding of facilities / process (from well to export). Be knowledgeable of hydrocarbons behaviour and associated risks (explosion, asphyxia…).

Computer:

–        Be able to produce a report using Word, be able to perform simple calculation with Excel. Have been introduced to internet and mails.

Physics:

–        Understanding and use of basic laws and units of physic (resistance, inductance, DC & AC current and voltage, frequency, active and reactive power…). Be able to differentiate low and high voltages.

Engineering:

–        Be able to read and use drawings (single line and schematic diagrams), vendor documents, name plate. Be knowledgeable of electrical symbols.

–        Possess notions on cable sizing and voltage dropping.

–        Be able familiar with a general facilities electrical network philosophy: main generation, emergency generator, switchboard and UPS. Have a basic understanding of inter-tripping and interlocking action, load shedding and load sharing modes.

–        For electrician technicians only, have a basic understating of cathodic protection system.

Equipment:

–        Understand working principle of main electrical equipment: voltage & current transformers, electrical motor, alternator, feeder, UPS, battery, speed variator soft starter and graduator, HV/LV switchboard, lighting and heat tracing panel… For those, be aware of their preventive maintenance requirements. Be aware of CBM (thermography) requirement and purpose.

–        Understand principles and know the different systems of earthing (IT, TT, TN and DC unearthed system).

–        Have a basic knowledge of working principle of a PLC. Logic diagram with module: AND/OR, NAND/NOR, clock, delay, latch, memory, micro processor… Understand inhibit, alarm and trip concepts.

–        Understand the principle of electrical protection: short circuit, over load, earth fault, reverse power, transformer, alternator and motor specific protections.

–        Be knowledgeable on explosion proof materiel and associated requirements.

–        For electrician technicians only and for high voltage panel: be able to identify all cubicles and their equipment. Understand interlocking systems in between cubicles.

–        For HVAC technicians only, understand working principle of HVAC equipment with different technology (chiller and reciprocating compressor, split units…).

Maintenance:

–        Understand preventive, corrective predictive maintenance and maintenance plan concepts. Have a basic knowledge of the CMMS (be able to issue a notification, read, interpret and complete work orders…). Be able on a given and simple preventive work order to prepare tools, identify spare parts and adapted procedure or work instruction.

Practical skills

–        Know how to select and use the available and necessary hand tools for electrician (including special insulated tools).

–        Be familiar with construction practise: laying, pulling and connecting cables (using cables glands, terminals blocks, cable lugs, bus bar, sealing compound…)

–        Correct use and handling of multimeters, clip on ammeters, Ohmmeter, earth tester (megger), earth leakage kit and recorder

Maintenance know-how

–        Be able to maintain and troubleshoot small electrical installation like lighting and heat tracing circuit.

–        Be able to identify the different types of cables (including ground ones) connect those properly (using lugs) and perform their proper laying (in trenches, on cable tray…). Select, use and install the appropriate cable glands and tags.

–        Be able to do preventive maintenance on non-critical equipment: batteries, motor, alternator, breaker, transformer, contactor and switchboard.

–        Be able to test and verify alarms, trip and interlock settings.

–        Be able to perform insulation and continuity tests

–        LV Electrical equipments: be able to dismantle, replace defective parts, reassemble, reconnect and check the system. Identify all accessories.

Safety at work

–        Knowledge of electrical habilitation requirements and be certified as required.

–        Be aware of permit to work and electrical isolations requirements. Be aware of gas test requirement.

–        Be knowledgeable on PPE requirement and MSDS interpretation.

–        Be aware of area classification, marking for hazardous area ATEX rules and Ex explosion proof materials.

–        Correctly report anomalies, accidents, near misses.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates should send detailed curriculum vitae with supporting documents (Credentials) indicating the job post applied for as the subject to the email address below:

Email:  [email protected]

Note: Application format MUST be in MS-word (doc) only. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.

Application Deadline: 23/01/2017

Preparation Team Engineer in Oil and Gas Servicing Company

Oil and Gas Servicing Company Recruits Contract Site Representative (CSR)

Location(s): Nigeria

Specialization: • Oil and Gas • Industrial Training

Industry: • Oil and Gas / Power and Energy

Application Deadline: 23/01/2017

Job Details

A reputable Oil and Gas servicing company, a lead contractor to ExxonMobil, Total, Shell, Chevron, Agip, FMC, etc is hereby recruiting into the underlisted job posts:

ACTIVITIES

Operations

Working closely with COMPANY’s site maintenance superintendent, he :

• Advises COMPANY’s superintendent on monthly and annual planning,


• Distributes the daily activity to the supervisors as prepared by the planning team,


• Co ordinates the maintenance operations,


• Checks and validates technical reports


• Prepares maintenance reports,


• Informs the persons concerned, by appropriate reporting, on the progress of maintenance operations and, if necessary, of difficulties encountered.


• Takes part in different daily, weekly and site co-ordination meetings,

Methods

• Ensures the appropriateness of the operating and maintenance procedures and tools employed by his crews and, if necessary, suggests improvements to COMPANY’s maintenance superintendent


• Ensures co-ordination between maintenance operations and Preparation teams


• Keeps an up-to-date list of work that cannot be performed except during inspections of machines or shutdowns


• Promotes and proposes modifications and improvements.


• Suggests corrective measures to COMPANY if this backlog threatens to become unmanageable,


• Maintains a permanent anticipation on the potential problems that could occur in the production plant, in close relationship with other sections, in order to prevent non-productive or non efficient operations.

Team Leading

Responsible for his teams on site, he particularly:

• Ensures the correct behaviour of his teams in accordance with the general safety regulations of the subsidiary and, if need be, takes the necessary corrective measures


• With the assistance of CONTRACTOR base support, he organises the rotation schedules of his teams (administrative and logistical requirements, crew changes, etc.)


• Identifies the training needs of his teams and makes training requests as appropriate. Constantly checks the validity of individual certifications required by the PERSONNEL of CONTRACTOR


• Manages the Nationalisation plan and proposes all necessary adjustments.

Purpose

• He is the technical representative of CONTRACTOR on site.


• He is the HSE management representative for CONTRACTOR activities.


• He is responsible for the on-site management of CONTRACTOR’s maintenance teams (administrative, operational, coordination, professional).


• Under the authority of COMPANY Maintenance Superintendent, he organises and plans maintenance operations on site, whether these are carried out by his own teams or by outside teams.


• He guarantees that the HSE rules and operating procedures in force in COMPANY are respected, as well as the regulations in force in CONTRACTOR’s QA/QC handbook.

Qualifications required

The holder of this position must have the following qualifications:

• Chartered Engineer (A-levels + 5 years’ study) or Higher National Diploma or Certificate (HND/HNC (A-levels + 3 years’ study) or BTS/DUT or equivalent.


• 10 years’ experience in the field of maintenance on oil  and gas production installations,


• A knowledge of the principles related to the process and equipment of oil and gas treatment installations


• SAP/R3 experience and know-how


• Ability to direct/lead large multinational teams


• Ability to work in a service relationship.


• Ability to work independently while maintaining good relations with colleagues and others


• Physical ability to work on offshore installations in the climatic conditions of the site


• Working language: EnglishHe must have a proven sense of responsibility and a talent for management.
  He must be rigorous and methodical in his approach to operations.
  He must show common sense and be able to anticipate and analyse.
  A natural, flexible authority is essential.

NOTE: APPLICANT MUST HAVE DETAILED KNOWLEDGE AS LISTED BELOW;

MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN

Theoretical knowledge

Petroleum:

–        Have a basic understanding of facilities / process (from well to export). Be knowledgeable of hydrocarbons behaviour and associated risks (explosion, asphyxia…).

Computer:

–        Be able to produce a report using Word, be able to perform simple calculation with Excel. Have been introduced to internet and mails.

Physics:

–        Understanding and use of basic laws and units of physic (Newton’s law, forces, mass, energy…). Be knowledgeable of materials / steels characteristics (use, resistance, corrosion and its prevention).

