Deputy Director (Vaccines) HIV Programmes & Advocacy

Details of Employment:

The Deputy Director (Vaccines), HIV Programmes & Advocacy position will be based in Geneva, Switzerland and report to the Director, HIV Programmes & Advocacy. The position is open-ended and full-time.

Purpose of the Position:

The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic scientific and technical guidance to vaccine-related initiatives of the IAS, and leadership on all aspects of the IAS Vaccine Programme, including implementation of the new strategy and attainment of goals, objectives, activities and targets.

Main Responsibilities:

Design, development and overall management of the IAS Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise Programme

• Lead and manage the implementation of a new 5 year IAS Vaccine Programme strategy in coordination with major stakeholders, including developing clear strategic and operational plans for programme execution and maintaining adherence to the budget
• Lead the evaluation, improvement and impact assessments of the IAS secretariat activities and initiatives related to HIV vaccines, and identify new scientific research opportunities to advance the IAS Vaccine Programme

• Build and manage an IAS Vaccine Programme team, ensuring excellence in delivery and effective relationships with internal and external partners.

Provide technical expertise

• Provide scientific input for a number of ongoing IAS programme priorities including HIV Cure
• Advise study investigators on the key clinical, behavioural, and demographic characteristics to be considered when conducting clinical trials
• Provide scientific input to donor reports, concept notes and fundraising proposals to support vaccine-related and other resource mobilization efforts and, in collaboration with the IAS Resource Mobilization team, ensure financial sustainability of the IAS Vaccine Programme
• Provide technical input to and strategic guidance on IAS conference programme content, including HIVR4P, to ensure that vaccines and related fields are strongly and appropriately represented.

Strategically position the IAS Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise Vaccine Programme

• Anticipate upcoming challenges and opportunities by following the latest developments in HIV vaccine research and development
• Ensure the IAS Vaccine Programme adds value to vaccine research, including developing a vaccine research grants programme, coordinating stakeholders and facilitating meetings
• Provide scientific direction and leadership to any relevant working groups
• Develop a communications plan for the IAS Vaccine Programme, in collaboration with the IAS Communications team, to expand the reach of the IAS Vaccine Programme and promote the latest vaccine science.

Identify and maintain partnerships

• Build sustainable relationships and develop partnerships with a range of other scientists, funders, and key stakeholders from the USA and Europe, including representatives from UN agencies, academia and the private sector
• Maintain strong partnerships with the various working groups of the IAS Vaccine Programme and identify new opportunities for scientific or research collaborations across other disease areas
• Build strong relationships with other vaccine stakeholders to ensure the IAS Vaccine Programme is effectively contributing to global vaccine priorities, including GAVI (The Global Vaccine Initiative) The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
• Nurture synergistic partnerships across the platform of the IAS.

Perform any additional tasks requested by the Director, HIV Programmes & Advocacy.

Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in microbiology, immunology, or related field.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 to 8 years’ experience in a similar management position and a background in global health, including in the vaccine field, HIV prevention or cure research
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing vaccine related or HIV prevention strategies
• Experience in building and managing successful relationships with a diversity of stakeholders, including members of governments, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and/or multi‐lateral organizations
• Experience in project management: including budgets and work plans, management of large grants and coordination of consortiums
• Team management experience a plus
• Experience in scientific research, academic writing and publishing advantageous.

Skills/Competencies:

• Excellent knowledge of the different aspects of HIV prevention and vaccine research, preferably in an international context
• A track record of achievement and leadership in the field and an active network of established collaborators
• Strong stakeholder management and team management skills
• Excellent business-oriented oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized, systematic and with strong analytical skills
• Creative and out of the box thinker, with demonstrated track record of problem‐solving/seeking solutions to challenges
• Flexible with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work independently
• Applied understanding of matrix management principles
• Sense of diplomacy, cross-cultural interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently, self-motivate, and propose and implement strategic new initiatives in uncertain and evolving environments
• Ability to travel internationally.

Languages:

• Advanced level English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.

How to Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a cover letter, in English and by email only, to recruitment@iasociety.org. The applications will be selected on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

IAS employees are evidence-based, human rights-focused, inclusive and accountable partners in the HIV response. Candidates should display genuine commitment to IAS values (learn more here).

The IAS is committed to recruiting and sustaining a skilled, effective, diverse and gender-balanced secretariat, and to the greater involvement of people living with HIV (GIPA) in all aspects of its work. People living with or affected by HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.