****Job Advertisement****
Durban has been selected to host the 21stInternational AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016). The IAS organizes the world’s two most prestigious HIV conferences, each convened biennially in alternating years. The International AIDS Conference is the largest conference on any global health or development issue, and provides a unique forum for the intersection of science and advocacy. The IAS Conference on Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention brings together a broad cross section of HIV professionals and features the latest HIV science, with a focus on implementation – moving scientific advances into practice.
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.
More information on AIDS 2016 can be found at www.aids2016.org.
****Details of Employment:****
The Project Manager will be based in Geneva, Switzerland and report to the Senior Manager, Conference. The position is full-time and will last 11.5 months from 1st September 2015 to 12th August 2016.
****Purpose of the Position:****
The Project Manager is responsible for the coordination of the Community and Leadership Programme Committee (CLPC) and the tasks assigned to each committee. The Project Manager will serve as the principal point of contact between the conference secretariat and the CLPC in order to support the committee’s development of high-quality sessions for the AIDS 2016 programme.
****Main Responsibilities:****
- Support the programme committees in developing high quality sessions and implementing all steps needed to prepare sessions for presentation at the conference. Specifically: ~16 Symposia Sessions and ~6 Bridging Sessions;
- Organize programme committee meetings, teleconferences, and communications within the allotted budget;
- Provide committee members with logistical support regarding air travel, visas, accommodation etc;
- Prepare supporting documents, taking minutes and following up on actions from programme committee meetings;
- Provide the programme committees with any information or research support they require or request;
- Monitor progress and adhering to timelines, both internally with the secretariat, and with the committees;
- Monitor sessions onsite ensuring chairs and speakers check in, presentations are uploaded; session AV components are set-up and functioning; and volunteers are in place;
- Document the project process, participate in staff evaluation and produce a final report;
- Perform any additional task requested by the Senior Manager, Conference.
****Academic Qualifications:****
- A degree in social science, international relations or other relevant discipline or comparable years of experience in the field.
****Work Experience:****
- At least 3 to 5 years’ experience in a non-profit, preferably community-based organization;
- Experience in programme planning, development and delivery;
- Experience in organizing, coordinating and planning a significant community event and/or conference event, preferably at an international level;
- Experience working with and supporting committees; group and process facilitation skills;
- Experience working collaboratively with multi-sector stakeholders and diverse communities;
- Experience working in the field of HIV, international development and related youth issues would be a strong asset.
****Skills/Competencies:****
- Excellent organizational, problem solving, interpersonal, cross cultural and team skills;
- Excellent communication skills, including speaking, writing and presenting in English;
- The ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines under pressure in an intense, complex, multi-stakeholder environment;
- Excellent computer skills in various software applications (MS Office);
- Be able to work a flexible work schedule including some evenings and weekends, increasing near and during the conference.
****Languages:****
- Strong and demonstrated English language communication skills both written and oral are essential for this position.
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 Friday 3rd July 2015.
Only candidates from Switzerland, from an EU/EFTA country, or those who already have a valid Swiss working permit will be considered.
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.
