Position overview
HELINA seeks a visionary and dynamic Executive Director to lead the Association into its next phase of growth and impact. The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer, responsible for strategic leadership, organizational management, stakeholder engagement, and advancing HELINA’s mission across Africa and globally.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic leadership: Develop and implement HELINA’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with continental and global digital health priorities.
• Governance and operations: Oversee organizational management, financial sustainability, and compliance with governance structures.
• Partnership development: Build and strengthen collaborations with governments, donors, academic institutions, and international organizations.
• Advocacy and representation: Represent HELINA in continental and global forums, advancing Africa’s voice in digital health and interoperability.
• Capacity building: Lead initiatives to strengthen skills, knowledge, and professional networks in health informatics across Africa.
• Program oversight: Ensure effective design, implementation, and evaluation of HELINA’s programs and projects.
• Support the strategic, administrative and operational functions of HELINA. This will require him/her to work closely with the HELINA Board and the HELINA Secretariat.
• Lead, support and supervise the Secretariat and optimize its functions to ensure the fundamentally critically operational and administrative functions it is established to perform are properly structured and performing efficiently and effectively.
• Proactively contribute to the strategic development of HELINA and provide the relevant leadership under the direction of the President and the Board, to operationalize HELINA’s strategic objectives.
• The Executive Director will, to the maximum extent possible, support the National Associations through administrative and operational oversight. Furthermore, the Executive Director will contribute to the Association’s strategic development initiatives and activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Health Informatics, Digital Health, Public Health, Information Systems, or related field.
• Minimum of 17 years of leadership experience in digital health, health systems, or international development.
• Experience working with international organizations, specifically in digital health.
• Proven track record in organizational leadership, fundraising, and partnership management.
• Strong understanding of global interoperability standards (FHIR/HL7) and WHO SMART Guidelines.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and representation skills.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in French or Portuguese is an asset.

Location
The position is based in Africa, with flexibility for travel across the continent and internationally.

How to apply
Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter outlining their vision for HELINA’s future.
• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Names and contacts of three referees.

Applications should be sent to mgesicho@helina.africa, President@helina.africa, and secretary@helina.africa by 21 July 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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