Associate Director EU Public Policy Shire Brussels, Belgium

Job ID: 5095BR

Shire

Shire enables people with life-altering conditions to lead better lives. Through our deep understanding of patients’ needs, we develop and provide healthcare in the areas of: Behavioural health and Gastro Intestinal conditions, Rare Diseases, Regenerative Medicine, as well as other symptomatic conditions treated by specialist physicians. We aspire to imagine and lead the future of healthcare, creating value for patients, physicians, policymakers, payers and our shareholders. For further information on Shire, please visit the Group’s website: www.shire.com.

Primary Role

This role serves to position Shire effectively with government stakeholders and public policy influencers at the EU level in Brussels and across European markets. Working to an over-arching global strategy to establish Shire as a leader for people with life-altering conditions, creating value for society, the position is responsible for supporting the development of public affairs strategies, policy relationships and external partnerships whilst ensuring effective liaison with teams and colleagues in the Shire businesses to ensure a streamlined and coordinated approach.

The position will help internal customers understand the European public policy environment and play a key role in executing strategies to assess and shape policies impacting Shire in Europe and the patients we serve. The role also includes the provision of in-country public affairs advice and support to Shire Local Operating Companies in selected European markets, partnering with country teams, market access and other functions as well as outsourced PA agency resources as needed.

This position is based in Brussels with approximately 15-20% travel to Shire’s international hub offices in Nyon, Switzerland, and other Shire offices in Europe as needed. The role reports to the head of European Government Relations and Public Policy, who operates out of Brussels.

Responsibilities

• As a member of the European government relations team, develop and execute annual action plans to meet Shire’s desired public policy objectives in Europe, in line with the global government relations strategy, Shire business goals and the overall Shire Vision;
• Build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to support the company’s public affairs priorities;
• Represent the company’s position on policy, legislative and regulatory issues to policy makers and influencers, both governmental and non-governmental, including through participation in European trade associations and partnership with patient advocacy groups;
• Work closely and collaboratively with Shire teams in the businesses (SP, HGT and RM), colleagues in the legal and communications functions as well as market access, P&R and public affairs teams embedded in the businesses and other internal customers to shape and deliver proactive Shire-wide initiatives, respond to opportunities or manage issues that arise;
• Project-manage key public affairs initiatives and public affairs response strategies, collaborating on internal cross-functional teams and using external public affairs consultants;
• Liaise with Local Operating Company teams in selected EU markets to provide public affairs advice and support on an issue basis, partnering with other functions and outsourced PA agency resources as needed;
• Participate in, organize and actively contribute to external projects and activities with the European Parliament, various DGs of the European Commission, industry organizations, advocacy groups and other platforms, including senior executive visits and policy events;
• Ensure adequate public policy monitoring, coordinate a central resource centre and develop briefing material, educational materials and other communication pieces for key constituencies on critical policy and business issues;
• Review and analyze reports, articles and presentations from governmental and non-governmental agencies for potential impact to Shire operations and strategic objectives.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Advanced degree (e.g. MBA, JD) or other graduate experience preferred (healthcare or public policy related, a plus);
• Minimum 7 years experience in policy, public affairs or stakeholder engagement, acquired in multinational company, public affairs agency or trade association, with minimum 4 years in the European policy environment;
• Proven experience in the healthcare sector is strongly preferred;
• Good knowledge of pharmaceutical policy, healthcare systems, health economics or market access issues will be a real plus;
• In-depth understanding of EU and national public policies affecting the healthcare / pharmaceutical sector, IP, innovation, market access conditions, pricing & reimbursement, drug review and approval process, and other regulatory issues relevant to pharmaceuticals;
• Solid experience in external stakeholder engagement in healthcare / pharmaceuticals and/or policy advocacy towards governmental stakeholders at both the EU and national levels;
• Proven experience in developing and driving strategies to accomplish corporate objectives in public policy environments, with measurable results, is a must.

Shire's Brave culture offers employees with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to enable those with life altering conditions to lead better lives. 

To apply for this role please go to Shire career website www.timetobebrave.com. 
(Please click on ''Search Openings'' and use Job ID: 5095BR).