Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at HealthX Africa

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 6–10 years total tech experience, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in startups, digital health, SaaS, or consumer tech preferred.
• Strong grasp of healthcare interoperability standards (e.g., HL7, FHIR), EMR systems, and data exchange protocols.
• Proficiency with mobile (Flutter/React Native), backend (Node.js, Firebase, Python), APIs, and Cloud (AWS/GCP).
• Deep understanding of API development, mobile apps, telehealth technologies, and data security.
• High ownership, solution orientation, collaborative mindset, speed bias.

Job role

Technology Vision, Strategy & Architecture

• Develop and own a scalable, mobile-first technology strategy that supports HealthX Africa’s mission to deliver on-demand, high-quality primary care across Kenya and the region.
• Translate business goals into a clear, iterative technology roadmap covering product rebuilds, infrastructure, automation, and data systems.
• Architect a modular backend infrastructure that supports microservices, API integrations, third-party plug-ins, and secure data flow across services.
• Drive adoption of best-in-class tools and architecture, balancing modern tech (AI, cloud-native, headless design) with reliability and local constraints (low bandwidth, feature phones).
• Continuously benchmark against leading health tech platforms globally and adapt innovative practices to local realities.

Platform Redesign & Build Execution

• Lead the complete redesign and redevelopment of HealthX’s mobile app and web portal, creating a seamless, intuitive, and clinically sound user experience for patients and providers.
• Oversee frontend and backend development, using agile methodologies to ship high-impact features in 2–3 week sprints.
• Implement smart queueing, booking, health records, and secure chat/video consult features inside the mobile app.
• Ensure performance optimization for low-end devices and 2G/3G environments, especially for underserved regions.
• Set up version control, staging environments, and release management workflows for rapid iteration with stability.

Automation & AI-Powered Customer Journey Design

• Deploy chatbots and AI triage tools to automate 60–80% of member interactions, including FAQs, bookings, service routing, and referral pathways.
• Design event-based and rule-based automation flows across care journeys
• Integrate WhatsApp and in-app automation to reduce CX load while improving resolution speed and consistency.
• Build closed-loop automation across touchpoints

Digitization of Internal Workflows

• Lead the end-to-end digitization of operational workflows.
• Implement workflow tools and back-office dashboards to streamline team operations and enable performance tracking.
• Enable role-based access to patient data and tasks to protect confidentiality and improve productivity.

Data, Reporting & Intelligence Systems

• Establish a centralized data warehouse to consolidate patient records, utilization logs, feedback, and clinical outcomes.
• Build dashboards and BI tools for leadership, CX teams, and client partners—enabling real-time visibility and decision support.
• Introduce metrics and analytics for tracking purposes
• Leverage insights to refine features, improve outcomes, and demonstrate ROI to payers, clients, and partners.

Cybersecurity, Compliance & Infrastructure

• Ensure strict adherence to local data privacy laws and emerging health regulations.
• Oversee data encryption, audit trails, and access controls for all digital platforms.
• Implement disaster recovery planning, periodic penetration testing, and real-time performance monitoring tools.
• Set up and maintain cloud environments (AWS, GCP, or Azure), ensuring cost-effective scaling, performance, and uptime.
• Monitor security risks and take corrective action proactively in collaboration with legal and compliance teams.

Vendor, Integration & Ecosystem Management

• Evaluate and manage external vendors.
• Negotiate SLAs, pricing, and integration timelines to maintain platform reliability and partner alignment.
• Collaborate with strategic partners (telcos, wellness platforms, insurance schemes) to co-develop technology integrations that unlock scale and revenue.

Team Building & Leadership

• Recruit, lead, and mentor a cross-functional in-house tech team of engineers, product designers, QA analysts, and DevOps specialists.
• Foster a culture of technical curiosity, rapid iteration, and ownership.
• Create career development paths and feedback cycles to retain top talent.
• Promote agile rituals: daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, retrospectives, and roadmapping.
• Collaborate deeply with CX, clinical, and product leads to ensure tech delivers real-world impact.