Engineering:

–        Be able to read and use drawings (P&ID’s, PFD’s, Isometrics), vendor documents (be able to determine tolerance and adjustment figures), name plate and data sheet. Be able to draw accurate sketches and item to scale.

Equipment:

–        Understand the working principles of main mechanical equipment: filters, gear boxes, exchangers, air coolers, diesel engine, gas turbines, centrifugal and reciprocating pumps or compressors, common valves types (butterfly, gate, ball, cage and PSV) and hydraulic systems (cranes, HPU, pumps). Be fully familiar with lubrification requirements and the different type of lubricants.

–        Be sensitized for each of those to their preventive maintenance tasks and purposes.

–        Be aware of CBM (vibration and oil analysis) requirement and purpose.

Maintenance:

–        Understand preventive, corrective maintenance and maintenance plan concepts. Have a basic knowledge of the CMMS (be able to issue a notification, read, interpret and complete work orders…). Be able on a given and simple preventive work order to prepare tools, identify spare parts and adapted procedure or work instruction.

Practical skills

–        Know how to select, use and maintain all the mechanical hand tools (all types of keys, files, drills, callipers, taps…). Be able to use measuring tools (micrometer, vernier, gauges…), torque wrench and fastener.

–        Be able to operate and maintain pneumatic drills or grinders. Be able to use workshop equipment (pedestal drill, hydraulic press…), in particular machining and tooling.

–        Know how to use basic lifting gear (chain block, slings…). Be trained to complete simple / basic lifting operation.

Maintenance know-how

–        Be able to follow maintenance route and fill up associated check-up list (monitoring of rotating equipment). Be able to carry out lubrication routine and top up as required with the correct lubricant.

–        Be able to prepare and install any type of flange gasket. Complete bolting following methodology.

–        Be able to align V-belt, pulley and tension belts following methodology.

–        For common types of valves be able to overhaul them and carry out minor adjustments while in service (tightening of gland packing).

–        For gear box, be able to align gears, inspect & identify faults.

–        For rotating equipment, be able to assist in diagnosis faults and failures, assist in alignment (prepare, cut shim material for alignment, level…). Be able to assist in the removal and replacement of any type of bearing. Check the clearance.

Safety at Work

–        Be knowledgeable of electrical habilitation requirements and be certified as required.

–        Be aware of permit to work, electrical and mechanical isolations requirements. Be aware of gas test requirement.

–        Be knowledgeable of area classification and Ex materials requirements.

–        Be knowledgeable of PPE requirement and MSDS.

–        Understand hazards associated to leak tests and hydrotests.

–        Be aware of colour coding & certification requirements for lifting equipment. Correctly report anomalies, accidents, near misses

INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN

Theoretical knowledge

Petroleum:

–        Have a basic understanding of facilities / process (from well to export). Be knowledgeable of hydrocarbons behaviour and associated risks (explosion, asphyxia…).

Computer:

–        Be able to produce a report using Word, be able to perform simple calculation with Excel. Have been introduced to internet and mails.

Physics:

–        Understanding and use of basic laws and units of physic (temperature, pressure, volume, density; specific gravity…).

Engineering, be able to:

–        Read and use drawings (P&ID’s, ESD matrix and loop diagrams), vendor documents, name plate, datasheets. Be knowledgeable of instrument symbols.

–        Understand regulation principles and be able to analyse them (differentiation in between cascade, split range, simple).

–        Understand basic logic concepts (AND/OR…).

–        Have a basic understanding of PCS, F&G, and ESD systems. Understand inhibit, alarm and trip concepts.

Equipment:

–        Understand working principle of basic instruments: level and interface level transmitters, thermocouples, manometers, vibration probes, metering devices (orifice plate, coriolis, turbine, volumetric).

–        Have basic knowledge in pneumatics and hydraulic distribution as well as electrical engineering (SOV, timer, relay…).

–        Understand manual and automatic valves (including PSV) principle and command (positioner…).

–        Be familiar with all types of F&G detection (fusible loop, UV/IR, gas, smoke);

Maintenance:

–        Understand preventive, corrective maintenance and maintenance plan concepts. Have a basic knowledge of the CMMS (be able to issue a notification, read, interpret and complete work orders…). Be able on a given and simple preventive work order to prepare tools, identify spare parts and adapted procedure or work instruction.

Practical skills

–        Know how to select and use the necessary hand tools. Properly operate, maintain and use the available set of workshop tools.

–        Correct use and handling of tubing, compression fittings, gaskets, “O” rings, cable glands…

–        Correct use and handling of multimeters, calibration unit, hydraulic pumps, deadweight tester, temperature bath, smart calibrator.

Maintenance know-how

–        Be able to complete a loop test from a transmitter / valve, SOV, limit switch, etc… to input / output of PCS/SSS.

–        Be able to calibrate a valve positioner.

–        Gauges & transmitters (pressure, level, temperature and flow): be able to install, remove, calibrate, and test most common types of devices.

–        F&G detection: check, calibrate, test most common type of Fire & Gas detectors (be able to ensure inhibits are in place).

Safety at work

–        Be knowledgeable of electrical habilitation requirements and be certified as required.

–        Be aware of permit to work, electrical and mechanical isolations requirements. Be aware of gas test requirement.

–        Be knowledgeable of area classification and Ex materials requirements.

–        Be knowledgeable of PPE requirement and MSDS interpretation.

–        Correctly report anomalies, accidents, near misses.

ELECTRICAL/HVAV TECHNICIAN

Theoretical knowledge

Petroleum:

–        Have a basic understanding of facilities / process (from well to export). Be knowledgeable of hydrocarbons behaviour and associated risks (explosion, asphyxia…).

Computer:

–        Be able to produce a report using Word, be able to perform simple calculation with Excel. Have been introduced to internet and mails.

Physics:

–        Understanding and use of basic laws and units of physic (resistance, inductance, DC & AC current and voltage, frequency, active and reactive power…). Be able to differentiate low and high voltages.

Engineering:

–        Be able to read and use drawings (single line and schematic diagrams), vendor documents, name plate. Be knowledgeable of electrical symbols.

–        Possess notions on cable sizing and voltage dropping.

–        Be able familiar with a general facilities electrical network philosophy: main generation, emergency generator, switchboard and UPS. Have a basic understanding of inter-tripping and interlocking action, load shedding and load sharing modes.

–        For electrician technicians only, have a basic understating of cathodic protection system.

Equipment:

–        Understand working principle of main electrical equipment: voltage & current transformers, electrical motor, alternator, feeder, UPS, battery, speed variator soft starter and graduator, HV/LV switchboard, lighting and heat tracing panel… For those, be aware of their preventive maintenance requirements. Be aware of CBM (thermography) requirement and purpose.

–        Understand principles and know the different systems of earthing (IT, TT, TN and DC unearthed system).

–        Have a basic knowledge of working principle of a PLC. Logic diagram with module: AND/OR, NAND/NOR, clock, delay, latch, memory, micro processor… Understand inhibit, alarm and trip concepts.

–        Understand the principle of electrical protection: short circuit, over load, earth fault, reverse power, transformer, alternator and motor specific protections.

–        Be knowledgeable on explosion proof materiel and associated requirements.

–        For electrician technicians only and for high voltage panel: be able to identify all cubicles and their equipment. Understand interlocking systems in between cubicles.

–        For HVAC technicians only, understand working principle of HVAC equipment with different technology (chiller and reciprocating compressor, split units…).

Maintenance:

–        Understand preventive, corrective predictive maintenance and maintenance plan concepts. Have a basic knowledge of the CMMS (be able to issue a notification, read, interpret and complete work orders…). Be able on a given and simple preventive work order to prepare tools, identify spare parts and adapted procedure or work instruction.

Practical skills

–        Know how to select and use the available and necessary hand tools for electrician (including special insulated tools).

