External Relations Associate

Job title:  External Relations Associate, Europe

Organization:  International AIDS Vaccine Initiative

Location:  Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Reports to:  Advocacy Manager, Europe

Job Purpose:  To support advocacy and resource mobilization programmes in Europe

Reply by:  8 May 2015

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 Europe 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 8 staff manage national and Europe-wide programmes across 10 countries and key EU Institutions. The programme is supported by consultants and civil society partners and targets a broad spectrum of IAVI’s stakeholders including donors, political and scientific community, civil society, and the press.

Position Summary

The External Relations (ER) Associate will report to the Advocacy Manager and will provide support to the implementation of IAVI’s country and regional programmes in Europe. The activities of this position include supporting the following activities: managing relationships with and outreach to donors, civil society partners and other stakeholders, developing proposal and managing grants, organizing meetings and events, and managing the operations of the External Relations team at large.

Key responsibilities include

• Help identify, research and analyse relevant European country policies, funding streams, political commitments and other information to maintain intelligence gathering, tracking and monitoring to inform RM and advocacy activities.
• Write / produce reports, briefings, profiles, presentations and other materials to support IAVI's RM and advocacy activities relating to specific stakeholder groups and/or countries and the European Union institutions.
• Contribute to the preparation and submission of timely, comprehensive, and accurate proposals and concept notes for European donors.
• Support the administration for contracts, grants and budgets (including reporting), and coordinate the Europe team inputs to internal tracking systems and databases for contractual and compliance requirements (Sharepoint, CRM); working in coordination with IAVI colleagues in New York (in External Relations and Finance and Administration).
• In collaboration with relevant colleagues, maintain internal country, donor and partner knowledge sites (Sharepoint).
• Act as point person for coordinating RM and Advocacy contributions to printed and electronic documents for external use (e.g. newsletters, briefings, presentations).
• Manage the coordination and organisation of key events/meetings within IAVI and with donors, partners and/or other stakeholders, working closely with colleagues from other IAVI teams and departments, as needed.

Required skills and experience

• At least an undergraduate (university) degree in a relevant area (e.g. in health sciences, public health, public policy and /or international affairs)
• A minimum of 3 years' professional experience in an External Relations setting (e.g. resource mobilization, advocacy or related role such as communications), ideally in the health, sciences, international development or health policy research sectors.
• Experience working internationally would be an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to produce high quality materials, reports or proposals in English.
• Confident and organised self-starter with a strong eye for detail and the ability to take initiative. Demonstrated ability to prioritise and respond to a complex and changing workload and to produce high quality work under challenging deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills with proven ability to develop relationships and work collaboratively in teams with others from a range of disciplines and cultures.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, preferably with some experience in using database management or other systems for tracking resources.
• Proven project management skills.
• Ability to work with complex scientific / medical information.
• Commitment to - and affinity with - IAVI's aims and mission.
• Fluency in English, with proficiency in other languages preferred.
• Computer literate (especially Microsoft Office).

Working conditions

The post is full time, and will be based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Only candidates with a valid work permit or who have the right to work in the Netherlands will be considered.

Application and Contact

Your application is much appreciated and can be sent to ameijer@iavi.org by May 8 2015. We will respond with a confirmation of receipt. If you do not receive a confirmation within 2 working days, please contact us at +31 20 5210030. Interested candidates with questions regarding the job post are asked to contact Maite Suarez at the IAVI Amsterdam office at +31 20 5210030.