Founded in 1988, the International AIDS Society (IAS) is the world’s largest association of HIV professionals, with members from more than 180 countries.
IAS members work on all fronts of the global response to AIDS, and include researchers, clinicians, policy and programme planners and public health and community practitioners on the frontlines of the epidemic.
Details of Employment:
The Senior Communications Officer position will be based in Geneva, Switzerland and report to the Senior Manager, Communications. The position is full-time and open-ended to start as soon as possible.
Purpose of the Position:
The incumbent will play a senior role in the communications team, leading the strategy, writing and content production for the organization. We are looking for a savvy, seasoned, strategic communicator with a strong understanding of the scientific and political field of the HIV/AIDS and/or global health space.
Main Responsibilities:
- Lead development of IAS content, including op-eds, blogs, speeches, press releases and publications
- Generate compelling content that can be used across all channels and platforms to highlight IAS’ membership work and perspectives
- Provide leadership guidance, policy analysis, briefs, and strategic guidance to advance the IAS programme and advocacy portfolio
- Guide and execute communications strategies that support and advance the work of IAS
- Stay up to date on relevant political and research shifts in the field to navigate and position the IAS appropriately
- Manage editorial planning and prioritization across all IAS departments, including all IAS programmes and conferences
- Translate highly scientific materials to be easily understood across audiences, including development of key messaging
- Write, edit and manage internal approvals of communications content, including press releases, statements, emails, blog posts and publications
- Manage media monitoring and reporting to identify opportunities, track communications impact, and support overall brand management of IAS
- Manage relationships and agreements with external partners and suppliers while maintaining timelines
- Develop and manage external relationships and partnerships for strategic communications and marketing activities
- Oversee all media logistics for IAS conferences, including media registrations, press conferences, media briefings, speaker outreach and on-site management
- Support media relations, contacts management, outreach lists and media materials
- Support social media content development in collaboration with the IAS Digital Producer.
Academic Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in communications, journalism, public policy, public health or related field or a first-level university degree in combination with communications experience.
Work Experience:
- Advanced experience working on communications, policy and/or advocacy in HIV/AIDS research or global health more broadly
- Background working on scientific research issues
- Experience leading communications efforts for high-level events
- Demonstrated experience working in an international context.
Skills/Competencies:
- Must have a firm understanding of the HIV/AIDS and/or the global health landscape
- Technical and scientific knowledge of HIV/AIDS is a strong plus
- Comfortable presenting to leadership and public audiences about the communications work of the IAS
- 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 and tight deadlines
- Knowledge of relevant international and domestic broadcast media, a keen sense of what makes and shapes the news, and the ability to make well-informed decisions in targeting appropriate media outlets and reporters
- 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. The applications will be selected on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
IAS employees are evidence-based, human rights-focused, inclusive and accountable partners in the HIV response. Candidates should display genuine commitment to IAS values (learn more here).
The IAS is committed to recruiting and sustaining a skilled, effective, diverse and gender-balanced secretariat, and to the greater involvement of people living with HIV (GIPA) in all aspects of its work.
People living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.
Ekaterina Filippova, board member of the Geneva Communicators Network and owner and founder of eKat Communication works with entrepreneurs in the Lake Geneva region who don’t know how to position themselves to get clients or where to start with their online communication. She helps them build an image online that reflects them as the experts that they really are, which gets them clients, money and confidence to run their business effectively (not to mention they get to focus on the thing they love to do!).
Founded in 1988, the International AIDS Society (
