Manager, Conference - International AIDS Society

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 IAS organizes the world’s two most prestigious HIV conferences, each convened biennially in alternating years. The International AIDS Conference is the largest conference on any global health or development issue, and provides a unique forum for the intersection of science and advocacy. The IAS Conference on Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention brings together a broad cross section of HIV professionals and features the latest HIV science, with a focus on implementation – moving scientific advances into practice.

In addition, the IAS advocates for urgent action to reduce the global impact of HIV, including increased investment in HIV cure research; optimizing treatment and care for infants, children and adolescents with HIV in resource-limited settings; preventing and treating HIV-related co-infections; and expanding access to prevention, treatment and care for key populations at higher risk for HIV – such as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers and transgender individuals – including protecting their human rights by combatting punitive laws and discriminatory policies.

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

Details of Employment:

The Manager, Conference will be based in Geneva, Switzerland and report to the IAS Executive Director. The position is full-time and fixed-term to cover a maternity leave from the middle of September 2016 to March 2017.

Purpose of the Position:

The Manager, Conference coordinates the organization of both of IAS’ conferences: The International AIDS Conference and the IAS Conference on HIV Science.

Main Responsibilities:

• Managing IAS’ convened conferences by:
• Coordinating the conference budget updates, including expenditure and revenue;
• Supervising nine staff working on the development of the conference logistics, programme and scholarships;
• Setting clear deadlines for all milestones related to the conferences and tracking adherence to those deadlines;
• Working closely with staff tasked responsible for fundraising, communications and information technology;
• Ensuring the transparency of financial reporting and accountability to donors for the conferences with the support of the Director, Resources Mobilization & Development, the Director, Finance & Administration and the Executive Director;
• Maintaining and supporting transparent process for managing the conference process and adhering to established charters;
• Ensuring smooth communications with major partners, stakeholders and IAS convened committees;
• Working with the Executive Director and GC to ensure the IAS’ perspective and priorities are reflected in the conference programme;
• Overseeing the planning and organization of on-site events and logistics for each conference.
• Maintaining strong technical knowledge of issues related to HIV/AIDS and the HIV response;
• Serving as a strategic resource for the IAS Secretariat, the Executive Director, and the GC by providing monthly and as-needed updates on conference planning and facilitation;
• Perform any additional tasks requested by the Executive Director.

Academic Qualifications:

• A university degree in the humanities or sciences is a minimum requirement;
• An advanced degree in international relations, social science, political sciences or a related field is favorable.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 to 7 years’ experience in a similar role involving complex logistics, event management, and communications;
• Experience in organizing events including conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, committees or other events;
• Team and project management experience, including experience of budget management;
• Experience working with a diversity of stakeholders including high-level partners, clinicians, scientists, community activists, policymakers, and donors.

Skills/Competencies:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills;
• Close attention to detail that yields results that are accurate, well-thought out and meticulous;
• Sense of diplomacy and sensitivity in working with staff and partners;
• Cross-cultural interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure with precision in a way that motivates others;
• Facilitation skills, business presentation skills;
• Events organization knowledge;
• Strong knowledge of HIV/AIDS preferably in an international context;
• Strong knowledge of the International AIDS Conference and its partners.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Advanced level proficiency in French or Spanish is beneficial.

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 Friday 22 July 2016. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Only candidates from Switzerland, from an EU/EFTA country or candidates already having a valid Swiss 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.