Government Affairs Director, CENE Region

Location: Zurich, Switzerland or Stockholm, Sweden preferred. Alternatives The Hague, Netherlands 

Reports To: Head of International Government Affairs 

Some opportunities happen only once in a lifetime – like a job where you have the chance to change lives. At Alexion, a global biopharmaceutical company, people living with rare and devastating diseases are our Guiding Star. We are driven to continuously innovate and create meaningful value in all we do to help patients and families fully live their best lives. We value the uniqueness and diversity of our employees and recognize that nurturing the diverse perspectives and strengths of our people translates into innovative breakthroughs for patients. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Alexion has offices around the globe and serves patients in more than 50 countries. Further information about Alexion can be found at: www.alexion.com.

This is what you will do:

The Government Affairs Director for the Central & Northern Europe (CENE) area leads all government affairs for Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease across the 7 regional markets (Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland). She/he is responsible for the strategy, planning, and hands-on execution of globally and regionally aligned local internal and external engagement to support Alexion’s portfolio and strategic objectives. She/he is a member of the CENE Leadership Team as well as the International Government Affairs team, within the Corporate Affairs Function. She/he will report to the Head of International Government Affairs with an indirect report to the Vice President and General Manager CENE. She/he will also work closely with the country directors of the 3 CENE regions, Alpine, the Netherlands, and Nordics to create and implement country-specific external engagement plans.

You will be responsible for:

• Develop & champion a comprehensive government affairs strategy for Alexion in CENE
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CENE GM and a strong member of the CENE Leadership Team
• Lead engagement and communication efforts with key government officials relating to legislation, regulation, pricing/reimbursement and other policy initiatives.
• Contribute to and co-develop policy positions and government affairs strategies aimed at delivering a favourable business environment and maximizing patient access
• Contribute to international government affairs & policy initiatives and be an active member of the global Government Affairs team
• In conjunction with the market access team, monitor healthcare developments impacting orphan drugs and develop adequate risk mitigation plans
• 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, politicians, payers, trade associations, think tanks and other stakeholders on policy issues
• 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
• Build coalitions of support with third party organizations to deliver multi-stakeholder public affairs campaigns
  

You will need to have:

Qualifications

• Qualified candidates should have a minimum of 8 years related experience, an advanced understanding and leadership in healthcare policy developments, local regulatory processes and government contacts.

Competencies

• 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 to collaborate with, partner and influence others not under their direct control; ability to work across functions and in multiple cultures; and an ability to work collaboratively with third party partners.  Ability to work independently, and to contribute to highly functioning and geographically diffuse team.
• 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.  Fluency in English and one additional language of the region (German, Dutch or one Nordic language).

Education

• A University degree is required