–        Be familiar with construction practise: laying, pulling and connecting cables (using cables glands, terminals blocks, cable lugs, bus bar, sealing compound…)

–        Correct use and handling of multimeters, clip on ammeters, Ohmmeter, earth tester (megger), earth leakage kit and recorder

Maintenance know-how

–        Be able to maintain and troubleshoot small electrical installation like lighting and heat tracing circuit.

–        Be able to identify the different types of cables (including ground ones) connect those properly (using lugs) and perform their proper laying (in trenches, on cable tray…). Select, use and install the appropriate cable glands and tags.

–        Be able to do preventive maintenance on non-critical equipment: batteries, motor, alternator, breaker, transformer, contactor and switchboard.

–        Be able to test and verify alarms, trip and interlock settings.

–        Be able to perform insulation and continuity tests

–        LV Electrical equipments: be able to dismantle, replace defective parts, reassemble, reconnect and check the system. Identify all accessories.

Safety at work

–        Knowledge of electrical habilitation requirements and be certified as required.

–        Be aware of permit to work and electrical isolations requirements. Be aware of gas test requirement.

–        Be knowledgeable on PPE requirement and MSDS interpretation.

–        Be aware of area classification, marking for hazardous area ATEX rules and Ex explosion proof materials.

–        Correctly report anomalies, accidents, near misses.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates should send detailed curriculum vitae with supporting documents (Credentials) indicating the job post applied for as the subject to the email address below:

Email:  [email protected]

Note: Application format MUST be in MS-word (doc) only. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.

Application Deadline: 23/01/2017

Oil and Gas Servicing Company Recruits Contract Site Representative (CSR)

Branch Manager Vacancy at Dresser-Rand, Tuesday 3, January 2017

Dresser-Rand is going in circles, but that’s a good thing. The company is a leading maker of industrial rotating equipment that includes steam and gas turbines, centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, hot gas expanders, and control systems. It makes new and replacement units and offers aftermarket repair and upgrades for its own and third-party products. Dresser-Rand serves customers in the oil and gas, power, and chemical and petrochemical markets through 12 manufacturing and nearly 40 service facilities in about 30 countries. More than 80% of its sales come from energy infrastructure and oilfield projects. Chevron, BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil, and Dow Chemical are among its blue-chip customers.

BRANCH MANAGER

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Branch Manager is responsible for all business within the assigned geographic area.

Managing typical Repair Operations, Field Service, Parts and Sales, including – safety, bookings growth, compliance with corporate procedures.

Branch Manager is the one face of D-R to the clients within his area and will have P&L responsibility.

Branch Manager conducts business safely, ethically and legally.

Branch Managers work with staff peers to develop Strategic Initiatives.

Min. Education: Mech Bachelor’s Degree / MA preferred

Major in: Business Administration, Finance, Management

Proven, hands-on/field/floor experience in Manufacturing, Construction, Engineering, Project Management and/or Services / Field Services Environment – International experience a must

Ensure safe compliance and promote safety

Responsible for sales and execution of suite of D-R services – Parts, Repairs, Field Service and Upgrades within the geographical area assigned.

Direct sales force driving initiatives to grow bookings year over year.

Daily management of facilities and team supporting the customer.

Recruiting and mentoring staff.

Ensure effective implementation of “Own The Land” Concept. Open and Establish Service Centre in Angola.

Develop monthly, quarterly and annual business reports, forecasts, plans and P&L for the Branch.

Engage with clients at all levels to help promote the business within the area and ensure clients are supported

Seek Operational Excellence through Process Engineering and Improvement to ensure efficient, repeatable, and sustainable Branch practices in country.

Imbed and Institutionalize local Best Practices/Differentiators/Value Proposition within Core Services Processes (“Employee Life Cycle Process)

Cooperate with Regional Director and Area Vice President to formulate strategy and tactical steps as well as necessary technical and commercial material to promote all areas of D-R.

Monitor the performance of the facilities addressing any performance gaps identified.

Conceptualize, develop, and implement standard KPIs to measure output and impact on business.

Lead process innovation / process improvements within his area of responsibility.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Branch Manager Vacancy at Dresser-Rand, Tuesday 3, January 2017

Imomoh Scholarship for African Students at Society of Petroleum Engineers

Society of Petroleum Engineers is inviting applications for Imomoh Scholarships to pursue the master degree programme in petroleum engineering. Society of Petroleum Engineers is the largest individual-member organization serving managers, engineers, scientists and other professionals worldwide in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry. 

Egbert Imomoh is the Non-Executive Chairman and co-founder of Afren plc. His petroleum industry career began in 1968, when he joined Shell as a petroleum engineer in Nigeria after completing training in The Netherlands. During his career, Imomoh has worked in Nigeria, the UK, and The Netherlands.

Title: Imomoh Scholarship

Description

• The Imomoh Scholarship was endowed to the SPE Foundation by Egbert Imomoh to support excellence in education for students from the Africa Region. 


• The recipients will be awarded a single payment of USD 2,000.

Eligibility

• Must be pursuing a master’s degree in petroleum engineering


• Must be from a country in the SPE Africa Region
  


• Comply with sanction policy


• Complete the electronic application submission process


• Only applications submitted via the link provided will be accepted. Applications received in any other format will not be eligible.

Nationality

• Applicants from SPE Africa Region are eligible to apply for this scholarship programme.

Requirements

• Applicants must have their previous degree.


• A university entrance exam is a standardized aptitude test required prior to acceptance in university. Common examples are the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, IIT JEE (India), and Thanawya Ama (Egypt)

Closing Date
15th April, 2017

Application Form

Click here to get more information 

Imomoh Scholarship for African Students at Society of Petroleum Engineers

Shell Niger Delta Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme 2017

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) is delighted to announce the seventh annual SPDC Niger Delta Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme for applicants from Rivers, Delta, Imo and Bayelsa States. The objective of the scheme is to provide an opportunity for qualifying students from these Niger Delta states to further their education in courses that are relevant to the oil and gas industry.In the six years of this programme, 60 students have won the opportunity to study at top rated universities in the UK on an all-expenses paid scholarship.

For the academic year commencing September, 2017, SPDC in partnership with three universities in the UK-Imperial College London, University College, London and the University of Leeds will award ten scholarships for one year post-graduate MSc studies.

2017 Niger Delta Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme

The following courses qualify for award of scholarships at the three institutions

Imperial College London

• MSc Petroleum Engineering


• MSc Petroleum Geoscience

University College London

• MSc Chemical/Process Engineering


• MSc Mechanical Engineering (Rotating Equipment or Metallurgy)


• MSc Civil Engineering (Geotechnics)

University of Leeds

• MSc Exploration Geophysics


• MSc Electronic/Electrical Engineering

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:

• Display sound intellectual ability and leadership potentials


• Meet the individual universities’ English Language requirements (usually at least 6.5 in IELTS score valid for Sept. 2017 admission).  Please note that TOEFL is no longer recognised by most UK universities. Candidates are advised that failure to meet each university’s English Language requirement at the time of selection may invalidate their application.


• Be aged between 21-28 years by 30/09/2017


• Be an indigene of Rivers, Delta, Imo or Bayelsa states (documentary proof of this will be required and will be verified)


• Currently reside in Nigeria


• Return to Nigeria on completion of the proposed programme of study


• Have obtained a university degree (at least of equivalent standard to a UK Second Class Upper (Honours degree)


• Not have studied previously in the UK or any other developed country


• Have a Nigerian international passport valid to end December 2018


• Be neither a current nor former employee (who has left employment less than 5 years before) of SPDC or the Royal Dutch Shell Group of Companies


• Not be a spouse, child or ward of staff of Shell Companies in Nigeria

Closing Date
31st January, 2017.

Method of Application

• Submit application for admission to the any of the prospective universities for any of the above qualifying courses


• 
  Application forms for the scholarship will ONLY be available through the websites of the participating universities following an offer of admission by the university


• Universities will process applications and select candidates to attend interviews before being considered for final selection


• Completed scholarship application forms must reach participating universities not later than 30th January 2017.

