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 Learnership:
The Global Village and Youth Programme Learnership 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 Officer based in Durban and the Global Village and Youth Programme Lead based in Geneva. The learnership is fixed-term from 1 February 2016 to 22 July 2016. The learnership is part-time (50%) from 1 February to 30 April and full-time (100%) from 1 May to 22 July.
Purpose of the Learnership:
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 incumbent will provide assistance for the overall coordination of the Youth Programme at AIDS 2016 and support the design and programming of the Youth Pavilion as well as helping to bridge communications between the Local Office and the Youth Force and other stakeholders.
Main Responsibilities:
- Assist in the planning and coordination of the Youth Programme for AIDS 2016 with a focus on fostering collaboration and clear communication between the Local Office and the Youth Force;
- Assist in the planning of the Youth Pavilion programme and design;
- Provide support to the Youth Force (including all sub-committees) through assisting in the development/maintenance of communications processes and tools which foster a transparency in shared communication/updates across all;
- Assist in maintaining files and records to provide for institutional knowledge management and transition for future IAS and Youth Force organizers;
- Assist in the design of evaluation and feedback mechanisms to capture the reflections and recommendations for future conferences from those involved in the Youth Programme;
- Assist the IAS and the Youth Force to develop fundraising and sponsorship proposals.
Academic Qualifications:
- Currently studying or recently graduated in business administration, social sciences or hospitality management or other relevant field.
Experience:
- Previous learnerships or volunteer experience in a non-for-profit, and/or community based organization.
Skills/Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills, including writing and presenting in English;
- Excellent organizational, problem solving, interpersonal, cross-cultural and team skills;
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines under pressure in an intense, complex, multi-stakeholder environment;
- Computer skills in various software applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook);
- Proven ability to use social media (especially Facebook and Twitter);
- Creative thinking and ability to take initiative while also working within specific guidelines.
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.
Benefits from this learnership:
The incumbent can expect to gain skills and experience in the following areas:
- Event and project management
- Programme development
- International relations and communication
- Public health and HIV
Stipend: R 7’000.-/month gross (full time).
This learnership is ideally suited to a qualified, motivated and eager-to-learn graduate willing to prepare his/her professional life in challenging and dynamic settings, with high international exposure.
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.
