Head, Communications

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 the IAS can be found at www.iasociety.org.

Details of employment

You will be based in Geneva, Switzerland and report to the Executive Director. The IAS offers the possibility of working from the legal residence for up to 11 days per month for Swiss-based employees. The position is open-ended and full-time to start as soon as possible.

Purpose of the position

You will lead a team of communications professionals to plan and deliver an effective and efficient communications strategy for IAS – the International AIDS Society, ensuring that messaging aligns with the organization’s brand, voice and values.

Main responsibilities

Strategic

• Develop and execute a communications and marketing strategy that reflects the IAS’s priorities and brand across conferences, programmes, advocacy, and member engagement
• Work collaboratively across the organization to ensure responsiveness to different communication needs and clarity and consistency in messaging
• Monitor developments in science and policy areas relevant to the IAS, flag opportunities and needs for IAS positioning, and identify appropriate angles and tactics
• Leverage IAS leadership as key spokespeople on IAS priorities and in reactive messaging, and advise leadership on any communication issues that arise
• Nurture, build and influence relationships with journalists, media outlets and other notable public figures to identify and seize opportunities, acting as IAS spokesperson as appropriate
• Cultivate relationships and collaborate with other public health professionals and organizations to amplify the reach and impact of IAS communications.

Operational

• Write or edit copy to highest quality standards and oversee the production and roll-out of all digital and print assets to ensure brand consistency
• Streamline and manage communications processes for efficient use of time and resources
• Develop the press programme for conferences, identify key media stories and work with media to support factual coverage
• Leverage data to identify effective communication tactics and channels.

Management

• Manage and mentor a team of four staff and oversee consultant deliverables
• Manage consultancy and other service contracts and develop and oversee implementation of partner agreements
• Manage the communications budget to ensure efficient spending.

You will perform any additional tasks requested by the Executive Director.

Academic qualifications

• A degree in communications, public relations, journalism, international relations, public policy, health communications or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

Experience

• At least 8 years’ experience in a similar role, including in global health and the HIV field, spanning corporate communication, event marketing and crisis communication
• Established networks in HIV and global health communications across partner organizations and media
• Track record in leading effective teams
• 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

• Deep understanding of issues and actors in the HIV response, including an appreciation of the scientific dimensions of the challenge and the importance of media in influencing knowledge about and responses to HIV
• A talent and passion for writing to convey complex messages, including the ability to shape messaging for different audiences and IAS spokespeople
• Strong people management and interpersonal skills, and the ability to motivate commitment and excellence in colleagues and partners
• Excellent project and budget management skills

We encourage candidates with transferable skills and diverse experiences to apply, even if they do not have every listed competency.

Languages

• Native-level English proficiency, oral and written, is a requirement
• Other languages are an asset.

The IAS provides generous benefits that include, for example, an enhanced pension and social security package, an annual leave entitlement above the legal requirement, annual allowances for professional development and health promotion, flexible working hours, and the possibility to work up to 50% from home.

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 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 that 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.

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should send us, in English, their CV and a cover letter describing their motivation for the role. Please apply through the link on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.