Follow the links below to reach participating universities:
Imperial College London

University College London

University of Leeds

Click here for more information

Note

• The scholarship will cover tuition fees, one economy return flight ticket from Nigeria to the UK and a contribution towards living expenses only*.


• More information on specific course admission requirements can be obtained from the websites of the individual universities.


• Please note that the stipends are based on the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) published living rates and are limited to this only


• This is a non-committal scholarship. Note that NEITHER SPDC  NOR any of its affiliate companies is obligated to offer employment of any sort to any candidate upon graduation neither are successful candidates bonded to SPDC for any period of time on account of the scholarship award.

Shell Niger Delta Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme 2017

Graduate Application Developers at MainOne Cable Nigeria, Friday 9, December 2016

MainOne’s success is built on having talented and highly proficient people within their respective fields as the driving force behind our business

A job in MainOne is different from any other you have had. With joining MainOne you’ll be challenged, inspired and proud as you become a part of something big.


APPLICATION DEVELOPER


Job Code: CSIT001

Department: Information Technology

Reporting Line: BI and Application Development Lead

RESPONSIBILITIES   

The Application Developer will deploy and administer the companywide SharePoint Enterprise portal server in MainOne.

The Developer shall also be responsible for developing software to meet the immediate needs of the business whenever it is cheaper and time effective to do so compared to buying and off the shelf software

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Automate business processes

Ensure the business maximize the use of SharePoint for application development and business collaboration.

Develop applications that may not be SharePoint dependent.

Develop mobile applications where necessary for business process automation.

Carry-out research and development.

Monitor SharePoint Server health and make necessary changes to ensure the server is always available.

Gather initial user requirements.

Design solution based on SharePoint Enterprise platform if possible.

Select a vendor in cases where is more economical to buy software.

Document all software solutions developed.

Manage the backend of the corporate website.

Supervision:

To work directly under the supervision of BI and Applications Lead

Contacts:

Under the supervision of the Manager, you will be required to liaise and interface with other groups/departments within the company, as well as the external IT support organisations

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS  & COMPETENCIES 

Bachelors of Science in Computer Science or Equivalent

1-3 years’ relevant post NYSC experience required

Knowledge of C#, PowerShell, Java and PHP programing language.

Knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

Knowledge of MSSQL, MySQL, Drupal, SharePoint Server 2013, WordPress.

Object Oriented Design.

ITILv3

Knowledge of Shell scripting, Linux Ubuntu OS environment.

Software Development Skills in

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Self-management skills

Team work

Customer Service

Proficiency in MS Office & Products

DEMAND ON THE JOB   

Ability and willingness to work round the clock when required, and meet tight deadlines.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Graduate Application Developers at MainOne Cable Nigeria, Friday 9, December 2016

Graduate & Experienced Vacancies at Ericsson Nigeria [3 Positions]

Ericsson is a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and services to mobile and fixed network operators. Over 1,000 networks in more than 180 countries use Ericsson equipment, and more than 40 percent of the world’s mobile traffic passes through Ericsson networks. Using innovation to empower people, business and society, we are working towards the Networked Society, in which everything that can benefit from a connection will have one. At Ericsson, we apply our innovation to market-based solutions that empower people and society to help shape a more sustainable world.

We are recruiting to fill the following graduate and experienced positions below:

Job Title: Managed Services Operations Assurance SME
Req ID: 143171
Location: Lagos

Job Summary

• This Job Role is responsible for the Customer Handling, Coordination, Management, Single Customer Complaints and execution of proactive and reactive H/W maintenance activities that require a higher level of Skill.


• This shall ensure that the MoMo services provided to customers are continuously available and performing to Service Level Agreement (SLA) performance levels.

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Daily Customer Complaints.


• H/W maintenance Preventive maintenance.


• End to end issue handling and coordination with GSC.


• System Administration.


• Customer Handling.

Technical Competences:

• ECW/EWP Experience.


• Unix/Linux Knowledge.


• Java/shell scripting.


• Knowledge of Oracle/PL/SQL.


• F5/VMware/VSphere.


• Ericsson Charging System Knowledge.


• Working knowledge of different H/W components link HP Servers/EMC/F5 etc.

Position Qualifications Core Competences:

• Knowledge of Managed Service Telecom Operations Practice


• Presentation & Communication Skills


• Knowledge sharing


• Problem Solving and strategic thinking


• Ericsson Knowledge


• Language Skills


• Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations


• Analyzing


• Working with People


• Creating & Innovating


• Applying Expertise and Technology

Minimum Qualifications & Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 to 10 years of IT/Telecom experience.


• B.Tech/B.E/MCA.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience Requirements:

• Problem solving and trouble shooting skills


• Good communication skills


• Cost Awareness


• Social skills and awareness

Application Closing Date: Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

 

Job Title: Managed Services Operations Assurance Head
Req ID: 143160
Location: Lagos

Job Summary

• This Job Role is responsible for the Customer Handling, Coordination, Management, Single Customer Complaints and execution of proactive and reactive H/W maintenance activities that require a higher level of Skill.


• This shall ensure that the MoMo services provided to customers are continuously available and performing to Service Level Agreement (SLA) performance levels.


• This role is responsible for ensuring SLA/WLA are in place and is also responsible to manage the financials for the assigned countries.

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Daily Customer Complaints.


• H/W maintenance Preventive maintenance.


• End to end issue handling and coordination with GSC.


• System Administration.


• Customer Handling.

Technical Competences:

• ECW/EWP Experience.


• Unix/Linux Knowledge.


• Java/shell scripting.


• Knowledge of Oracle/PL/SQL.


• F5/VMware/VSphere.


• Ericsson Charging System Knowledge.


• Working knowledge of different H/W components link HP Servers/EMC/F5 etc.

Position Qualifications Core Competences:

• Knowledge of Managed Service Telecom Operations Practice


• Presentation & Communication Skills


• Knowledge sharing


• Problem Solving and strategic thinking


• Ericsson Knowledge


• Language Skills


• Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations


• Analyzing


• Working with People


• Creating & Innovating


• Applying Expertise and Technology

Minimum Qualifications & Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 to 10 years of IT/Telecom experience.


• B.Tech/B.E/MCA.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience Requirements:

• Problem solving and trouble shooting skills


• Good communication skills


• Cost Awareness

Application Closing Date: Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

 

Job Title: Cloud Sales Executive
Req ID: 149769
Location: Lagos

Job summary

• You will be the driving force behind a tremendous sales acceleration of IT Cloud solutions to a select customer / small group of customers.


• The focal point in all business development and sales initiatives directed at building, consolidating, optimizing and transforming the cloud operations and infrastructure of your customer base.


• Your scope cuts across all cloud service models (IaaS-PaaS-SaaS), architectures (Private-Public-Hybrid) and nature of workloads (Enterprise, Business Support Systems and Media).


• The successful candidate will combine a ferocious appetite to develop business; an exceptional acumen in technical, business, market and operational aspects of cloud; and a keen interest to actively develop her organization’s capabilities.

Responsibilities
Secure sales targets

• Seek and qualify leads: conduct in-depth 360° discussions to take stock of the customer business and technology environments, requirements, plans & issues; secure participation in relevant procurement processes (e.g., RFXs)


• Mobilize organization to pursue opportunities: decompose opportunity situation and develop pursuit plans anchored on compelling events to act now; provide structure, clear directions and objectives for engagement teams to act


• Lead sales engagements: lead direct and indirect, virtual/cross-functional teams, seeking assistance within a large, complex organization on proposals, offer development, demos, proofs of concepts, strategy development, 3rd party solutions, etc.; lead responses to procurement processes (e.g., RFXs)


• Close sales: maintain a continuously updated 360° map of “what is needed to close the business”; early and clear articulation of case towards own stakeholders;  secure all of the company’s strengths, capabilities and possibilities to secure business on “D-day”


• Own and manage a 48 months sales funnel that secures a significantly growing business


• Identify strengths and weaknesses of Ericsson’s positioning vs. competition in any given situation through research, industry contacts, personal networks, etc.


