About EFPIA:

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) represents the biopharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 36 national associations, 39 leading pharmaceutical companies and a growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), EFPIA’s mission is to create a collaborative environment that enables our members to innovate, discover, develop and deliver new therapies and vaccines for people across Europe, as well as contribute to the European economy.

Role:

The Director Public Affairs reports to the Executive Director, Public Affairs and will lead a number of priority dossiers in the organisation’s strategic advocacy and outreach activities related to legislation as well as for industry driven policy initiatives. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on EU legislation and policy
• Identify EU legislation and policy requiring EFPIA intervention.
• Shape EU legislation and policy by applying expert knowledge of EU decision making process to leverage expertise of relevant EFPIA teams/functions; in particular Regulatory Affairs, Market Access, Trade, Legal and Science Policy             

• Manage relationships with key EU stakeholders
• Primary responsibility to ensure EFPIA has strong and collaborative relationships with:
• Members of the European Parliament and EP staff;
• Relevant Attaches of Permanent Representations to the EU;
• External stakeholders such as patient organisations, NGOs, other industry organisations etc.
• Provide advocacy support to EFPIA policy teams: e.g. monitoring, developing or advising on advocacy strategy & preparing tailored advocacy material.
• Coordinate external advocacy on specific policy files & legislative proposals – focusing on the European Parliament, Council, Commission and external stakeholders.
• Organise external events relevant to advocacy strategies with the aim to educate and inform as well as foster existing relationships & to build new ones with key policy-makers and influencers.
• Staff relevant EFPIA working groups with advocacy and external engagement functions

Minimum qualifications:

• University degree required (Bachelor in Arts/Science/Business/law). A master's in public health, public policy, international affairs, political science, and/or a Law degree or other advanced degree is desired.
• Strong political grasp – graduate with 8+ years of direct experience in European policy and government affairs. Proven track record of effective leadership, including cross-functional leadership of government affairs strategies and projects to support organizational objectives.
• Understanding the external environment, EU political and legislative decision-making processes. Skilled judgement on positioning and tone of sensitive and complex policy issues is essential.
• Ability to grasp complex technical information and “translate” it for non-expert audiences.
• Strong communication (written and oral), networking, collaboration and interpersonal skills – ability to build relationships of trust with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
• Effective, flexible approach to team working.
• Proven ability to influence others at both peer and senior level.
• Strategic and flexible thinking – ability to multi-task, project management, handle complex issues, and translate insights into sound analysis and advice to the organisation.
• High personal accountability and integrity.
• Must have mother tongue level of English with excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Skills:

• Proven ability to build and maintain close relationships internally and externally.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively, foster teamwork and drive performance.
• Flexible team member with positive attitude, energy and ability to prioritise projects.
• Excellent organisational skills and consistent attention to detail.

Assets:

• Experience working within pharmaceutical and/or healthcare industry.
• Additional European languages
• Public speaking

EFPIA offers:

• A permanent contract to start as soon as possible.
• Interested candidates should send their application by May 18, 2021, or address any question on the position to vacancy@efpia.eu and Cynthia.Furste@mavence.com
• The application should consist of:
• CV
• Cover letter max. half page
• A 1-pager outlining the challenges for the pharmaceutical industry for the European Commission’s current mandate (2019-2024)