Global Village and Youth Programme Officer

****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 Global Village and Youth Programme Officer will be based in Durban, South Africa and report to the Global Village and Youth Programme Manager also based in Durban. The position is full-time and will last 11 months from mid-September 2015 to 12th August 2016.

****Purpose of the Position:****

The Global Village, open to registered conference participants and the general public, provides learning and interactive open spaces to share experiences of diverse communities affected by and responding to HIV. The AIDS 2016 Youth Programme aims to support the meaningful participation of young people throughout all levels of the conference, including planning and development. The programme also aims to ensure the visibility of youth throughout the conference, including the Global Village.

The Global Village and Youth Programme Officer will assist with the management and support of the Global Village at AIDS 2016.

****Main Responsibilities:****

• Assist in planning, coordinating and implementing Global Village and Youth Programme activities, including the provision of logistical support, scheduling, and resource mobilization for volunteers, conference materials and equipment;
• Assist in organizing, coordinating and supporting the work of the Global Village and Youth Programme Working Group, including activity selection and placement;
• Responsiveness to general inquiries which relate to “how to get involved” in the Global Village and Youth Programme for AIDS 2016;
• Assist with coordination of the Global Village and Youth Programme application process, including outreach, marketing and promotion, and follow-up to applicants as required;
• Assist with developing programme activity work plans and budgets, progress reports, minutes from Working Group meetings and printed material content, as required;
• Assist in preparing a final post-conference report for the Programme Activities team at AIDS 2016;
• Prepare events related documentation as required, including: drafting of invitations, contracts, contact listings/directories, build up/down plans and schedules;
• Develop and maintain systems and processes which effectively record, manage outputs (deliverables) of the Global Village and Youth Programme for AIDS 2016;
• When required, assist at meetings of the governing bodies, committees and working groups for AIDS 2016;
• Perform other duties as determined by the Global Village and Youth Programme Manager.

****Academic Qualifications:****

• A degree in business administration, events or hospitality management or a related field is favorable.

****Work Experience:****

• 3 to 5 years’ experience in a non-profit organization;
• Demonstrated experience in contributing to the planning, organization and coordination of a significant community event, preferably at an international level;
• Experience working with and supporting volunteers and committees.

****Skills/Competencies:****

• Excellent organizational, coordination and problem solving skills;
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to interpersonally liaise across a diverse range of stakeholders, cross-culturally, with community, government, donors, academic and private sector. Communication skills required are extended to writing and presenting in English;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines under pressure in a fast-paced, complex, multi-stakeholder environment;
• Ability to provide general administration relevant to the planning and coordinating an large scale event;
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (MS Office), and a willingness to learn and use tailor designed applications for events logistics procurement administration;
• Able to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends, increasingly during the lead up and conference period.

****Languages:****

• Strong and demonstrated English language communication skills both written and oral are essential for this position;
• Knowledge of other South African languages is a plus.

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 South Africa or those who already have a valid South African 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.