Durban has been selected to host the 21stInternational AIDS Conference from 18 to 22 July 2016 (AIDS 2016). The International AIDS Conference is the largest conference on any global health or development issue. First convened during the peak of the AIDS epidemic in 1985, the conference continues to provide a unique forum for the intersection of science and advocacy, and an opportunity to strengthen policies and programmes to ensure an evidence-based response to the epidemic.
The International AIDS Conference is the largest international meeting on a single health issue, where every two years between 15,000 - 22,000 participants representing all stakeholders in the global response to HIV meet to assess progress and identify future priorities. With more than 1,500 international journalists expected to attend, the conference is the single most widely-covered HIV event in the world.
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. The International AIDS Society (IAS) will organize AIDS 2016 in collaboration with international and local partners.
More information on AIDS 2016 can be found at www.aids2016.org.
Details of Employment:
The Sessions Officer will be based in Durban, South Africa. He/she will report to the Global Village and Youth Programme Manager based in Durban and will work closely with the Global Village and Youth Programme Lead based in Geneva. The position is full-time and fixed-term from 1 February 2016 to 5 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 incumbent will supervise the selection of the Global Village and Youth Programme sessions and coordinate their implementation.
Main Responsibilities:
- Working collaboratively with local and international planning committees, the IAS and co-organizers and other conference secretariat departments to coordinate Global Village and Youth Programme Sessions;
- Being the key contact for Global Village and Youth Programme Session, responding to inquiries, following-up with applicants;
- Training and coordinating a team of volunteers on site;
- Organizing and supervising the set-up of equipment on site;
- Providing all necessary support for the set-up and implementation of the sessions;
- Developing activity work plans; preparing progress reports and final report, minutes from meetings, printed material and website content.
Perform other related duties as required by the Global Village and Youth Programme Manager and the Global Village and Youth Programme Lead.
Academic Qualifications:
- A degree/Diploma in business administration, social sciences or hospitality management or a related field is favorable.
Work Experience:
- At least 3 to 5 years’ experience in a similar position;
- Experience in organizing conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings or other events;
- Experience working in the field of HIV and AIDS would be an asset.
Skills/Competencies:
- Excellent organizational, coordination, output-focused, ability to work independently;
- Strong communication and cross cultural skills. 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;
- Competency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (MS Office);
- Possess a strong sense of diplomacy and discretion;
- Able to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends, increasingly during the lead up and conference period;
- Knowledge in HIV/AIDS or related field would be preferable.
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, torecruitment@iasociety.orgby Monday 30 November 2015.Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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.
