Director Government Affairs / Communication Alexion France/BeLux (H/F)

Responsibilities include:

• Develop & champion a comprehensive government affairs strategy for Alexion in France / BeLux.
• Serve as a strategic partner to country GM and a strong member of the French Country Leadership Team.
• Co-develop and lead cross-functional external engagement strategy for France / BeLux.
• 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 favorable business environment and maximizing patient access.
• Contribute to international government affairs & policy initiatives and be an active member of the global Corporate 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, MPs, payers, HTA bodies, 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.

• Strengthening communication strategy and ensuring its implementation in collaboration with France / Belux Management & Global Corporate Affairs.
• Integrating communications efforts with cross-functional teams such as Government Affairs, Marketing/Commercial, Patient Advocacy, Market Access, Medical Affairs and Regulatory Affairs to always ensure strategic, consistent and effective communications on topics/key issues/initiatives.
• Leading company reputation building plan.
• Supervising communication tactics and execution of the plans (development of press releases, declarations, discussion points, questions and answers, information sheets, etc.).
• Strengthening working relationships and trust with media.

• 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.
• 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 groups of internal colleagues, including senior executives, and external audiences in a clear and concise manner.
• Solid experience in media relations.
• Digital and social media experience.
• Solid working experience in international & intercultural environments.