Director, International Government Affairs Brussels/EU

Job Description

Job Purpose & Objectives:

Within a fast-evolving healthcare policy environment at the European Union and national levels, lead the Brussels advocacy strategy for the AbbVie Europe Region with a focus on European Union (EU) institutions and Brussels-based trade associations. Advance AbbVie’s mission to be a trusted health policy partner and deliver innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions to address key healthcare challenges for patients within a sustainable business. Establish a reputation as an influential leader within the Region Europe team and the broader global government affairs function.

Major Responsibilities

STRATEGY

• Identify and prioritise EU policy issues that impact AbbVie’s business and lead the development and execution of corresponding advocacy strategies and tactics with Region Europe leadership and affiliate colleagues.
• Establish relevant platforms of interaction with and participation of AbbVie’s affiliates in EU activities to advance AbbVie’s priorities both at national and EU level.

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

• Represent AbbVie at relevant working groups in EU Brussels-based trade associations and successfully advocate for AbbVie policy priorities and support senior management participation at high-level decision-making committees.
• Gather, analyse and interpret trade association intelligence, positions and communicate priority issues to affiliates and relevant internal partner functions.

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Maintain a network of key policy contacts in European institutions, particularly at European Parliament, Commission and national Permanent Representations.
• Actively develop and maintain key industry relationships and professional networks.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT

• Monitor EU legislative changes and provide robust assessments of potential impact of EU policy proposals for area, global and affiliate colleagues.
• Represent Region Europe within internal AbbVie policy strategy development activities as appropriate.

PRODUCT-RELATED ADVOCACY

• In collaboration with one of the regional matrix teams (Region North, Region South or Region CEE), ensure development and effective execution of government affairs strategies to support affiliate therapy area and above brand advocacy strategies.
• In collaboration with therapy area government affairs colleagues, support Brussels-based product-related advocacy activities in line with Region Europe brand team strategies.

Key Interfaces

INTERNAL

• Region Europe and Global Government Affairs colleagues
• Senior Region Europe and Global leaders, including General Managers and commercial senior management
• Region Europe and Global leaders from market access, regulatory affairs, legal, compliance and other relevant functions
• Affiliate Government Affairs Directors and other relevant functions

EXTERNAL

• EU and Brussels-based government and policy makers (European Commission, European Parliament and Permanent Representation to the EU) and other healthcare bodies with representation in Brussels
• Brussels-based trade associations
• Pharmaceutical and healthcare industry peers
• Think tanks and research organisations
• Other non-government organisations when relevant

Qualifications

Required Experience, Skills, and Competencies

EXPERIENCE

• Masters Degree (preferred) in Business, Health Policy, Public Administration or related field.
• 10 years of professional experience in government affairs or policy (e.g., in-house, trade association, consulting firm).
• In-depth knowledge of healthcare policies and pharmaceutical sector:
  • EU public health policies required
  • European national public health policies
  • Understanding of key current policy impacting the pharmaceutical sector, such as pricing and access, intellectual property, and regulatory policy.
• Proven track record of successful prioritisation and execution of complex strategies and tactics involving both national and EU policy stakeholders.
• Experience with commercial brand team strategy development.
• Solid track record in team-building, coalition development, and execution of multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Demonstrated successful advocacy project management with European and/or national policy-makers.
• Management of complex internal and external strategic projects.

SKILLS

• Proven ability to design and execute complex government affairs strategies.
• Superior team and project leadership skills in cross-functional and cross-country/area settings.
• Ability to develop consensus and translate strategy into action within a team and group setting.
• Superior ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Executive presentation skills.

Additional Information

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community, and embracing diversity and inclusion. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.

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