The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a global public/private partnership dedicated to raising and disbursing large amounts of finance to prevent and treat the three pandemics.  The Global Fund has so far committed more than US$10 billion to over 524 programs in 136 countries.

The vacancy is in the Secretariat of the Global Fund. The Secretariat manages the grant portfolio, including executing Board policies, disbursing money to grant recipients and implementing performance-based funding of grants. The Secretariat is also tasked with resource mobilization; providing strategic, policy, financial, legal and administrative support and overseeing monitoring and evaluation. It is based in Geneva and has no staff located outside its headquarters. 

Building upon the success achieved so far, the Global Fund is adapting its structure and creating new management positions to meet the challenges of growth and expansion in the period 2008-2010.

The Global Fund is looking for staff with a strong commitment to health and development, an open mind-set, an entrepreneurial and flexible attitude as well as strong interpersonal skills. 

Job Purpose Summary
& Reporting Relationships

The role of the Partnerships, Communications & Resource Mobilization Cluster is to facilitate the development and management of the Global Fund’s dynamic partnerships, communications and resource mobilization strategies in order to meet the Global Fund’s ambitious growth plans.

The Communications Unit Director serves as the primary resource for all communications efforts for the Global Fund.  Consistent with the Global Fund’s mission and vision, the Director’s key role is to raise the organization’s profile and to have the organization recognised as an effective partner and the leading multilateral funder in the field of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. 

S/he is responsible for the development and implementation of innovative communication initiatives and strategies, including cutting edge online communications.   In addition to communications with partners, donors, the general public and other key stakeholders, a key challenge for the Director is to develop a communications strategy that meets the needs of Global Fund beneficiaries and other implementers of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria programs and contributes to increased demand for Global Fund resources.

The Unit Director is one of three Unit Directors that report to the Director, Partnerships, Communications & Resource Mobilization Cluster.  The other Unit Directors lead the Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Units.

Key Responsibilities,
Accountabilities and Duties.

The Unit Director will provide technical expertise, leadership and management of the Global Fund’s work in areas of responsibility and will:
Lead the development and implementation of a dynamic corporate and strategic approach to communications, including online communications, brand management and marketing that maintain a positive external perception of the Global Fund; reflect the Global Fund’s values; position it effectively as a leading contributor to global health and development; increase demand for Global Fund resources and ensure that all targeted stakeholders receive relevant information about the Global Fund;

Identify and implement innovative strategies to reach out to global media, improving the Global Fund’s awareness and reach;

Serve as liaison between the organization and public relations/communications agencies, global print and broadcast media and other audiences;

Maintain and further expand the Global Fund’s online presence through its integrated websites and interactive tools;

Co-ordinate with the Chief of Staff and advisers in the Office of the Executive Director to provide consistent and effective messaging through reports, speeches and press/media events/opportunities;

Identify and implement efficiencies in the development of communications products;

Strengthen the Global Fund’s communications with implementers and other partners in the South;

Develop strategies and collaborations to ensure consistency and complementarity of communications across the organization;

Oversee and manage production of publications, exhibitions, information products and relationships with the media, and
Manage the three teams in the Unit upholding the Global Fund’s principle of transparency and openness through a consistent flow of information on the Global Fund’s goals, aims, achievements and results.

As a senior manager within the organization, the Unit Director will:

Contribute to organization-wide development through active participation in cross-Cluster/Unit working groups and projects;

Participate as a key member in the Cluster’s management team and take on Cluster-wide initiatives; actively promote cross-Unit collaboration and teamworking; and

Represent the Director, Partnerships, Communications and Resource Mobilization Cluster, as appropriate, in high-level meetings.

In providing strategic management and leadership to the Communications Unit , the Unit Director will:

Translate the Cluster’s strategic vision into an operational plan for the Unit that is aligned with Cluster objectives and Global Fund goals that include well defined activities, milestones and performance indicators;

Provide strategic leadership on risk management setting up a system that allows the Global Fund to respond quickly and effectively to any crisis that is going to emerge;

Provide technical and managerial leadership in the implementation of the Unit’s operational plan to achieve the targeted outcomes;

Provide technical and strategic leadership to Unit staff, ensuring the attainment of expected outcomes as well as the continued development of the Unit’s staff members;

Manage the Unit’s budgetary resources based on agreed Cluster needs and priorities; and

Oversee, co-ordinate and monitor the work of the Unit teams to ensure Unit cost effectiveness and performance against results.

Academic Qualifications
(essential/desirable)

Essential:

• Advanced degree in communications/media, journalism, public relations or related field.

Desirable

• Post graduate training in communication, journalism, management or public health.

Experience
(essential/desirable)

Essential

• Extensive senior professional international communication experience at the management level;
• Extensive experience in the management and delivery of complex communication activities;
• Experience in managing staff from diverse backgrounds;
• Experience and understanding of advanced change management strategies for organizations undergoing structural and cultural change;
• Considerable experience in a variety of communication and/or advocacy activities with a solid track record working with the international/national donor community including bilateral development agencies, foundations, private sector, national governments, NGOs and UN agencies.

Desirable

• Knowledge or experience at management level in health or international development;
• Knowledge of the three pandemics: AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; and
• Experience in both public and private sectors.

• Excellent understanding of global communications and public relations with ability to deal directly with international media at all levels of complexity;
• Strong ability to develop and implement internal and external communication plans;
• Strong understanding of political sensitivities and social realities in developing and donor countries;
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills;
• Leadership and managerial capabilities leading diverse teams in relevant area;
• Creativity and innovation;
• Strong project management skills; and
• Sound knowledge management planning and modelling techniques and relevant IT tools.

• Sound decision making:  Ability to identify alternatives or options in planning and decision making whilst weighing up the risks for the organization;
• Communicating effectively:  Using appropriate communication techniques effectively both verbally and in writing to communicate at all levels up to Board level;
• Developing own and staff capability and encouraging diversity;
• Results-oriented:  Ability to structure and prioritise  individuals’ and the Unit’s objectives against organizational goals; and
• Building relationships: Ability to build and strengthen internal and external networks, establishing effective partnerships whilst operating with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Languages
(essential/desirable)

An excellent knowledge of English and preferably a good working knowledge of French or one of the following: Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish.  Knowledge of other languages an asset.

A covering letter not exceeding one and one half pages must accompany all applications. The letter should describe your ability to meet the essential requirements set out in the vacancy notice.

THE GLOBAL FUND HAS RETAINED RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES TO ASSIST WITH THIS APPOINTMENT. FOR MORE DETAILS ON QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIREMENTS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND HOW TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.RRAPUBLICSECTOR.COM

The position will have an attractive, internationally competitive compensation package equivalent to a director level position in accordance with the WHO/UN salary scales; the final remuneration level to be determined in accordance with the selected candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience.

The current arrangement under which Global Fund Secretariat employees have the status of WHO staff will terminate on 31 December 2008.  After that date, all staff of the Global Fund will be covered under a new contractual arrangement directly with the Global Fund.