• Drive knowledge transfer and thought leadership: secure knowledge continuity through immediately-near individuals; active high level participation in global re-use and knowledge sharing

Basic Qualifications
Cloud domain:

• Thorough knowledge of cloud economics: TCO and commercial models, their cost structure and value drivers; make buy analysis


• Relevant real life experience with bimodal IT operations: procuring, selling, implementing, utilizing and/or operating such infrastructures – private and/or hybrid


• Expertise on at least three of the following five cloud stack elements: Hardware / Software Defined Infrastructure, Data Storage, Data / Application Platform, Security, Data Center Facilities


• Expertise on processes and interventions to build, consolidate and optimize cloud operations; and/or to transform data centers into highly available cloud platforms


• Fluent in the ITIL/ITSM framework, agile methodologies and DevOps practices


• Knowledgeable about the most relevant industry players, offers and dynamics: infrastructure, professional services and XaaS


• Bachelor of Business Administration, Science or similar


• Substantial in-field experience from sales/solutions at Ericsson or equivalent


• Experience from working in the field with customers

Superior soft skills across the board:

• Entrepreneurial & Commercial thinking: ambitious, self-driven, go-getter, risk-taker, persuader and influencer, persistent, action oriented, change driver, opinionated (“my business!”)


• Solutions-focused: curious, positive, collaborative, issues into possibilities


• Consultative skills: establish credibility; explore requirements; plan in view of interests, ambitions and possibilities; handshake engagement; deliver on it


• Organizational awareness: establish power-base mapping to sensibly act and plan in accordance


• Superior presentation / communication skills: purposeful structure, crisp content (less is more), actionable delivery


• Maintains good rapport and demonstrates leadership and teamwork in cross-functional teams.

Application Closing Date: Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Graduate & Experienced Vacancies at Ericsson Nigeria [3 Positions]

How As an Expat I Travelled the World at No Expense

I became an expat after having a serious back injury, which resulted in my losing my job in the UK. By the time I had recovered from my illness, my wife and I had used up all our savings, and were to put it mildly in a serious financial situation.

I decided that the best way for us to get back on our feet, would be for me to get a job overseas. I made this decision as I knew from previously working overseas; I would be able to earn far more money than I could in the UK.

Once fully fit I sent my CV to a company that carried out overseas contracts. Fortunately, this resulted in my obtaining a one year contract as a Project Supervisor in Saudi Arabia.

I first worked in Riyadh where I lived in a company paid apartment, until later being transferred to Jeddah. Here the company paid for me to live on a camp with all meals provided. Unfortunately, due to a lack of work the company made me redundant, after I had only been in Saudi for 7 months. I then returned back to the UK.

However, in this short space of time I found myself able to pay off all our debts, as well as being able to buy a new car for cash. This would have been impossible to do, had I been working in the UK and not overseas.

Shortly after my return to the UK, I contacted a company that carried out works in Oman. After an interview they offered me a 4 month contract as a joiner, which I accepted.

Whilst working in Oman, the company paid for me to live and eat in 5 star hotels. On our days off work, along with some work colleagues we used to drive to a beautiful long sandy beach.

Behind the beach were large land dunes, which were used for what is known as “Dune Bashing.” This being where drivers try to drive their jeeps up to the top of the dunes. When first witnessing this activity, I thought that the driver had gone crazy. But it seems that Dune Bashing is a very popular pastime.

A week after completing my contract in Qatar and returning to the UK, my old boss from Saudi contacted me. He offered me a contract to work in Brunei on a Palace for the Sultan of Brunei. His phone call resulted in a complete change of scenery for me. I went from working in the desert; to working in the jungle.

A few weeks later I flew out to Brunei. At first I lived with a few of my work colleagues in a hotel in town. However, a few weeks later we all moved from the hotel to a government camp, which was set up in a large flat grassed clearing in the jungle. The camp accommodation consisted of a large number of Portakabins. I lived in one of them, which I found to be very comfortable.

While in Brunei I had my first experience of going on a Hash. This involved a large group of runners, who ran through the jungle following a paper trail, which had been laid down by what is called the hares. I also went Jashing. Instead of running through the jungle, we used to drive through it in specially reinforced jeeps. Although it seemed rather crazy, it was a lot of fun and an experience I will not forget.

During my time in Brunei I acted in two Amateur Dramatics shows. Although I had never been in one before, I enjoyed being in them very much. All in all, I had such a great time in Brunei that I did not want to leave at the end of my contract.

Before leaving Brunei, my company arranged and paid for me to fly back to the UK via Thailand and Hong Kong. In Thailand I met up with a number of Thais that I had previously worked with in Brunei and Saudi. While with them they treated me as an honored guest, and took me to several places of interest including the Kings Palace, and a crocodile farm.

On leaving Thailand I flew on to Hong Kong where I stayed in a 5 star hotel for two days, which my company paid for. I then fly back to the UK.

Whilst later in London seeking a new contract, a recruitment company arranged an interview for me re a contract in Qatar, which turned out to be a Palace for the Emir. Shortly after being accepted by the company, I flew out to Qatar. Once again I found myself back in the Middle East.

The company provided me with accommodation in a camp, where I had all meals provided. I lived in one half of a self contained Portakabin, with a work colleague living in the other half.

On our days off work, some work colleagues and I used to enjoy driving across the desert in an old pick-up truck, which the company had provided me with. We also went snorkeling, and spent long lazy hours relaxing on a beautiful sandy beach

Shortly after returning home from Qatar, my ex company offered me a short contract back in Brunei. Surprisingly, this involved some refurbishment works in the Palace I had previously worked on.

Once again I left the desert and returned to work in the jungle.

This time I worked in both the Palace that is home for the Sultans second wife, and also in the main Palace that has four mentions in the Guinness Book of Records.

1. The Sultan was the richest man in the world.

2. The chandeliers in the Palace were the heaviest in the world.

3. The main Palace had the most amount of rooms in a single building.

4. It has the smallest hill in the world. (which is in fact a hummock on the golf course)

Whilst working in the Palaces, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with both of the Sultans wives.

Before leaving Brunei, I received an invitation from a construction company to attend an interview in London, re a contract in Algeria.

After landing at Heathrow, I went and attended the interview. In this I was successful, with the company then offering me a one year contract.

Once again I returned to work in the desert. This time however, it was in North Africa and not in the Middle East. The work involved construction projects for the Gendarme in several desert locations. Here I lived in camp accommodation with all meals provided.

On my days off work, along with some colleagues we used to visit various places of interest. On one trip we came across a deep canyon, where in the dried up riverbed we found many fossil sea shells. Obviously at some time in the past, the river had been connected to the sea.

I happened to be on a short break in London, when the owner of a Jordanian construction company contacted me re a contract in Jordan. After having an interview, I accepted a contract to work on a Palace in Jordan for King Hussein.

In Jordan I lived in a large well furnished company apartment, with the company also providing me with a car.

I was fortunate in that while in Jordan I visited the ancient city of Petra, which is an incredible place. Both the Treasury and the Monastery are really spectacular buildings. It was however, quite a climb up the trail to reach the Monastery.

Shortly before leaving Jordan, a recruitment company contacted me about a contract in Turkey. The project involved a 5 star hotel complex on the Mediterranean coast. Thanks to my recruitment company and the fact that I had a good CV, the client offered me a contract without even seeing me.

This contract turned out to be the best I ever had. Not only did I receive a very good financial package, it also included married status. This being my first such contract.

On my arrival in the village of Kemer, which was a short distance from the hotel site, the company put me up in a Pension, where I lived there until my wife joined me a month later. On her arrival, the company then put us into a hotel. They later provided us with a furnished apartment, and also gave me a company car.

My wife loved Turkey very much. After only being in the country five weeks, she suggested that we bought some land and had a house built. This we did. It proved to be the best move that we ever did. The region where I worked and still live, is known as “The Turkish Riviera.” This region has stunning mountain and coastal scenery, with many beautiful sandy beaches.

