Head of GAIA Europe, Zurich Insurance Group

Zurich, Switzerland

Who we are

Zurich is one of the world’s leading insurance groups, and one of the few to operate on a global basis. Our mission is to help our customers understand and protect themselves from risk. With about 60,000 employees serving customers in more than 170 countries, we aspire to become the best global insurer as measured by our shareholders, customers and employees. We help individuals, small and medium sized companies and global corporations around the world understand and protect themselves from risk by offering a wide range of insurance products, solutions and advisory services.

Your opportunity

You will be responsible for shaping the public policy environment at the EU and European country level for General Insurance and Global Life businesses. With your pro-active support, Zurich will develop higher visibility at the EU headquarter in Brussels. 

Your role

As the Head of Government and Industry Affairs (GAIA) Europe your main responsibilities will involve:

Public Policy Management:

• Drive and support the identification of public policy issues and trends across Europe in conjunction with Regional Chairman, Regional CEO's and national CEO's;
• Drive strategy development for public policy issues at the European Union level including public policy analysis and advocacy recommendations, including through regional trade associations;
• Support public policy analysis and advocacy -- via local GAIA teams where present and local management where not -- at the European country level;
• Drive alignment of public policy positions at the local level within the region and the Group HQ;
• Support the establishment and strengthening of external networks with key public officials by regional executives.

Thought Leadership:

• Support development of Thought Leadership activities and opportunities within the region in conjunction with Business Units and senior executives;
• Provide regional views on Thought Leadership initiatives and recommendations within GAIA.

Corporate Responsibility:

• Support development of Corporate Responsibility activities and opportunities within the region in conjunction with Business Units and senior executives;
• Provide regional views on Corporate Responsibility initiatives and recommendations within.

Your Skills and Experience

As the Head of Government and Industry Affairs (GAIA) Europe your skills and qualifications will ideally include:

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, e.g. in political science, public policy, economics, business administration or law;
• Proven advocacy skills at the EU level;
• Strong analytical skills with economic, political and policy or legal background;
• Experience working in an international, multi-cultural environment;
• Experience in delivering effective management information and reporting;
• Strong interpersonal skills to deal with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders;
• Credibility and capability to work closely with senior management at Executive and Board level;
• Flexibility to work in start-up mode to adjust goals and priorities as team develops;
• General knowledge and understanding of European region and geo-political environment;
• Deep understanding of European government institutions;
• Understanding of insurance industry or financial sector;
• Fluent written and spoken English; second European language a plus;
• Ability to cope efficiently with multi-task situations;
• Results oriented, striving to meet objectives in an efficient manner and with good eye for detail;
• Ability to develop, articulate and communicate actionable insights by collecting and analysing information.

Additional Information

• Possible work locations are Zurich, London or Brussels. Travel as required to support local, regional and global GAIA efforts. You can apply under http://www.zurich.com/careers/.