PROGRAM ASSISTANT FOR UNAIDS COMMUNICATIONS AND CONSULTATION FACILITY – Contract Position

The International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO) is a global network of networks of non-governmental and community-based organizations, with regional secretariats in five geographic regions and an international secretariat based in Toronto, Canada. ICASO plays a leading role in convening, consulting and communicating the issues of community-based organizations for HIV and AIDS advocacy, especially with communities most affected by the epidemic. The ICASO International Secretariat supports community members to provide their own voice in such global policy forums within the UN, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and other initiatives.

The Communications and Consultation Facility is an independent administrative secretariat for the NGO delegation to the Board of UNAIDS and works under their guidance.  It will be housed at ICASO for two years beginning October 1, 2010. Its primary function is to strengthen NGO participation and support effectiveness of NGO country-level voices in the UNAIDS Board (PCB) policy dialogue.  It provides the PCB NGO delegation with a base for independent support and strongly contributes to the strengthening of the communication and consultation with wider civil society, ensuring that the NGO delegation is equipped to represent civil society issues to the PCB.

The International Secretariat is currently seeking a Program Assistant for a two-year contract, based in Toronto, for the Communications and Consultation Facility of the NGO Delegation to the UNAIDS Board. This position works closely with the Focal Point of the Communications Facility of the UNAIDS PCB NGO Delegation, who is based in Brussels, Belgium.

Key Responsibilities include:

§     Assist in setting up conference calls, taking minutes, preparing agendas

§     Facilitate logistical arrangements at PCB and other meetings, such as room bookings, computer and other equipment

§     Facilitate logistics related to the Delegation orientation

§     Follow-up through calls with the Delegation and others to remind same of timelines, seek input etc.

§     Support in editing/proofreading/commenting on key documents and communications

§     Maintain website, including regular updates and troubleshooting; liaising with web hosting organization; and writing/editing web content.

§     Manage the logistics of activities to ensure that the recruitment process for new members, as well as other key processes, are inline with the relevant time lines and activities plans.

§     Provide project administrative and budget tracking support

QUALIFICATIONS

§     University degree from a recognized university in any of the following disciplines: administration, public health, international development or related field or equivalent skills and experience

§     Experience in managing travel logistics, note taking and agenda setting

§     Experience developing and tracking budgets

§     Experience in website design and updating

§     At least three years work experience

§     At least two years experience working with civil society, and a knowledge of the main issues regarding civil society engagement in country level and international politics

§     Experience in the field of HIV/AIDS, including experience with UNAIDS and other international institutions active in the AIDS response (i.e Global Fund)

§     Familiarity with the key issues of the global AIDS response, as well as related current health and development discussions

§     Strong organizational skills

§     Excellent skills with Microsoft Office

§     Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, other UN languages desirable

§     Ability to motivate and work independently

§     Ability to work across cultures and language barriers, often by telephone and email

§     Able to work occasional evenings and weekends; able to undertake duty travel for 1-2 days/weeks at a time.

§     Able to legally work in Canada and to travel outside of Canada.

§     Patience, positive outlook and a sense of humor

ICASO welcomes applicants from diverse communities and particularly encourages qualified people living with HIV to apply for this position. Candidates should meet eligibility requirements to legally work in Canada.  Assistance will be provided to candidates to obtain appropriate work visas where necessary.

ICASO is an equal opportunity employer and proud of its diverse workforce. For more information about ICASO, please see http://www.icaso.org. For more information on the Communication Facility of the UNAIDS NGO Delegation, see http://www.unaidspcbngo.org

Applicants should send a résumé and cover letter with salary expectations, in English by email to careers@icaso.org no later than September 10, 2010.

Although we thank all applicants who apply, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.