Whilst living in Turkey my ex boss from Brunei contacted me. He offered me a contract to work on a 5 star hotel in Northern Cyprus. After accepting his offer I flew over to Cyprus a few weeks later. Here I met up with several of my old work colleagues from Saudi and Brunei.

The company provided us with accommodation in furnished apartments. They also provided me with a car. Unfortunately, due to the client running into serious financial problems, the project closed down a few months later.

During a break between contracts, I happened to meet up with my old Turkish boss. During a talk with him, he asked if I would help him on a 5 star hotel project in Turkmenistan. Even though I had never heard of Turkmenistan, I agreed to go there.

I later found that it was once part of Russia. Having never worked in this region before, this would be a new experience for me. The project was in Ashgabat, which is the capital of Turkmenistan, a country with vast deposits of oil and natural gas.

Most of the houses in Ashgabat are connected to a main central heating system. This system I found to be very efficient during the winter months that I spent living in a bungalow provided by the company.

Whilst later in London looking for another contract, a recruitment company contacted me re a contract in Indonesia. The project turned out to be a 5 star hotel in Surabaya, which is the 2nd largest city in Indonesia. Shortly after being accepted by the company, I flew out to Surabaya where the company provided me with a furnished apartment.

On completion of my contract, I accepted a contract from another company. This again was another 5 star hotel in Surabaya. As this contract included married status, my wife came out to join me. We were fortunate in that the company provided us with a well furnished house.

Indonesia is an inexpensive place to live with food, living costs and local transport being quite cheap. At one time I travelled from Surabaya to Yogyakarta, a journey taking approx 12 hours. The fare cost less than the taxi fare from the station to my hotel.

Whilst in Indonesia my wife and I took the advantage of being able to visit the beautiful island of Bali. Had I not been working in Indonesia, this trip would have cost us a lot of money. We also travelled to Singapore by train. We used this method of traveling, due to it being far less expensive than flying there. The money that we saved on air fares then paid largely for our hotel room, which made it an inexpensive weekend.

On completion of my contract we returned home to Turkey. I later flew over to London to look for another contract. After making numerous calls to various recruitment companies, I received two job offers at the same time. One being in Vietnam, the other in Malaysia. I accepted the longer contract in Malaysia, which was a five star hotel project. As my contract included married status, my wife came with me.

Malaysia is a beautiful country with numerous places of interest to visit. The light railway system offers a cheap way to visit numerous places outside the capital city of Kula Lumpur, commonly known as KL. Although it is more expensive to live in Malaysia than Indonesia, I found living costs were less than those in the Middle East.

Shortly before leaving Malaysia a recruitment company contacted me re a possible contract in the Philippines. After having an interview in Malaysia, the company offered me a three year contract. The project turned out to be a 52 storey luxury apartment block in Manila, which is the capital of the Philippines.

As my contract again included married status, my wife went with me. We were fortunate in that the company paid for shipping various bits and pieces that we had bought during our time in Malaysia, over to the Philippines. In Manila the company provided us with a large and beautiful well furnished apartment.

My wife and I had an incredible social life in the Philippines, where we attended numerous Balls and dinner parties. I also learnt to play golf there as lessons were not expensive. Thanks to the low living cost in the Philippines, my wife and I were able to afford visiting several beautiful islands.

On one trip we went to Boracay that has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The journey started with a flight in a plane decorated with flowers, which brought back memories of the Hippy days. After landing at a grass strip runway, we then had a short trip by motorcycle and sidecar down to the beach. Evidently, this mode of transport was the usual way to get from the airport to the beach.

On our arrival at the beach, we climbed onto a boat that took us over to the island of Boracay. As there were no jetties there, the boat went as close as possible to shore, before the passenger had to get off and into the water.

It was quite funny to see a long line of people carrying their bags wading through the shallow bright blue sea. It took about 5 minutes to wade through the water up to the long gleaming white sandy beach. Once there it only took a few minutes to walk along the soft sand to our chalet, which was nestled under some palm trees. We could not have wished for such a fabulous location.

Due to the company extending my contract, I stayed in the Philippines for nearly three and a half years before returning home to Turkey.

My next contract occurred when the company I previously worked for in Malaysia, offered me a contract in Morocco. The project being a five star hotel complex situated half way between Rabat and Casablanca. Unfortunately, due to it only being a short term single contract, my wife did not join me.

One again I returned back to North Africa. However, this time instead of working in the desert, I would be working on the edge of a beautiful long sandy beach.

While working on the project I lived in one of the hotels luxury bungalows that were set on the edge of the beach. Before having breakfast, I used to start my day with a jog along the usually deserted beach. On my days off work I visited Casablanca and Rabat, where I enjoyed wandering through the old parts of the cities.

From being down and penniless, my wife and I enjoyed years of travelling at someone else’s expense. During my working career I have worked in 14 countries and visited a variety of fabulous places.

Most of my contracts came from contacting recruitment companies, re contracts listed in a magazine published by Expats International. Unfortunately, this company of which I was a member for many years no longer exists. However, there are other similar companies dedicated to providing employment opportunities. I highly recommend that you join such a company. I also advise that you sign up with recruitment companies, which specialise in the type of work that you are seeking.

Just think, you too can travel the world at no expense.

How As an Expat I Travelled the World at No Expense

MS Operations Assurance Head at Ericsson

Ericsson is a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment & services to mobile & fixed network operators. Over 1,000 networks in more than 180 countries use Ericsson equipment, & more than 40 percent of the world’s mobile traffic passes through Ericsson networks. Using innovation to empower people, business & society, we are working towards the Networked Society, in which everything that can benefit from a connection will have one. At Ericsson, we apply our innovation to market-based solutions that empower people & society to help shape a more sustainable world.

We are truly a global company, working across borders in 175 countries, offering a diverse, performance-driven culture & an innovative & engaging environment where employees enhance their potential everyday. Our employees live our vision, core values & guiding principles. They share a passion to win & a high responsiveness to customer needs that in turn makes us a desirable partner to our clients. To ensure professional growth, Ericsson offers a stimulating work experience, continuous learning & growth opportunities that allow you to acquire the knowledge & skills necessary to reach your career goals.

Job Title: Managed Services Operations Assurance Head

Description 

• This Job Role is responsible for the Customer Handling, Coordination, Management, Single Customer Complaints and execution of proactive and reactive H/W maintenance activities that require a higher level of Skill. 


• This shall ensure that the MoMo services provided to customers are continuously available and performing to Service Level Agreement (SLA) performance levels. 


• This role is responsible for ensuring SLA/WLA are in place and is also responsible to manage the financials for the assigned countries.

Responsibilities

• Daily Customer Complaints.


• H/W maintenance Preventive maintenance.


• End to end issue handling and coordination with GSC.


• System Administration.


• Customer Handling.

Skills

• ECW/EWP Experience.


• Unix/Linux Knowledge.


• Java/shell scripting.


• Knowledge of Oracle/PL/SQL.


• F5/VMware/VSphere.


• Ericsson Charging System Knowledge.


• Working knowledge of different H/W components link HP Servers/EMC/F5 etc.

Qualifications 

• Knowledge of Managed Service Telecom Operations Practice


• Presentation & Communication Skills


• Knowledge sharing


• Problem Solving and strategic thinking


• Ericsson Knowledge


• Language Skills


• Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations


• Analyzing


• Working with People


• Creating & Innovating


• Applying Expertise and Technology

Experience 

• Minimum 5 to 10 years of IT/Telecom experience.


• B.Tech/B.E/MCA.


• Problem solving and trouble shooting skills


• Good communication skills


• Cost Awareness

Location: Lagos

APPLY HERE

MS Operations Assurance Head at Ericsson

Different Job Profiles For Careers in Hospitality and Recreation

The hospitality and recreation industry is in the constant process of refinement to emerge as top employment providing option in developed countries like United States. The common aspect of careers in hospitality and recreation is human interaction, which is of great importance in today’s customer oriented world of corporate. Thus, the job profiles existing in these industries doesn’t require much of physical work and thus, are becoming fast preferences of students opting for university degree programs.

