Director, Government Affairs & Policy Germany, field based, one year fixed-term contract

Director, Government Affairs & Policy Germany

What you’ll do:

• As Director, Government Affairs (GA) and Policy in Germany, you will play a pivotal role in designing, building and channeling our capabilities to catalyze change for people living with Rare Disease Germany for the benefit of patients, healthcare systems and Alexion/AstraZeneca.
• You will be a member of the German Corporate Affairs team, reporting to the Senior Director Corporate Affairs Germany. You will work closely with the local cross-functional team, including market access, medical, patient advocacy and commercial, and the EUCAN/Intl. Corporate Affairs team as well as with the German AstraZeneca Government Affairs/Policy team.

You will be responsible for:

• Elaborate and execute a bold approach for GA/Policy in alignment with our strategy.
• Develop & champion a comprehensive government affairs strategy for Alexion in Germany
• Serve as a strategic partner to country GM and a strong member of the extended German Country Leadership Team
• Lead engagement and communication efforts with key government officials relating to legislation, regulation, pricing/reimbursement and other policy initiatives, finding solutions which benefit multiple stakeholders
• Develop policy positions and government affairs strategies incl. leading impactful flagship initiatives aimed at delivering a favorable business environment and maximizing patient access
• Contribute to international government affairs & policy initiatives and be an active member of the global and EUCAN Corporate Affairs team
• In conjunction with the market access team, monitor healthcare developments impacting orphan drugs and develop adequate risk mitigation plans
• Adopt and adapt existing management tools to help prioritize and tack policy shaping activities
• Manage local political consultants and coordinate projects
• Collaborate with aligned functions (market access, regulatory, legal, compliance, patient advocacy, commercial, and medical) to maximize business performance and coordination of plans & activities
• Engage with Governments, MoPs, payers, HTA bodies, trade associations, think tanks and other stakeholders on policy issues and establish powerful policy-shaping ambitions
• Conduct briefings, meetings, forums and technical updates for legislators and regulators and their staffs on issues of concern to Alexion
• Respond to public consultations on behalf of the business to articulate policy positions, developing compelling policy argumentations and engagement materials.
• Build coalitions of support with third party organizations to deliver multi-stakeholder public affairs campaigns
• Be a strong contributor to multi-stakeholder partnerships with the aim to deliver outputs relevant to progressing policy discussions
• Ensure clear internal communications

You will need to have:

• Qualified candidates should have a minimum of 8 years related experience, an advanced understanding and leadership in healthcare policy developments, local regulatory and HTA processes and have sustainable government contacts
• A University degree is required
• Languages: German and English fluent 
• Strategic Ability/Problem Solving: Superior strategic, communication, problem solving and analytical skills
• Advocacy/Partnership: Ability to work effectively in and across the management structure and eagerness and ability to collaborate with and mobilize different people and organizations; ability to work collaboratively with third party partners; ability to work independently, and to contribute to cross-functional teams
• Writing: Ability to write, edit and translate policy and business documents (e-mails, memos, and PowerPoint presentations) clearly, succinctly and in a timely manner
• Project Management: Strong planning and organization skills with the ability to set priorities effectively and efficiently, identify areas that need further research, and multi-task on a number of issues
• Speaking/Presentations: Comfort and ability to present information to large group of internal colleagues, including senior executives, and external audiences in a clear and concise manner
• Based in Berlin, spending several days/months with the team in Munich Travel activity: 50%

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.