South Africa: Press officer

Press Officer for the AIDS Consortium

Main Purpose of Job:
To provide comprehensive media coverage of the work of the AIDS Consortium
via its programme delivery, political issues and challenges, policy changes
and process and examples of best practice achievements within the
organisation.

To support to the Executive Director in the achievement of the AIDS
Consortium's objectives specifically as it relates to the programme work of
the organisation.

This will be done by:
Assisting in the identification of current strategic HIV/AIDS issues for the
Consortium to take up in order to meet the mission of the organisation.
Assisting in the development of an appropriate strategy, implementation plan
and media activity; to influence positive change and outcomes in the context
of the AIDS pandemic.
Identifying the practices of the Consortium, which are defined as best
practice for profiling within the sector.
Working with the Executive Director to enhance the profile of the Consortium
in South Africa, via Government (National and Provincial), Civil Society,
Community environments and within the affiliate database and activities.

Key Result Areas:
Environmental Scan
Planning and implementation of key strategic campaigns aimed at addressing
identified socio-economic inequalities including gender and vulnerable
groups (children, elderly, disabled, refugees) - as it impacts on the
further spread of HIV and contributes to the premature death of people
living with HIV/AIDS.
Information Services and general referrals .

Core Competencies:
Tertiary qualifications or sufficient working experience to demonstrate
analytical, critical and strategic thinking ability
Experience in working with the media
An understanding of legislative and parliamentary procedures
Developed communication skills (report writing, general communication
writing, verbal, interpersonal, presentation, public speaking, press
releases and press statements)
Ability to identify and prioritise key strategic issues
Ability to work within time sensitive deadlines
Ability to translate strategic issues into practical implementation plans.
Organisational experience - with specific strengths in mobilising
communities
Must have an understanding of socio-economic inequalities and related
development issues
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS
Knowledge of activism within South Africa
Good computer skills - Word, Excel, Powerpoint
Political 'nous'
Ability to exercise discretion, judgement, confidentiality and diplomacy
when and where necessary and/or appropriate

Peripheral Requirements:
Own transport and a current driving licence
Knowledge of local languages is essential
Flexible working process

Please respond before 30th April 2005 to:
Ms Maxine McCalla-Kay
Acting Executive Director
The AIDS Consortium
P O Box 31104
Braamfontein, 2017
RSA
+27(0)11 403 0265 (tel) Office hours
+27(0)11 339 4450 (fax)
+27(0)73 357 1438 / 82 523 4701 (cell)

email [email protected] or [email protected]
http:// www.aidsconsortium.org.za