So, what are the different profiles existing in both these industries. Let us stop and watch the answer in subsequent discussion.

Hospitality Industry – Handling Customers With care

The need of professionals in hospitality industry is felt in areas like hotels, restaurants, resorts, airlines, tours and travels, casinos, front desks, housekeeping and many more. Here is the list of most desirable courses offered to a person seeking careers in hospitality:

Course in hotel reception and book keeping

Course in restaurant and counter service

Course in tourism and hospitality management

Course in hotel and catering management

Course in hotel management

Course in hospitality administration and others

The students pursuing above-mentioned courses are eligible for careers in hospitality with different job profiles as mentioned below:

Service as crew in national as well as international airlines

Catering officer in cruises, 5 star hotels, motels, fast food chains, inns and bars

Customer relation officer in hotels, hospitals, and other high profile service providing companies

Executive officer in tourist resorts

Front desk executives in various corporate units and so on.

Recreation Industry – Relieving Customers From Stress

The rules and basic guidelines of hospitality industry are applicable to recreation industry as well. Thus, there is a thin line of difference between opportunities of careers in recreation. In general, the people looking for job profiles under recreation industry are employed at places like amusement parks, gyms, fitness centers, music concerts, casinos, carnivals, golf courses and other similar venues. These people are employed at various profiles like:

Fitness escorts at gyms and health clubs

Recreation officers and workers at sports clubs, casinos and amusement parks

Recreation therapists for treating people with mental anxieties

Recreation professionals like dancers, musicians, painters and other genres of artists.

In a nutshell, careers in recreation are meant for providing a stress free environment to the customers, as these customers spend considerable number of dollars to visit recreational hubs.

Thus, we can say that careers in hospitality and recreation are great options of dishing up people with comprehensive set of customer-oriented services. In return, the professionals in these industries are paid with tempting pay packages, which definitely weigh more than those offered by other industries.

Different Job Profiles For Careers in Hospitality and Recreation

10 Tips For Using Graphics in E-Learning

I think we would all agree that e-Learning courses benefit from graphics, even if the topic you are presenting is dry. Nobody likes to read large amounts of text on-screen. Using graphics to break up text gives the eye something to rest on before continuing to read. Below are some tips for using graphics in e-Learning development, so without any further adieu, let’s get started.

1. Graphic Size

Sure, you may want to make your course more inviting by adding graphics, but don’t go overboard! Depending on your audience, you may have users with slow connections or older hardware. You’ll want to deliver your course content to them as quickly as possible, and adding hi-resolution graphics will only slow things down.

– Be sure to optimize all of your graphics so that they load quickly.

– Use Photoshop(TM) or Fireworks(TM) to squeeze down the size of your images.

– Be sure that you are using the right formats for your images.

– Try not to crowd pages with multiple graphics.

– Avoid images that strongly contrast with their surroundings.

If you are using a continuous-tone photograph, be sure to save the file as a JPEG (Joint Photography Experts Group). JPEG compression can bring a weighty image down in size. The downside to JPEGs is that the compression scheme that is built into the file format (what makes the file size smaller) is lossy, meaning that the more compression you apply, the more image quality you sacrifice. There’s a fine balance between file size and quality, so make image files as small as possible, while still looking crisp.

Any flat graphics, charts, and graphs with solid colors should be saved as GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) files. The algorithm in the GIF file format looks for common occurrences of color, and groups those colors together into a palette. The palette can contain 256 colors or less. GIF compression is also lossless, so GIF conversion doesn’t introduce artifacts and aberrations, like the JPEG scheme can.

GIF files have two additional tricks up their sleeves: they can have transparency and can be animated. The transparency adapter in the GIF file format is only 1-bit transparency, meaning that only 1 color of the whole palette can be transparent. Usually, that color is white, but you can make any color the transparent color. The GIF 89a format allows multiple frames in a single file for animation. You can get really creative with GIF animations now, with the new animation panel in Photoshop CS3. This, however, doesn’t mean you should have spinning logos and flashing graphics everywhere. But an animated series of steps can be very useful, when used in conjunction with explanatory text.

Although a page can benefit from a few graphics, adding too many images of varying sizes, qualities, and colors can really cause problems for readers. The size and complexity of the graphics is also an important factor, when considering the number of images to use per page. A sophisticated wiring diagram, with all of its legends and explanations, will probably tax a reader’s eye for quite some time, whereas a picture of an ocean would have a different effect.

Also, your course may have a shell or structure with its own colors and shapes. Choosing images that strongly contrast with those colors and shapes may not be a good idea. You may be thinking that if the image stands out, it will attract more attention. That may be true, but it might not be the kind of attention you really want. If at all possible, homogenize your color scheme across all graphics. There may be acceptable variations of color between screen locations, such as highlights, arrows, gradients, and other effects that can help to draw attention to specific areas of a screen image or product shot.

2. Visual Hierarchy

A visual hierarchy sets the order of importance on a page. You can achieve maximum visibility and results by using a simple and consistent visual hierarchy. Every item on a page has visual importance, but you can control that importance based on the nature of those items. For example, a newspaper has a clear hierarchy: its headlines draw readers’ attention because the headline text is larger than any other text on the page. Somewhat smaller subheads fall under the headlines, and help readers scan for chunks of information that might interest them. Then, even smaller body text follows. But despite this clear formatting hierarchy, just one quarter-page-sized image would completely dominate the entire page, and draw readers’ eyes away from the text. Similar design hierarchies are seen in other publications as well, and this is just one example.

The systematic ordering of importance through a hierarchy will guide students through a course, and help them achieve their objectives more quickly.

3. Text Breaks

As mentioned before, facing large amounts of dense on-screen text is not an optimal situation. In print, designers try to help readers by breaking up text using columns, paragraphs, first-line indents, tabs, and other conventions. Line length is another important tool. Usually, the eye is most comfortable reading from 41 to 50 characters per line. But this also depends on the optical characteristics of the font being used and on its size. It has been shown that sans-serif fonts, like Arial and Verdana, are easier to read on-screen than serif fonts, like Times New Roman and Georgia.

As we said before, graphics (either embedded in the text or running alongside) can provide a visual break for the eye as it moves through a story. Of course, size and placement are important; you want to use graphics, but also retain continuity. Diagrams and figures that relate to the story are especially valuable.

Visuals can also add motivation. For example, a course that presents exact steps for completing a software task will benefit greatly from screenshots that support each step. Nothing is more frustrating than to have text-only instructions for a visual task. If something requires a lot of hand-eye coordination, then the course should include screenshots, diagrams, simulations, or even video of the steps being completed. And using screenshots from the latest version of the software is mandatory.

4. Appropriate Imagery

Some educators draw on libraries of stock photography and “found” images for their course graphics. More often than not, these images are only marginally related to the course content. True, they add visual breaks in the story, but they often fall short in supporting course content. A common example that we’ve all seen is business courses that use stock photos of executives and secretaries sitting at desks and talking on phones, but who are not actually doing anything related to the course material.

The challenge here is to build cost-effective courses. A typical photo shoot, with all of its models and studio expenses, can be quite pricy. But there are some great traditional stock-photography agencies that sell royalty-free photos for reasonable prices. The web has also become a tremendous source of content-specific images. The Stock Xchange, iStockPhoto, Creatas, Veer, and other agencies have a wide variety of image categories related to specific areas of business. Most times, you can order these photos online, download comps, and use an online lightbox to view and select graphics. Of course, be careful to follow appropriate copyright guidelines when acquiring online imagery!

More and more public-domain photos are becoming available. Often, they have outlived their copyrights and are now freely available. You should especially consider public-domain photos if you are building a historical course.

