Communications Officer

About the IAS:

IAS – the International AIDS Society – convenes, educates and advocates for a world in which HIV no longer presents a threat to public health and individual well-being. After the emergence of HIV and AIDS, concerned scientists created the IAS to bring together experts from across the world and disciplines to promote a concerted HIV response. Today, the IAS and its members unite scientists, policy makers and activists to galvanize the scientific response, build global solidarity and enhance human dignity for all those living with and affected by HIV. The IAS is also the steward of the world’s most prestigious HIV conferences: the International AIDS Conference, the IAS Conference on HIV Science, and the HIV Research for Prevention Conference.

More information on IAS can be found at www.iasociety.org.

Details of Employment:

The Communications Officer will be based in Geneva, Switzerland, and the IAS offers the possibility for Swiss-based employees to work up to 50% from their legal residence. The Communications Officer will report to the Senior Communications Officer – Engagement. The position is open-ended and full-time to start as soon as possible.

Purpose of the Position:

The Communications Officer will join the engagement team and coordinate and execute a range of high-profile communications campaigns, helping to ensure they target the right audiences, maximize their reach and serve broader organizational objectives.

The incumbent will also help manage the day-to-day execution of social media campaigns, oversee conference related editorial calendars, support media outreach and engage with key influencers.

The incumbent will propose creative ways of engaging global IAS stakeholders and work closely with the Communications content team and departments across the organization to help the IAS tell a compelling story, uniting science, policy and activism.

Main Responsibilities:

• Support the engagement team in developing and executing regular social media promotions and campaigns that align with the social media strategy
• Coordinate and execute communications campaigns engaging key IAS stakeholders across the globe
• Use all aspects of story-telling, visual, written, audio and other
• Establish a data-driven engagement approach
• As communications focal point for several teams across the organization, support their operational objectives by creating tailored communications approaches
• Support media outreach and IAS podcast efforts
• Develop an engagement plan for relevant influencers and industry media outlets
• Maintain editorial calendar for IAS conferences
• Replace and fill-in for colleagues within the communications department, whenever required
• Perform any additional tasks requested by the Senior Communications Officer – Engagement

Academic Qualifications:

• University degree in communications, global health or related field; or a first-level university degree in combination with communications experience

Work Experience:

• At least 4 years’ experience working in communications
• Experience with managing high-profile campaigns
• Project management experience a plus
• Experience using social media management software and/or email marketing software a plus
• Experience in HIV / Public Health a plus
• Experience with CMS and CRM a plus
• Although not essential for this position, the IAS acknowledges the value of the experience of living with HIV and will consider this when evaluating applications

Skills/Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; a demonstrated ability to create persuasive and clear communications in all forms, for a variety of audiences
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task and attention to detail
• Stress tolerance and resilience, ability to work under pressure with multiple and shifting priorities
• Strong skills working in teams and across many types of organizations — team-oriented; problem solver; relationship-builder; and strong inter-personal skills
• High-energy self-starter who can operate with minimal supervision but also knows when to ask for counsel
• Basic understanding of the HIV/AIDS and/or the global health landscape an asset
• Proficiency in the use of social media monitoring
• Proficiency in CRM systems and/or CMS
• Basic Photoshop and/or Adobe Creative Cloud skills a plus
• Personal values should align with the IAS values

Languages:

• Native English or full professional proficiency is a requirement (oral and written)
• Knowledge of other languages is an asset

Work Environment:

The IAS Secretariat in Geneva is a dynamic and diverse workplace that brings together public health, HIV science, conferencing, programme management and other specialists who all share the IAS’s vision of a world in which HIV no longer presents a threat to public health and individual well-being. We thrive on an exceptional team spirit, put trust in our colleagues’ professionalism, and value new ideas. The IAS promotes a flexible and collaborative workplace which encourages employees to grow their skills and competencies.

The IAS is committed to ensuring a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment and to the greater involvement of people living with HIV (GIPA) in all aspects of our work. To help us achieve this, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates who share the IAS values (learn more here), regardless of their sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, HIV status, race, national origin, cultural or ethnic background, disability, religion, or age.