Posted on February 03, 2014
IAS Executive Director
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The International AIDS Society (IAS) is the world's leading independent association of professionals working in HIV. It has more than 16,000 members from 196 countries and plays a key role as an independent voice in the global response to AIDS. It is a dynamic professionally run and well governed not-for-profit organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. It has a highly dedicated international staff of about fifty.
The IAS is the custodian of the world’s premier gathering on HIV and AIDS, the International AIDS Conference, which takes place every two years. In the intervening years the IAS organizes the IAS Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention Conference, a scientific meeting focused on current research and its application in the scale-up of HIV prevention and treatment.
The IAS advocates for the implementation of effective evidence-based policies and programmes that promote and protect human rights. IAS Advocacy work focuses on advancing a strong global response and promoting the right of all people to an evidence-based response to HIV, including access to evidence-based HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. In addition, IAS promotes research and capacity building in low-and middle income countries through its Research Promotion programmes, the Industry Liaison Forum (ILF) and Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS).
More information on IAS can be found at www.iasociety.org
The Secretariat
Based in Geneva, the IAS secretariat numbers over 50 permanent staff; this group swells to around 60 in the run-up to conferences. The organization has a turnover of around $9 million. Of this, some $5 million is generated through conference activities; the balance is derived from donors, sponsors and membership fees. When running an International AIDS Conference it also handles some 25 million USD.
POSITION SPECIFICATION
THE ROLE
The Executive Director is the head of the IAS secretariat and an ex-officio member of the Governing Council and Executive Committee. S/he is responsible for the overall management of the organization, and is charged with implementing its strategic plans under the direction of the governance and membership of the organization. The Executive Director reports directly to the IAS President, who is accountable to the Governing Council.
Responsibilities of the Executive Director include:
• Contributing to the development of the overall vision and strategic planning of the organization;
• Overseeing the implementation of the vision and strategic plan of the organization;
• Leading and empowering the secretariat; managing the performance and development of staff and organizational change with the support of the other directors after consultation with the President)
• Overseeing IAS advocacy and research promotion work together with the Deputy Executive Director;
• Overseeing fundraising for the organization, with support from the Relation Building & Resource Development Department;
• Financial oversight of the organization with the support of the Head of Finance & Administration, Head of Relation Building & Resource Development and Deputy Executive Directors;
• Overview of the organization’s Human Resources;
• Representing the IAS in the governing bodies of the international conferences and in other collaborative initiatives and projects with partners
• Ensuring transparency of financial reporting and accountability to donors, with the support of the Deputy Executive Directors, Head of Finance & Administration and the Head of Relation Building & Resource Development;
• Moving forward the organizational principles of diversity and social responsibility;
• Representing and advocating for the IAS externally, including to the media (along with the President);
• Ensuring the development and maintenance of strong partnerships internationally, regionally and nationally where appropriate, including with the UN family, public/private initiatives, research organizations, governments and civil society organizations;
• Maintaining strong technical knowledge and staying current with issues pertinent to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and response.
THE PROFILE
In the next Executive Director, the IAS requires someone who understands the major issues in development, global health and the fight against HIV/AIDS today. S/he will be a credible and persuasive player at the highest levels and be recognized as a peer by senior colleagues in government; multi-lateral, scientific and civil society contexts.
Along with the leadership characteristics described below, the Executive Director also requires a flexibility of style and understanding of the Secretariat’s supporting role to the President and Governing Council of the IAS. A sophisticated appreciation of the complexities and processes, including diplomacy, firmness and conflict resolution skills involved in multi-partner initiatives is necessary.
Background and Experience
Candidates for the role will require:
• A thorough understanding of HIV/AIDS, this will include the social and political context in the response to HIV/AIDS, as well as an appreciation of the clinical and scientific dimensions of the epidemic;
• A track record of achievement and leadership in the field and an active network among the partners of IAS;
• International experience, a knowledge of the global public health architecture and its leaders;
• Experience in working in partnership with civil society actors and advocates;
• Knowledge of the commercial world and ability to nurture industry partnerships;
• Experience in acting in a representative capacity;
• Management experience from an international organization;
• Understanding of fundraising and the capacity to engage with non-traditional sources of resource.
Skills and Competencies
Candidates should possess
• The ability to inspire and engage with a wide range of relevant audiences; personal presence; excellent influencing skills;
• Strong visionary leadership with demonstrated ability to foster integration and teamwork;
• The breadth of mind to build partnerships across many sectors;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, this person will be an inspiring presenter and ambassador;
• A manifest commitment to the human rights part of the IAS agenda
• Proficient in English – knowledge of other languages an asset
• The capacity to convey complex messages to lay audiences, as well as interacting meaningfully with expert ones;
• The ability to lead, delegate, develop, retain and manage a diverse team of professionals; good management and delegation skills; and quick and sound people judgment;
• Financial literacy; with the ability to set clear financial direction;
• Ability to travel
• Optimism and openness to new ideas;
• Sound negotiating skills;
• Sincerity and Integrity – the genuine and selfless nature of the Executive Director’s commitment to the work of the IAS must be palpable.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a cover letter, in English and by email only with a supporting statement, briefly highlighting your experience and skills against the requirements of the role, to Secretary, IAS Executive Director Selection Committee, at recruitment@iasociety.org by 28 February, 2014. For more information about the position, please contact the Acting Executive Director Bernard Kadasia at bernard.kadasia@iasociety.org
