Durban has been selected to host the 21st International 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 Global Village and Youth Programme Assistant 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 and the Cultural Activities Officer. The incumbent will be expected to work 50% supporting the Global Village and Youth Programme Officer and 50% supporting the Cultural Activities Officer. This percentage may vary depending on the time period. The position is full-time and fixed-term from 9 May 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 programme also aims to ensure the visibility of youth throughout the conference, including the Global Village.
The incumbent will assist both the Global Village and Youth Programme Officer and the Cultural Activities Officer with the management and support of the Global Village at AIDS 2016.
Main Responsibilities:
General support to the Global Village:
- 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 the 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;
- Assist with the preparation of events related documentation as required, including: drafting of invitations, contracts, contact listings/directories, build up/down plans and schedules;
- Assist in developing and maintaining 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.
Support to the Cultural Activities of the Global Village:
- Assist in responding to inquiries, following-up with applicants;
- Working collaboratively with local and international planning committees, the IAS and co-organizers and other conference secretariat departments to coordinate and schedule cultural activities;
- Assist in the set-up of technical equipment (incl. sound- and light checks);
- Providing all necessary support for the set-up and implementation of cultural activities;
- Helping to develop activity work plans.
- Perform other related duties as required by the Global Village and Youth Programme Manager, the Global Village and Youth Programme Officer and the Cultural Activities Officer.
Academic Qualifications:
- A degree in business administration, events/hospitality management or a related field is favorable.
Work Experience:
- Experience in event/stage management;
- Experience in audiovisual production would be an asset.
Skills/Competencies:
- Knowledge and experience of working in HIV/AIDS or related field would be preferable;
- Experience in working in the development field or in working with grassroots organizations;
- Output-focused person;
- Ability to work independently;
- Ability to multi-task;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work under pressure.
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 Tuesday 5 April 2016. 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.
