Description:

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is seeking a responsible and motivated individual to intern in its Policy Department. This is an incredible learning opportunity to do cutting-edge, meaningful work for a nationally-renowned non-profit AIDS organization. Our interns play a vital role in our organizational success, and can anticipate a challenging but rewarding experience.

The IRMA Advocacy Intern will support the work of the International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA), a global network of over 1,200 advocates, scientists, policy makers and funders committed to the research and development of safe, effective, acceptable and accessible rectal microbicides. Learning opportunities and assignments will include work on the IRMA initiative called Project ARM (Africa for Rectal Microbicides). Other projects will focus on IRMA’s lubricant safety efforts, Latin American advocacy expansion, and online communications with IRMA membership and the public at large. Learning opportunities will include writing, website and blog support, assisting with community forums, helping with public relations and marketing, and other assignments as needed.

This internship is designed to be both educational and practical. In this position, the intern will learn how to take skills he or she may have acquired in school related to his or her particular areas of interest, and apply them in a professional setting. He or she will gain a better understanding of the role played by non-profit organizations with public health advocacy, harm reduction policy, and the issues around new prevention technologies, and be better prepared to work in the arena of HIV/AIDS, public health, or policy. The candidate will also have opportunities to network with program staff, policy staff, development staff, and the broader community.

The Advocacy Intern will learn:
• International organizing, specifically in Africa and Latin America;
• How to write targeted content for theIRMA website and blog;
• Steps to engage in effective internet advocacy including Facebook and other social networking sites;
• Public relations and marketing support for public health advocacy campaigns.
• Numerous community health policies and issues facing those at risk of and living with HIV/AIDS.
• About the latest research and science on HIV/STD prevention, including vaccines, rectal and vaginal microbicides, the use of treatment in a prevention context, PrEP and PEP.
• About the sociocultural and political issues that globally enhance, or undermine, effective HIV prevention, including the deployment of new, and old, technologies
Qualifications:
• Current enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate degree program with an interest and aptitude to work in HIV prevention, public policy, or public health;
• Documented familiarity and passion for gay men’s health in general and new HIV prevention technologies in particular;
• Exceptional writing ability;
• Detail oriented;
• Self-motivated and self-starter;
• Ability to work in a group setting;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and handle numerous assignments simultaneously;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and internet applications;
• Extremely proficient in social networking and online communications with documented Blogger, Facebook and Twitter experience;
• Passion for social justice issues and the fight against HIV/AIDS, especially prevention;
• Documented volunteer experience or familiarity with HIV and/or non-profit organizations desired.
• Able to commit a minimum 5 months for the internship.

This internship is unpaid (stipend available), however AFC can help interns obtain college credit for their internship, where available. The intern will receive necessary training and staff supervision. We require a minimum of 15 hours/week for a minimum of 5 months (though longer internships are preferred). Public policy and public healthmajors are encouraged to apply. Individuals who identify with the LGBT community are especially welcome to apply.

End Date:

09/16/12,

Deadline:

September 16, 2012

Tags:

Advocacy  Nonprofit  HIV  AIDS   

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