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Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO)

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Pakistan and Kenya

Introduction

Originally founded in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) was Pakistan’s first private university and quickly established a reputation as a leading health-sciences centre. Since then, it has expanded into disciplines including education, media and communications, Muslim civilisations and more recently arts and sciences. From 2000 onwards, the University has broadened its geographic presence to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom. Today, AKU is deeply rooted in six countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe and has been ranked among the leading universities in Asia and Africa, and in some subjects, the world.

AKU is now home to 3,200 students and a considerable number of its 18,000 plus alumni hold leadership positions in locally and globally renowned institutions, from Karachi to New York City. With 7 hospitals and 350 outreach clinics, it cares for more than 2 million patients annually, making it one of the largest private health care providers in Pakistan and East Africa. Its work in marginalized communities has not only saved thousands of lives, but it has also generated knowledge that government and non-governmental organizations can use to improve the public welfare.

AKU was established as an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which focuses on health, education, culture, rural development, institution-building, and the promotion of economic development. It is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, regardless of their faith, origin, or gender. In alignment with the mandate of the AKDN, the mission of AKU is to improve quality of life in the developing world and beyond through world-class teaching, research, and health-care delivery. The University empowers women and the disadvantaged, builds support for pluralism, and collaborates with local partners and world-renowned organizations to achieve shared goals.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, Aga Khan University recognizes the need for a transformative leadership role to drive digital innovation, clinical transformation, and operational excellence across the University and its healthcare system. Aligning with AKU’s strategic plan, the Chancellor’s Commission recommendations, and the significant investment in Electronic Health Records (EHR), the University is sourcing a Vice President & Chief Digital Information Officer (VP & CDIO). 

Responsibilities

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.

Key Responsibilities:
  • 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 institution’s impact and reputation globally.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:
  • Master’s degree from a reputable University in a relevant field;
  • Proven experience in the role of CDIO/CIO in an international institution, ideally within healthcare and 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 institution’s 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.

To Apply

Interested candidates applying for Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer (VP & CDIO) position at Aga Khan University (AKU) should submit their application to Click Here To Apply

AKU is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding and maintaining appropriate standards for promoting respectful relationships with and among all faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works with including children and vulnerable adults. It expects all employees, trainees, and partners to share this commitment.

Comprehensive employment reference checks for the finalists will be conducted.

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.

Applications should be submitted latest by June 22, 2025