The mission of the International AIDS Society (IAS) is to lead 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 from more than 180 countries working on all fronts of the global AIDS response. Together, we advocate and drive urgent action to reduce the global impact of HIV. Details of Employment:
The Senior Communications and Advocacy Officer position will be based in Geneva, Switzerland and report to the Director, 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, writing and content production for the organization and foregrounding advocacy approaches. 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 blogs, speeches, press releases and publications
- Generate compelling and creative content that can be used across all channels and platforms to highlight IAS’ membership work and perspectives
- Provide strategic guidance to advance the IAS programme and advocacy portfolio
- Map out key advocacy priorities for the organization and how to advance them forward with IAS membership
- Monitor and identify key advocacy issues to proactively and reactively respond to and get involved in
- Guide and execute communications and advocacy 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
- Manage internal review processes and quality control of materials
- 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 by Monday 7 January 2019. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Only candidates from Switzerland, from an EU/EFTA country or candidates already having a valid Swiss working permit will be considered.