Organisation: Relief InternationalPosition: Health Innovation LeadJob Type: Remote, 12-month positionLocation: Eligible Relief International countries of operation within three hours of Central European Time (CET)Department: Quality, Impact and InnovationCareer Category: Programme/Project ManagementExperience Required: 10+ yearsApplication Deadline: 16 October 2026Salary: Not specified; to be discussed during the HR interview Overview of the Health Innovation Lead Opportunity Relief International is inviting applications for a Health Innovation Lead to join its Quality, Impact and Innovation Department. This remote opportunity is designed for an experienced global health professional who can develop practical, evidence-based solutions to health challenges in fragile, conflict-affected and resource-constrained settings. The successful candidate will lead the organisation’s global health innovation agenda, identifying promising approaches, adapting effective interventions and generating evidence to support their implementation and expansion. The role will focus on innovations that improve health outcomes, service accessibility, quality, efficiency, equity and resilience. The position offers an opportunity to influence health programming across multiple countries while working with government institutions, humanitarian teams, research organisations, donors and local communities. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Quality, Impact and Innovation and will have significant autonomy to shape strategy, develop partnerships and mobilise resources. About Relief International Relief International is an international non-profit organisation working with communities affected by conflict, climate change and disasters. It supports initiatives that save lives, strengthen resilience and improve long-term health and wellbeing. Its programmes span Africa, Asia and the Middle East, covering health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education and livelihoods. The organisation works with local partners to develop inclusive, evidence-based and context-sensitive interventions that respond to community needs. Key Responsibilities The Health Innovation Lead will be responsible for developing and implementing a health innovation strategy aligned with organisational objectives and country-level priorities. Strategic Leadership and Innovation The successful candidate will identify pressing health-system challenges and prioritise opportunities where innovation can produce measurable improvements. Responsibilities include identifying promising technologies, products and service-delivery models and adapting successful approaches to humanitarian and low-resource environments. The role will also involve designing, testing and overseeing innovation initiatives, ensuring that promising interventions can progress beyond pilot projects towards sustainable adoption and wider implementation. Research, Evidence and Evaluation The Health Innovation Lead will oversee evidence-generation activities to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, cost, acceptability, equity and scalability of proposed innovations. The successful candidate will review global research, identify emerging technologies and support implementation research and evaluations. Findings will inform decisions about programme investment, adoption and expansion. Partnership Development and Resource Mobilisation The position requires building strategic relationships with ministries of health, donors, academic institutions, research partners, private-sector organisations, innovators and implementing agencies. The successful candidate will identify funding opportunities, contribute to innovation-focused proposals and concept notes, and develop partnerships that support the implementation and sustainability of promising interventions. Technical Support and Knowledge Sharing The Health Innovation Lead will provide technical guidance and mentoring to country teams, helping strengthen their innovation capacity and supporting the adoption of effective approaches. The role will also promote cross-country learning, knowledge exchange and thought leadership, positioning Relief International as a recognised contributor to health innovation in humanitarian and development settings. Eligibility Requirements Applicants should possess an advanced qualification in Public Health, Global Health, Health Systems, Health Policy or a related discipline. Candidates must demonstrate significant experience in global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries or fragile, conflict-affected and humanitarian settings. The ideal candidate will have: Strong expertise in health systems strengthening and an understanding of health financing, workforce, governance, supply chains and community health. Experience identifying complex health-system challenges and developing practical, sustainable solutions. A proven record of testing, evaluating and scaling health innovations beyond pilot stages. Experience overseeing evaluations, implementation research or evidence-generation initiatives. Demonstrated ability to build partnerships, engage donors and mobilise resources. Excellent communication, strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement skills. Experience in digital health, artificial intelligence, diagnostics, health technologies, implementation science, operational research or health economics will be an added advantage. Location and Contract Details The position is remote and will run for 12 months. However, applicants must be based in a Relief International country of operation within three hours of the Central European Time zone. Eligible locations listed in the announcement include the United Kingdom, France, Kenya, Türkiye, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Pakistan. Important for applicants in Africa: Kenya is explicitly listed among the eligible locations. Applicants based in other countries should confirm their eligibility directly with Relief International before applying. The role is subject to national terms and conditions, and salary discussions will take place during the HR interview stage for shortlisted candidates. Safeguarding and Recruitment Checks Relief International maintains a commitment to safeguarding and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. Successful applicants must uphold the organisation’s Code of Conduct and relevant humanitarian principles. Recruitment may involve criminal records self-declarations, reference checks and other pre-employment screening, including police and qualification checks where applicable. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning the position may be filled before the advertised deadline. Early applications are therefore encouraged. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official Relief International job advertisement. Applicants must upload: An updated CV outlining relevant qualifications, leadership experience and achievements. A one-page cover letter explaining their interest in joining Relief International and demonstrating how their skills and experience meet the requirements of the Health Innovation Lead position. Application deadline: 16 October 2026. Official application source: Relief International – Official Website. Locate the Health Innovation Lead vacancy and use the application link provided in the job advertisement. Final Note This opportunity is best suited to senior global health professionals with substantial experience in health systems strengthening, humanitarian programming, innovation strategy and evidence-based programme development. Applicants should demonstrate their ability to turn promising ideas into practical, scalable interventions that improve health services in challenging environments. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply early and ensure that their CV and cover letter clearly demonstrate relevant achievements, technical expertise and leadership experience. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.