The International AIDS Society (IAS) leads collective action on every front of the global HIV response through its membership base, scientific authority and convening power. Founded in 1988, the IAS is the world’s largest association of HIV professionals, with members in more than 170 countries. Working with its members, the IAS advocates and drives urgent action to reduce the impact of HIV. The IAS is also the steward of the world’s most prestigious HIV conferences: the International AIDS Conference, the IAS Conference on HIV Science, and the HIV Research for Prevention Conference.
More information on IAS can be found at www.iasociety.org.

Details of Employment:
The Engagement and Conference Communications Officer will be based in Geneva, Switzerland and report to the Director, Communications and Public Affairs. The position is open-ended and full-time to start as soon as possible.

Purpose of the Position:
The Engagement and Conference Communications Officer will coordinate and execute IAS engagement strategies and conference communications.

The incumbent will assist the Director, Communications and Public Affairs in articulating a succinct and compelling IAS narrative that cuts across all IAS activities. Working with content, media, social media and digital engagement colleagues, the incumbent will translate this narrative into effective engagement strategies and activities.

The incumbent will coordinate and execute IAS conference communications and marketing, liaising with the Conference department, other IAS colleagues and communications consultants/providers to ensure that conference communications and marketing objectives are met.

Main Responsibilities:
Engagement:

  • Elaborate and execute an IAS engagement strategy in cooperation with other members of the Communications and Public Affairs Department.
  • Cultivate a data driven engagement approach.
  • Articulate engagement KPIs and work towards them with the engagement team
  • Propose and execute engagement tactics tailored to how IAS target audiences consume information
  • Work with the content team to ensure that content produced is tailored to the needs and preferences of our target audiences
  • Create and curate an engagement stakeholder mapping
  • In collaboration with relevant file-holders, drive IAS communications campaigns
  • Produce written content as required.
  • Conference communications (in-person, virtual and hybrid):
  • As the department focal point for conferences, liaise with the conferences department and ensure that communication priorities are included in conference planning process.
  • Ensure that conference communications and marketing activities reach key target audiences and present a convincing value proposition driving registrations.
  • Cultivate data driven marketing processes, and work with the digital producer to optimize registration conversion from email and social media engagement
  • Ensure that conference segments such as opening / closing ceremonies and other IAS positioning slots support IAS messaging priorities.
  • Oversee all media logistics including media registrations, press conferences, media briefings, speaker outreach and on-site management
  • Support media relations, contacts management, outreach lists and media materials
  • Ensure that delegates are equipped with all information needed to enhance their conference experience
  • Manage the relationships with external conference communications consultants.

Miscellaneous

  • Execute administrative tasks, such as tracking budget, reporting, contractual relationships with consultants and other logistical/organizational tasks.
  • When required, step in for colleagues in the Communications and Public Affairs as needed
  • Perform any additional tasks requested by the Director, Communications and Public Affairs.

Academic Qualifications:
University degree in communications, journalism, public policy, public health or related field or a first-level university degree in combination with communications experience.

Work Experience:

  • At least 6 years experience working on marketing / engagement and/or communications campaigns
  • Experience with communications for conferences or other high-level events (in-person, hybrid and virtual)
  • Experience with cause-based communications is considered a plus
  • Experience in the public health / public policy realm is considered a plus
  • Demonstrated experience working in an international context.

Skills/Competencies:

  • A sense for what constitutes “news” and what does not
    Knowledge of relevant international and domestic broadcast media, and the ability to make well-informed decisions in targeting appropriate media outlets and reporters
  • Strong story-telling competence
  • Ability to work against tight deadlines
  • A firm understanding of the HIV/AIDS and/or the global health landscape
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills; a demonstrated ability to create persuasive and clear communications in all forms, for a variety of audiences
  • Strong organizational skills, coordination skills and ability to multi-task
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with meticulous attention to detail
  • Stress tolerance and resilience, ability to work under pressure with multiple and shifting priorities
  • High-energy self-starter who can operate with minimal supervision but also knows when to ask for counsel
  • Ability to work well as a team member, as well as work independently.

Languages:

  • Native English or full professional proficiency is a requirement
  • Knowledge of other languages is an asset.

How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a cover letter, in English and by email only, to recruitment@iasociety.org on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information on the position, please consult the full job posting here>>