Public Affairs & Communications Director , EDMA

Contract: Full-time, permanent position based in Brussels, Belgium
Purpose of job: To lead the development of EDMA public affairs & communications strategies
Reports to: Director General

Key relationships:

• Internally – Communications Manager, Senior Public Affairs Officer, Regulatory Affairs Team and Secretariat staff.
• Externally – EDMA members, media and other relevant stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Public Affairs

• Understands healthcare systems and potential impact of systemic developments. Develops a vision to shape and influence the policy environment, securing its internal support (in full alignment with the strategic priorities of EDMA’s Executive Committee), and builds a network of contacts to drive adequate initiatives to deliver that vision.
• Uses high-level diplomatic and interpersonal skills, works externally with other industry associations, healthcare professionals’ representative bodies, patient advocacy groups, media and other industry stakeholders to build coalitions of support for the EDMA vision and to develop advocacy and lobbying campaigns.
• Builds strong relationships with key opinion leaders, policymakers and healthcare officials in order to stay abreast of policy and legislative developments affecting the In Vitro Diagnostics industry. Nurtures a cooperative network of stakeholder contacts to influence policy outcomes, utilising strategic thinking capabilities to consider both short and long-term implications for our industry.
• Consistently coordinates and manages public affairs activities, in coordination with the Executive Committee. Persuasively presents EDMA positions to external stakeholders. Accurately summarises complex issues as well as policy and legislative information in areas affecting EDMA, translating external insights into clear and meaningful messages conducive to effective strategic decisions.
• Contributes to the strategic development and implementation of European policy projects.
• Seizes all relevant opportunities to enhance the organisation’s image and awareness through public events and other types of manifestations.
• Demonstrates the business ethic and judgement to comply with EDMA’s policies and procedures.

Communications

• Defines and rolls out communications strategies and tactics to effectively reach out to and exert a constructive influence on key audiences. Decides on the most effective methods to be utilised to deliver EDMA’s messages to maximum effect.
• Provides critical counsel, leadership and strategic communications input on issues that impact EDMA’s reputation so as to ensure a positive image for the organisation as well as a strong positioning vis-à-vis the relevant external stakeholders: media, key opinion leaders, patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers and employees.
• Provides “early warnings” to senior management as and when appropriate.
• Ensures adequate linkage and coordination with the Regulatory Affairs Department for the development of strategies and the production of ad hoc communication material.
• Converts complex political or industry information into newsworthy, media-friendly updates that are fully consistent with the overall strategy and messages of the organisation.
• Thinks in a clear, decisive manner. Demonstrates capacity to make complex, sensitive decisions and to sustain strong internal and external pressure under tight time frame.
• Navigates comfortably in a complex global environment, and succeeds in building and maintaining operational relationships within it. Influences others, including contacts over whom there is no formal authority, to take action.
• Operates independently, albeit with close connections with supervisors, colleagues and members who may be located in different geographies and time zones.
• Alternates constantly and effectively between global and specific association interests. Able to manage the specific needs of a project while maintaining a strong focus on the best interests of the organisation. Manages multiple priorities and competing interests.
• Identifies and proposes new and innovative ways of doing things. Demonstrates flexibility, open-mindedness and adaptability to a rapidly changing environment.
• Reporting/ Leadership
• Reports to EDMA Director General and leads a team of Public Affairs and Communications specialists.
• Maintains and drives the work of a highly performing team committed to executing flawlessly against agreed plans and achieving concrete results in a positive team spirit.
• Develops self and others to improve performance in current role and to prepare for future roles.
• Seeks and welcomes feedback and responds to coaching.
• Provides frequent feedback and coaching to others on ways to improve performance.
• Recognises and celebrates successes.

Skills and Experience

• A minimum of five years working with (and/or within) EU institutions or national governments, in positions which involved developing and/or influencing public policy.
• A proven track record of effectively and persuasively articulating complex issues to key decision-makers.
• A demonstrable experience in analysing complex issues, utilising strategic thinking and implementing tactical plans.
• Work experience in one or more diversified businesses (preferably within or with the healthcare industry) is preferable.
• Full fluency in English, with working knowledge of other languages being an asset.

This post is being offered on a permanent contract, subject to successful completion of a 6-month probationary period, assessed by performance review after this time in post.

Regular travel is required both in Europe and internationally.

The position is available immediately and remuneration will be according to experience. Further details will be provided during the interview.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter detailing your accomplishments and experiences in English to the attention of Dr Volker Oeding, EDMA Director General, at human.resources@edma-ivd.eu

Please mention “Public Affairs & Communications Director” in the subject line.

Deadline for applications for this position is 23 March 2012.

We thank all candidates for their interest. However, please note that due to the expected volume of applications, we may only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.

For more information about EDMA, please visit: www.edma-ivd.eu