IAVI - Advocacy Specialist, Europe

Reports to Director Advocacy and Communication, Europe

Job Purpose: Develop and implement political and policy advocacy initiatives in Europe

About IAVI The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is a not for profit scientific and charitable organization founded in 1996, whose mission is to ensure the development of safe and effective preventive HIV vaccines for use throughout the world. By partnering with the public and private sector, IAVI's work focuses on accelerating progress in science and research; mobilizing public support through advocacy and education; and working to assure global access to a future vaccine. IAVI is a young, dynamic and mission-driven organization, and the work environment is fast-paced and intellectually stimulating, relying on a high level of cooperation of its committed members. The organization is supported by governments, private foundations, philanthropists and generous individuals around the world.

IAVI’s European Programme conducts Resource Mobilization, Advocacy and Communications activities for the organization in the European region. Run from the office in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, a team of 12 staff manage national and Europe-wide programmes across 10 countries and at the EU. The programme is supported by consultants and civil society organizations and targets a broad spectrum of IAVI’s stakeholders including donors, political and scientific community, civil society, and media.

Position Summary The Advocacy Specialist will report to the Director of Advocacy and Communications, Europe and support with the development and implementation of the European advocacy strategy. The activities of this position include securing and sustaining national and regional political commitment, and influencing and promoting public policies that support AIDS vaccine R&D and access specifically, and HIV/AIDS prevention and Global Health R&D more broadly. This requires the development and implementation of policy development and political advocacy programmes targeting audiences including civil society, parliamentarians and policy makers. Specifically, the Advocacy Specialist will be a member of a number of country teams, advising and leading on advocacy efforts in those countries; as well as play a role on securing supporting policies and political support at the European and global level.

Key responsibilities include  Influence public policies that support the development of an AIDS vaccine; focus on policy analysis and policy development around HIV/AIDS and related topics such as Gender Equality and Human Rights; Global Health R&D broadly, and vaccine R&D specifically  Build and maintain strong relationships with civil society, parliamentarians, policy makers, and scientific and medical researchers if required; and develop joint political and policy advocacy activities  Develop and execute political advocacy work in-country in close collaboration with the Director Advocacy and Communications, and relevant staff in Resource Mobilization.  Support with the development of advocacy materials and messages required for a variety of target audiences, in close collaboration with the Policy and Communications teams.  Support with political and policy advocacy programmes at the global level as needed, in close collaboration with advocacy and policy staff in IAVI’s New York Head Quarters and across regional offices

Required skills and experience  Education at relevant University level (e.g. a BA or Masters in Public Health, Public Policy and / or International Affairs)  5-10 years professional experience in managing or coordinating political and policy advocacy programmes in or across European countries involving coalitions and partnerships, including with NGOs and governments.Experience working internationally, in HIV/AIDS, Global Health or International Development, in an NGO or government agency, would be an advantage.  Committed to and enthusiastic about IAVI’s aims and mission  Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills with proven ability to develop strong relationships and work collaboratively with others from a range of disciplines and cultures.  Proven skills at working in teams and managing complex and diverse projects. .  Strong communication and relationship management skills to rapidly and effectively build across and integrate with diverse communities.  Extensive familiarity with governmental structures, governmental decision-making and lobbying processes at European country and EU level. Deep understanding of policy development processes, and ability to work with complex biomedical information  Fluent in English with excellent written and oral presentation skills. Fluency in another key European language would be a strong advantage.  Computer literate.

Supervisory Responsibilities  Not applicable

Working conditions The post is full time, and will be based in Amsterdam; some travel mainly in Europe will be required

Salary indication € 40.000 – € 50.000 based on full-time employment. Final salary depending on experience and match of candidate’s profile to the job profile. IAVI offers participation in a pension plan and provides all the legal insurance for all her employees. Training and education are encouraged and supported.

How to apply:

Your application is much appreciated and can be sent to the following address: Electronic: msurgenor@iavi.org

or
Hard copy: IAVI c.o. Melanie Surgenor Herengracht 208 1016 BS AMSTERDAM The Netherlands

We will respond with a confirmation email within one day stating we received your application. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact Melanie Surgenor at +31 20 5210030. Interested candidates with questions regarding this job advertisement are asked to contact Hester Kuipers at +31 20 5210030, hkuipers@iavi.org .