AIDS2016 Local Communications Specialist

****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 Local Communications Specialist will be based in Durban, South Africa and report to the Senior Manager, Communications based in the International Secretariat in Geneva and will work in close collaboration with the Head of Local Office. The position is full-time and will last one year from 1st September 2015 to 31st August 2016.

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

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting in managing media, marketing and other communications elements for AIDS 2016 and will act as the focal point for all communications-related activities in South Africa and its region. The Local Communications Specialist will develop and implement a comprehensive AIDS 2016 communications strategy for South Africa in coordination with the Communications Unit in Geneva.

The successful candidate must have proven abilities as a communications specialist, ideally in the public health sector. This is a great opportunity for an enthusiastic communications professional to contribute his/her strong skills to help maximize donor and sponsor interest and partnerships for AIDS 2016 in South Africa.

****Main Responsibilities:****

• Generate and execute a strategic communication to advance AIDS 2016 with all relevant stakeholders in South Africa and its region;
• Develop local materials for promotional purposes in South Africa with the assistance of a local design agency;
• Assist in building strategic alliances with the communications focal points of the conference partners in South Africa and its region to ensure our efforts are consistent and complimentary;
• Work with the Durban Planning Group and the Durban Convention Bureau to develop cross communications activities that benefit all parties;
• Develop and implement a strategy to inform the general public about the conference, and the official conference activities open to the general public;
• Analyze reaction to the conference programme once launched and activities and creating positive key messages and responses to deliver through the appropriate media channels;
• Leverage media to impact state and federal government officials, opinion leaders and third party organizations;
• Communicate both positive and negative news/information with HIV/AIDS organizations with tact, skill and diplomacy;
• Understand the South African media market and influence the media to the advantage of the conference;
• Establish and maintain effective working contacts with representatives of media outlets, government delegations, HIV/AIDS organizations, and allied agencies and stakeholders;
• Provide timely and accurate advice to the Senior Manager, Communications and other executive management with regards to marketing and media products and communication strategies including short and long term communication plans;
• Develop and execute a plan for establishing and maintaining a social media presence in South Africa – in conjunction with the social media efforts carried out from Geneva;
• Be the media liaison in South Africa: including the development of a comprehensive database of journalists and build key relationships with them, as well as motivating journalists to attend the conference and handling any media questions and requests;
• Support the outreach efforts in South Africa including a wide awareness campaign – in conjunction with outreach efforts carried out from Geneva;
• Manage the activities of any additional communications staff which may be hired in the Durban Local Office;
• Be the South African focal point for journalists in the media centre at the conference.

****Academic Qualifications:****

• A degree in media, communications, public relations or any other related field.

Work Experience:

• At least 3 to 5 years working in communications/marketing/public relations;
• Experience in working with design agencies;
• Experience working with conferences or events;
• Experience in the public health sector and with major conferences would be an asset.

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

• Ability to analyze and craft communications strategies and implementation plans;
• Strong written communication skills with ability to write well under pressure;
• Ability to forecast public affairs and communication changes and develop strategies for changing complex communication programmes;
• High level verbal and written English essential;
• Experience in public speaking and serving as a spokesperson;
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and global health issues an asset.

****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 Thursday 23rd 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.