Senior Policy Advisor - Stop AIDS Alliance IFRC

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 187 member National Societies. The Organisation acts before, during and after disasters and health emergences in order to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Our work is guided by seven fundamental principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality) and by Strategy 2020, which voices our collective vision and determination to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the present decade.

Purpose of position:

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance (the Alliance), UK, and STOP AIDS NOW! (SAN), the Netherlands have established a joint project, Stop AIDS Alliance, in Brussels, Washington DC and Geneva to build synergies between policy and advocacy work in these three locations and the UK and the Netherlands and to represent the work of the two organisations towards relevant policy makers, governments, UN agencies and Institutions.

Stop AIDS Alliance in Geneva is hosted by the International Federation of the Red Cross (the Federation), which means that the Senior Policy Advisor Stop AIDS Alliance will be an employee of the Federation.

The position will have a dual reporting line both to the Unit Manager HIV, TB and Malaria at the Federation (operational line manager) and to the Policy Manager at the STOP AIDS Alliance (thematic line manager).

The mission of Stop AIDS Alliance is to ensure that HIV/AIDS is a high priority in the global policy agenda including adequate financing to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

The policy and advocacy work of Stop AIDS Alliance is based on four common objectives:

1. Ensuring strong and coordinated political support for the global HIV response.

2. Ensuring the visibility of HIV and its linkages with the health MDG targets in broader health systems strengthening strategies.

3. Ensuring the effective integration of HIV in development cooperation policies.

4. Ensuring increased financing and improved aid effectiveness for the HIV response.

Description of Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for carrying out the policy and advocacy activities agreed in the common annual work plan of Stop AIDS Alliance, under the supervision of the Policy Manager: Stop AIDS Alliance which is overseen by the Head of Policy at the Alliance.

The Senior Policy Advisor works with relevant internal and external stakeholders to support the Global Fund Replenishment process; engages with the Global Fund NGO Delegation, the UNAIDS PCB NGO Delegation and the UNITAID Civil Society Delegation; monitors the reform process taking place in the Global Fund Secretariat; and monitors the work of the International Labour Organisation regarding the role out of the International Labour Standard on HIV and the World of Work.

The role also includes taking part in international thematic working groups and representational and communication activities with relevant stakeholders in Geneva. This will include attending and presenting at external meetings and collaborating with other civil society organisations. The Senior Policy Advisor will work collaboratively with SAA colleagues based in Brussels and Washington as well as with the policy team of the Alliance based in the UK and the SAN! policy team in the Netherlands.

Responsibilities:

1. Thematic based policy work

Objective: To ensure Stop AIDS Alliance's policy and advocacy work is of high quality and achieves high impact.

Plan and implement specific policy/advocacy projects, under supervision of the Policy Manager: Stop AIDS Alliance.

Take part in and initiate policy analysis to enable Stop AIDS Alliance to develop informed and effective policy positions.

Build appropriate partnerships with colleagues in thematic working groups and other organisations to share information and to engage in joint policy and advocacy actions.

Produce accessible and accurate policy briefs, policy reports and papers on thematic work, which represents the policy positions of the Alliance and SAN!

2. Strategising and planning

Objective: Support the development of a comprehensive Stop AIDS Alliance advocacy strategy and annual work plans.

Support the strategising, planning and co-ordination of Stop AIDS Alliance's policy and advocacy work.

Provide strategic guidance on key thematic policy areas.

Take part in organisational planning meetings of Stop AIDS Alliance, the Alliance, and SAN!

Support the implementation of the Alliance cross team policy programmes.

3. Representational work

Objective: To accurately and accessibly represent the work of Stop AIDS Alliance, Alliance and SAN towards external stakeholders.

Build sustainable relationships with policy makers and staff from the relevant UN agencies

Ensure strong and effective working relationships with relevant civil society organisations in Geneva.

4. Communications work

Objective: To ensure that there is a high level of communication with Brussels, Washington DC, SAN! and the Alliance to keep colleagues informed about relevant policy processes in Geneva.

Regularly update SAN! and the Alliance about progress being made on the implementation of Stop AIDS Alliance's work plan.

Contribute to the communication tools of SAN! and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance at a regular basis.

5. Research for policy purposes

Objective: To ensure that the policy work of Stop AIDS Alliance is informed by the most up-to-date research and data available.

Keep up to date on global policy developments with regard to HIV/AIDS and health.

Carry out background research to enable Stop AIDS Alliance to develop informed and effective policy and advocacy messages.

6. Miscellaneous

Maintain good relations with SAN! and the Alliance's partner organisations and external agencies.

Represent SAN! and the Alliance in appropriate fora and in the media.

Provide support to team members and other teams according to need.

Undertake other duties as required.

Duties applicable to all staff:

• Actively work towards the achievement of the Secretariat's goals.
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross Red Crescent principles.
• Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Position Requirements

Education:

Educated to degree level in a related field e.g. development studies, international relations, European studies and/or relevant experience.

Experience:

• Proven experience of working as policy and/or advocacy officer in an INGO or UN Agency.
• Proven experience with representational work with a diverse range of policy makers.
• Experience of working for an NGO in the field of health and development, preferred.
• Experience of advocacy work with representatives of UN agencies, preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong interest in and knowledge of HIV/AIDS and health related issues.
• Knowledge of international agencies, INGOs, donors and bi-laterals in Geneva and Europe, especially those active in the field of HIV/AIDS and health policy.
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills.
• Able to identify opportunities for working with other organisations quickly.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage deadlines and deal with competing demands.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a proactive way.
• High level of computer literacy (primarily in Microsoft Office packages).
• Strong team player.
• Flexible and able to adapt to working in a rapidly changing environment.
• Proactive and comfortable with taking initiatives.
• Sound knowledge of broader development issues, preferred.
• Good listener - able to link discussions to advocacy goals and respond quickly, preferred.
• Ability to work across different cultures , preferred.
• Ability to use judgement, tact and discretion whenever appropriate, preferred.
• Familiarity with databases and experience with developing and updating websites, preferred.

Languages:

• Fluently spoken and written English.
• Good command of French and Dutch, preferred.

Competencies:

• Professionalism
• Diversity
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building alliances

This position will require regular international travel and might be extended beyond the end of October 2012.