5. Figures for Learning

Figures and diagrams with supporting text can really help learners accomplish your course objectives. Edward Tufte has written several superb, classic books about the effectiveness of figures, diagrams, charts, and graphs. Tufte single-handedly changed information design, as it is called, with the publishing of “Visual Explanations.” Creating figures and diagrams to support courses is a craft in itself. Basically, the most effective supporting graphics can quickly convey important information that their corresponding text descriptions cannot. It is extremely important that such graphics be appealing, easy to understand, and adequately labeled.

These images should help learners achieve specific instructional goals. A plain image of a semiconductor with supporting text may be enough for some learners, but the same image, with labels and arrows that are referenced in the text, can be much more effective for others. So always target your image presentations toward all appropriate learning levels.

Specific features of these graphics should be considered for effectiveness. Line weight, color, legends, and other features should all directly relate to, and support, course material. If there are multiple graphics within a course, consistency in design is important. Far too often, colors and styles will shift from graphic to graphic, and present a continuously changing look and feel. Learners may easily construe this stylistic meandering as a shift in topic or objective. Consistency of style and color can support broad themes, help learners to know when they are in a topic, and alert them when they move on to the next subject.

When labeling graphics, it is important to use contrasting colors and color fields behind the labels. Consider layering the labels and ordering them appropriately. Legends for color associations are very useful for charts and graphs, and the same holds true for figures and diagrams.

6. Charts and Graphs

Charts and graphs are very useful for conveying statistical or historical information. Most people can create charts and graphs in Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint, but these quick charts will always benefit from some additional work. For example, a pie chart that expresses a target sales quota may be presented with a specific piece of the pie enlarged, extruded, or in some other way more prominent than the other pieces. For quickly showing the relative importance of data, this is a visual parallel to the text hierarchy that we already mentioned.

Again, style and consistency throughout a course is important. You may have a series of column charts that express specific sales quotas from city to city across the country. Each chart might use gray bars for all states that are not currently being discussed and a blue bar for the state that is being discussed.

The width and height, (and now with 3-D) the depth of bars can be exaggerated, to bring attention to specific parts of a chart. Adding dimension, shading, and drop-shadows to a chart, although appealing, should be done only after the chart’s basic information is being conveyed effectively.

Be sure to adequately label charts, and make sure that the labels don’t obscure other information or data. Legends are useful guides for reading a chart, and should be both adjacent to the chart and clearly labeled.

Another way of improving charts is to use imagery that is directly related to their topics. For example, a bar chart about populations could use silhouettes of people (instead of rectangles) for its bars. A bar chart about oil prices could use barrels of oil instead of rectangles. Every chart should be examined first for clarity and accuracy of its presentation, and then examined for alternate methods of presentation that might be employed.

7. Color Choices

We’ve already mentioned color several times, but it can be a touchy subject because it is so subjective. You may be driving down a street where every house sports a muted shade except for the bright purple one with lime-green shutters! It may make your skin crawl, but to the person who painted the house, it’s beautiful.

Color is a science of its own. At the core of color theory is the color wheel, which basically displays and organizes the entire rainbow. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. From these, we can create the secondary colors, like orange, green, and purple. Tertiary colors are a mix of secondary and primary colors, and complete the color wheel. The color wheel also shows different color shades, from the outside to the inside, going from dark to light values.

Certain colors can evoke emotions or convey moods. Active colors are yellows, oranges, reds, and purples. These are ideal for highlighting parts of a course and calling attention to details. Think of the color of a stop sign. The color red is arresting and contrasts well with just about any background. So it’s a natural choice for an icon that commands students (at least in the U.S.) to STOP. Passive colors are greens, blues, and lighter purples. These are often used in hospitals and detention centers, because they are calming. You can use passive colors as background colors and in supporting graphics for courses. If your courses will be delivered internationally, also be aware that your other students’ cultures may influence color selections. For example, due to our traffic signage, American students easily perceive red as an indication to stop. But in some countries, red conveys danger, and sometimes even death. So unless you really want to convey a sense of danger (as in DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT PUSHING THIS BUTTON ON THIS MACHINE FOR ANY REASON, PERIOD!), you may want to avoid red graphics in courses for international audiences.

We can’t discuss color without talking about contrast – the relationship between colors in a given scenario. Black text on a white background is easy to read because those colors contrast well with each other. But yellow text on a white background or blue text on a black background is hard to see; there isn’t enough contrast between figure and ground to make the text legible. However, always apply common sense and good taste: green text on an orange background may contrast strongly, but this combo is hard to read, and painful to look at. The same considerations also hold true for graphics.

Color is a powerful tool when used correctly. It can convey meaning, add a mood, be playful or serious, and carry a lot of weight in delivering the content at hand.

8. Navigation Aids

Throughout your course, you’ll use on-screen controls to let users navigate through the material. These controls can be either textual (like hyperlinks) or graphical (like buttons). If you employ such navigation graphics, be sure that they are clearly labeled and easy to use. If at all possible, you’ll want to use a combination of both graphic and text elements to ensure ease-of-use. Button graphics should follow known human-interface guidelines, meaning that they should behave like buttons. Their appearance should change when they are rolled over with the mouse and clicked. This provides visual (and often audible) confirmation that the button action has been triggered.

– Be sure to follow these simple tips for creating navigation controls:

– Buttons should be clearly labeled.

– Contrast is important.

– Use complimentary or active colors to highlight button functionality.

– Place and use navigation controls consistently throughout the course.

Other useful tools that you can use in courses are breadcrumbs or area indicators. For example, the state of a button within a navigation system should change appearance whenever a certain section is reached. And the Previous and Next destinations should always be visible near the current page indicator. Every course navigation system must be easy to use, and allow students to always see where they just came from in the course, where they are now, and where they can go next.

And be sure to actually test your course and lesson navigation, to be sure that it is clear and that anyone can use it. Use several testers, and note and address any tie-ups or pitfalls that they find.

9. Functional Communication

When choosing graphic vehicles for conveying a series of steps, the style of graphic you choose (animation, static image, video) isn’t as important as the images accurately presenting the steps. Research has shown that a series of steps delivered as line drawings, animations, and videos are all assimilated equally well by learners. The true effectiveness of these graphics depends on both adequate labeling and the use of graphic features that show the progression or movement.

Un-illustrated text or unlabeled graphics do not carry much weight, and are not effective. Using even simple graphic devices, such as descriptive labels, sequential labels, highlights, and directional arrows, will help users to follow step-by-step tutorials. Adobe Captivate and other simulation software allow you to add these features to any recorded presentation – either automatically, or manually. Either way, adding descriptors to communicate functionality will go a long way toward successfully presenting a series of tasks.

10. Student Gestalt

There’s more involved in the overall training and learning processes than one might think. It’s important to strategically use thematic elements to tie a course together, in a consistent and appropriate gestalt. “Gestalt” is a German term, often used in graphic-design circles, that implies “the overall sense or aim of a user experience.”

Here’s an example of how a bad graphic gestalt can cause problems. A British design agency was asked to create signs for a coal mine in Africa. Due to the mine’s non-English-speaking workers, the designers used pictures of carts being loaded with coal. But when the signs were installed, the workers started unloading the carts, rather than loading them. The “gestalt” problem was that the designers assumed a left-to-right reading method, whereas the workers read right-to-left.

In the same way, making assumptions about your learners’ experiences, without actually testing the course goals, objectives, and results can lead to disaster. Be sure that you have a full understanding of your target audience. Take a student sampling and test your courses on them. You may find specific details that need to be ironed out. But more importantly, you should collect feedback about your students’ entire learning experience. If a course is objectively factual, but bores students to tears, it should be re-worked to make it more interesting. And if the course simply doesn’t meet its objectives, you should use a survey to gather feedback about the course materials. Perhaps there were too many distractions or unclearly labeled graphics. Revisit all problem areas with a critical eye.

Of course, not everyone comes to a course with the same learning ability, and different students will have varying aptitudes. So you’ll want to collect information from as wide a group as you can, to gauge your course’s effectiveness for all students. Gauging gestalt is like stepping back from painting, to view its overall composition before continuing.

10 Tips For Using Graphics in E-Learning