Head of IT and Digital Strategy

Introduction to the Role

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is an international organization driven by the vision of a world without malnutrition. This full-time role is essential for leading the strategic vision for GAIN’s digital, data, and technology environment, ensuring all systems are secure, efficient, and cost-effective across 16 countries.

At GAIN, we believe that no one sector alone can solve the complex problem of malnutrition. We work closely with partners including governments, civil society, businesses, UN agencies, and academic institutions.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities for the Head of IT and Digital Strategy include:

• Lead the strategic vision for GAIN’s digital, data, and technology environment, ensuring systems are secure, efficient, and cost-effective.
• Advise senior leadership on technology strategy, investment, innovation, and opportunities to leverage AI.
• Drive digital transformation by delivering scalable, value-for-money solutions across geographically dispersed teams.
• Oversee the technology stack, budgets, project delivery, and standardised processes for systems development and implementation.
• Manage outsourced service providers to ensure high-quality, secure, 24/7 infrastructure across 16 countries aligned with Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Ensure strong cybersecurity, GDPR compliance, and business continuity while managing technology and data-related risks.
• Provide reliable, timely data to support organisational planning, decision-making, and reporting, ensuring strong data governance and AI readiness.
• Lead and develop the digital, data, and technology team, ensuring effective project management, stakeholder engagement, and staff training.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

We are looking for a strategic IT leader with proven experience in shaping and executing clear technology visions within the INGO sector (essential). You must have a strong track record in driving digital transformation and AI initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will possess expertise in data strategy, system integration, and decision-making, and be adept at managing teams and delivering impactful business outcomes.

Essential qualifications and experience include:

• A minimum education background with Master’s degree (MBA/MSc/MA) in Computer Science, Technology, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in leading IT functions for multi-country or geographically dispersed organisations.
• Experience advising senior leadership on technology investments and aligning IT strategies with business goals.
• Skills in cybersecurity, data protection, and navigating global regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage outsourced IT services, optimise budgets, and ensure high service standards.
• Ability to implement data governance frameworks to support compliance and business decision-making.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Technical expertise spanning software development, network infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

You must understand how digital and data systems underpin organisational performance and be committed to delivering secure, reliable, and cost-effective technology solutions.