Applications open for three AO Spine ESA Regional Board leadership positions
Deadline: Monday, October 12, 2026
Call for applications: AO Spine Europe and Southern Africa (AO SESA) Chairperson, Education Officer, and Community Development Officer
AO Spine ESA is inviting applications for three important leadership positions that will help guide the future direction of the region:
- Chairperson-Elect
- Education Officer-Elect
- Community Development Officer
Deadline to submit applications is Monday, October 12, 2026.
For job descriptions, eligibility criteria, and to apply, click on the relevant position below.
Term:
- Single term of three years as Chairperson.
Start and end dates
- Chairperson-elect term: 1st of July 2027 – 30th of June 2028
- Chairperson term: 1st of July 2028 – 30th of June 2031
- Past- Chairperson term: 1st of July 2031 – 30th of June 2032
Candidate requirements:
- Member of AO Spine
- Must be residing in the region
- Eligible Candidates:
- Current or past AO Spine Regional Board members (no member-at-large)
- Past Global Commission Chairperson, one lateral move possible and residing in the respective region, two years after end of term
- Other criteria apply, as outlined in the job description
Term:
- Single term of three years as Education Officer.
Start and end dates:
- Education Officer-elect term: 1st of July 2027 – 30th of June 2028
- Education Officer term: 1st of July 2028 – 30th of June 2031
Candidate requirements:
- Member of AO Spine
- Must be residing in the region
- Eligible Candidates:
- Current and past AO Spine Council Officers
- Past AO Spine Regional Board Members, with one additional position possible two years after the end of term
- Other criteria apply, as outlined in the job description
Term:
- Single term of three years as Education Officer.
Start and end dates:
- Community Development Officer term: 1st of July 2027 – 30th of June 2030
Candidate requirements:
- Member of AO Spine
- Must be residing in the region
- Eligible Candidates:
- Current and past AO Spine Council Officers
- Past AO Spine Regional Board Members, one additional position possible two (2) years after the end of term
- Other criteria apply, as outlined in the job description
- Application deadline: October 12, 2026
- Eligibility and vetting: through October 25, 2026
- Voting period: October 27 to November 10, 2026
- Election results announced: January 2027
These leadership roles offer AO Spine members the opportunity to contribute to regional strategy, strengthen member engagement, advance educational excellence, and support AO Spine's global mission of improving patient care through education, research, innovation, and collaboration.
The Chairperson-Elect will help lead the AO Spine ESA Regional Board and represent the region within the broader AO Spine organization. The Education Officer-Elect will contribute to educational strategy and innovation while working closely with the AO Spine Education Commission.
The Community Development Officer will focus on membership growth, engagement, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen the regional spine community.
For these roles, AO Spine is seeking experienced, motivated spine surgeons with strong professional reputations, demonstrated leadership abilities, and a commitment to serving the wider spine community. Eligibility requirements differ by position and are outlined in the respective job descriptions.
Eligible AO Spine members interested in helping shape the future of education, leadership, and community development across Europe and Southern Africa are encouraged to submit their applications.
We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your continued commitment to the AO Spine community. If you have any questions please contact martina.biondina@aofoundation.org.
Nomination Committees