Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO)

Location: Karachi, Pakistan or Nairobi, Kenya
Reporting to: President and Vice Chancellor of the Aga Khan University

Founded in 1983, the Aga Khan University (AKU) has grown from Pakistans first private health-sciences university into a leading institution with a global presence. Rooted in six countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, AKU has earned a distinguished reputation for academic excellence and impactful contributions to the developing world.

As an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), AKU is committed to improving the quality of life for underserved populations through world-class teaching, research, and healthcare delivery. Our mission is driven by a commitment to empowering women and the disadvantaged, fostering pluralism, and collaborating with partners worldwide to achieve shared goals.

With a network of 7 hospitals and 350 outreach clinics, AKU annually cares for over 2 million patients, establishing itself as a major healthcare provider in Pakistan and East Africa. Our 3,200 students and over 18,000 alumni are leaders in renowned institutions globally, reflecting the University's commitment to nurturing talent and driving positive change.

This exciting and unique opportunity exists for a dynamic leader to join AKU as the inaugural Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO). Reporting to the President, he/she will be responsible for the comprehensive digital transformation strategy across the University and its affiliated hospital system globally. This role includes oversight of all data, digital, and technology initiatives, with the goal of enhancing patient care, academic excellence, operational efficiency, and innovation.

• Lead and manage the digital, data, and technology functions across the institution, driving the strategy for digital transformation across the Aga Khan University;
• Oversee the implementation, optimization, and continued development of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other critical information systems, ensuring benefit realization post-EHR deployment;
• Foster an environment of innovation by incorporating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and virtual healthcare, to support academic, research, and clinical outcomes;
• Drive data governance, privacy and security frameworks to safeguard patient, student, and institutional information, while promoting accessibility and usability for key stakeholders;
• Collaborate with academic, clinical, and administrative leaders to align digital and technology strategies with institutional goals, fostering a unified approach to transformation;
• Develop and mentor a high-performing IT and digital team, promoting a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to emerging trends;
• Build strong relationships with local and international partners, leveraging best practices to create an integrated, multidisciplinary environment that enhances the institutions impact and reputation globally.

Requirements
Qualifications and Experience:

• Masters degree from a reputable University in a relevant field;
• Proven experience in the role of CDIO/CIO in an international institution, ideally within healthcare, a higher education environment or an equivalent complex industry; developing, communicating and executing a transformative digital roadmap that aligns with institutional goals. A strong understanding of EHR implementation and post-deployment benefits realization is essential;
• Deep familiarity with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, telemedicine/virtual care, cloud computing and cybersecurity, particularly as they apply to healthcare and education, with a track record of integrating these technologies into complex systems;
• Demonstrated success in managing complex and multidisciplinary education and healthcare systems, with an understanding of their unique operational, regulatory, and stakeholder requirements;
• A visionary leader with strong communication skills and a track record of fostering collaboration across diverse teams to articulate the value of digital transformation and gain buy-in to drive impactful results;
• Experience in optimizing digital processes to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness and service delivery in education and healthcare systems;
• Experience working across diverse cultural and geographic contexts, with sensitivity to local regulatory, economic, and technological environments;
• Demonstrated ability to implement digital solutions that are scalable yet adaptable to regional and local needs;
• Knowledge of technology-related procurement best practices and the ability to effectively negotiate sustainable contracts and partnerships with vendors that maximise the value received from vendors whilst ensuring compliance to contractual, regulatory and AKU technology standards;
• Demonstrated proactive approach to staying informed about emerging ICT trends and technologies, including identifying the best opportunities and translating them into actionable strategies that align with the institutions vision, mission and objectives.

Preferred Attributes:

• A background in information systems, healthcare informatics, or a related field with at least 5 years of experience in a CDIO/CIO level in a global setting;
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges and proactively address them;
• Passion for innovation in digital health and education, with commitment to improving outcomes for students, patients, and the broader community;
• Ability to balance the needs of diverse stakeholders, ensuring digital initiatives support both operational and strategic priorities across the institution;
• Familiarity with the unique needs of academic medical centers, including integration of digital tools in research, clinical training, and patient care;
• Applies a holistic perspective to anticipate the impact of digital strategies on interconnected institutional structures and processes;
• Effectively drives digital transformation, addressing resistance and building consensus through clear communication and stakeholder engagement;
• Ensures digital initiatives adhere to governance standards, data privacy regulations, and ethical considerations, especially in culturally diverse environments;
• Skilled at managing and leveraging multifaceted relationships within a dynamic and rapidly expanding institution;
• Demonstrates strength of character, integrity and ethics.

By committing to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, AKU is demonstrating leadership in addressing climate change as the most urgent issue of our time.

Please apply online at https://jobs.candidate.kornferry.com/job/Korn-Ferry-Executive-Search-Karachi-or-Nairobi-The-Vice-President-and-Chief-Digital-Information-Officer-CDIO-Sindh/244053237