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IAVI is seeking a skilled and dynamic Advocacy Specialist to work in its team in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Background

IAVI is a nonprofit scientific research organization dedicated to addressing urgent, unmet global health challenges including HIV and tuberculosis. Our mission is to translate scientific discoveries into affordable, globally accessible public health solutions. Since its founding in 1996, IAVI has provided scientific, product development, and policy leadership to address the needs of communities most at risk of HIV/AIDS and TB. Today, we also work with partners to address other urgent unmet public health needs, including developing vaccines and immune-based interventions for emerging infectious and neglected diseases. In Europe, a small team conducts Resource Mobilization, Advocacy and Communications activities from IAVI’s European base in Amsterdam, working with a broad range of stakeholders including civil society organisations, donor governments, political leaders, research and policy institutions and the press.

Position Summary

The Advocacy Specialist will report to the Advocacy Manager, Europe and contribute to developing and implementing the advocacy programme. Activities include securing and sustaining national and regional political commitment and influencing and promoting public policies that support HIV and TB vaccine R&D specifically, and Global Health R&D more broadly. This requires the development and implementation of policy shaping and political advocacy programmes for audiences including government agencies, scientific communities, parliamentarians, policy makers and civil society. The work of the specialist will focus on engaging stakeholders in key European countries and European Union institutions, as well as in Global Health organizations. Guidance and support for resource mobilization and communications work led by the European office will also be required.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Develop and execute political advocacy work in close collaboration with colleagues in Europe team and in-country partners or consultants, including meeting with MPs and other stakeholders and arranging parliamentary events;
• Collaborate with key partners, consultants and stakeholders, establish and deepen relationships and develop joint political and policy advocacy activities;
• Identify and monitor ongoing and new political priorities and policy initiatives by relevant European governments, EU institutions and Global Health institutions that impact on IAVI’s work and mission;
• Contribute to influencing public policies that support the development of HIV and TB vaccines; focus on policy analysis and policy development impacting on commitments to addressing HIV/AIDS, TB, global health, and related topics;
• Build and maintain in relevant countries strong relationship with parliamentarians, policy makers and civil society, as well as scientific and medical institutions and researchers;
• Support the development of advocacy materials and messages required for a variety of European target audiences, in close collaboration with the fundraising and communication 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.

Education, experience and skills

• 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 and European Union institutions involving coalitions and partnerships, including with researchers, NGOs and governments;
• Experience working internationally, in HIV/AIDS, TB, or related Global Health field would be an advantage;
• A existing network with relevant policy and decision makers in Europe, at the EU level and within global health institutions would be an advantage;
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills with proven ability to develop strong relationships and work collaboratively with others from a range of disciplines and cultures;
• Confident and organised self-starter who can handle multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously, take initiative and is able to respond rapidly and effectively to new situations and opportunities;
• Deep understanding of policy development and political advocacy processes;
• Extensive familiarity with governmental structures, governmental decision-making and lobbying processes at country and EU level;
• Ability to work with complex biomedical information;
• Proven skills at working in teams and managing complex and diverse projects;
• Committed to and an affinity with IAVI’s aims and mission;
• Fluent in English with excellent written and oral presentation skills. Fluency in another key European language would be a strong advantage;
• Computer literate.

Working conditions

• This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week;
• The post will be based in Amsterdam but will involve some travel mainly in Europe;
• The incumbent will need to possess the necessary permits for working in the Netherlands/the European Union.

Salary

• Competitive; in line with experience and qualifications.

Applications

To submit your application of interest, please visit the www.iavi.org career site and submit your CV and motivation letter.

The deadline for applications is Friday 15th November.

For clarifying questions, you can contact the IAVI Amsterdam office at +31205210030 or email bcoates@iavi.org.

this job offer is not open for applications