AVAC Advocacy Fellows Program 2019

AVAC invites applications for its Advocacy Fellows program now in its tenth year! AVAC’s Advocacy Fellows program was launched in 2009 with the goal to support and expand the capacity of advocates and organizations to monitor, support and help shape biomedical HIV prevention research and implementation worldwide. The HIV Prevention Research Advocacy Fellows Program pairs emerging leaders in advocacy and activism with existing organizations to develop and execute creative, context-specific projects focused on HIV prevention research.

The Advocacy Fellows program provides support to emerging and mid-career advocates to design and implement advocacy projects focused on biomedical HIV prevention research and implementation activities in their countries and communities. These projects are designed to address locally identified gaps and priorities.

Fellows receive training, full-time financial support and technical assistance to plan and implement a targeted one-year project within host organizations working in HIV or related advocacy. Host organizations are critical partners in the program and Fellows’ projects can be an opportunity for an organization to further develop its own work in this field.

Have you been working in HIV/AIDS or a related field for a few years and are looking for an opportunity to build your advocacy skills in the exciting world of HIV prevention research and implementation? OR Is your organisation looking to get more involved in HIV prevention research and implementation advocacy? Is your organisation considering hosting an AVAC Advocacy Fellow in 2019?

Consider applying to be a 2019 Advocacy Fellow and join the 63 Fellows and alumni of the program! They are looking for innovative and bold people and ideas to influence and improve how HIV prevention research happens or how new biomedical interventions are rolled out.

Benefits of AVAC Advocacy Fellows Program

The program offers:

• Full-time compensation for the Fellow, small project budget and technical assistance from AVAC for 12 months.
• Mentoring and capacity building in biomedical HIV prevention research and implementation advocacy from AVAC for both Advocacy Fellows and Host Organisations.
• Connection to a global network of biomedical HIV prevention research advocates including current and former Advocacy Fellows, researchers, civil society leaders and other individuals and/or organisations working in similar fields.

Eligibility for AVAC Advocacy Fellows Program

HIV Prevention Research Advocacy Fellows are:

• Emerging or mid-career community leaders and advocates involved or interested in advocacy around biomedical HIV prevention research and implementation.
• Individuals with some experience or education in the areas of HIV and AIDS, public health, international development, women’s rights, communications and/or advocacy with key populations, such as adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, gay men, other men who have sex with men, transgender men and women and people who inject drugs.
• Based in low- and middle-income countries where biomedical HIV prevention clinical research is planned and/or where implementation of multi-intervention prevention packages is planned, ongoing or emerging.
• Are proficient in the English language and able to collaborate with English-speaking mentors.
• Have demonstrated awareness of and willingness to learn about ongoing prevention research and implementation in their respective countries, although extensive knowledge in biomedical HIV prevention is not required. They must also be able to demonstrate strategic analysis of how Fellows Program activities will relate to local prevention landscapes.

Application for AVAC Advocacy Fellows Program

Applications go through a thorough review process, including by an external review panel made up of advocates, researchers, past Fellows and Host Supervisors recommendations. Short-listed applicants are interviewed. Selected Fellows will be notified by the year.

• Applicants must submit the individual and Host Organisation information forms, the essay/short answer questions, the Host Organisation letter of support and the CV/resume by 7 September 2018.
• Short-listed candidates and proposed Host Organisations are contacted for further documentation and interviews that aim to get to know each applicant a little better.
• Successful applicants and Host Organisations are notified by the end of 2018.

To apply, see the 2019 Advocacy Fellowship Application Instructions and Forms here.

If you have any questions about the Fellows program or the application process, please email fellows@avac.org.

For more information, visit AVAC Advocacy Fellowship.