Country Head, Public Affairs

Overview

Job Description Summary: Lead or support Public Affairs activities/projects to support business objectives in the area of responsibility, engage in stakeholder engagement in the area of responsibility. Shape external policy in the area of responsibility. Position Novartis as a trusted partner. Hold key external stakeholder relationships. Deliver political intelligence and advice to relevant Novartis businesses. Provide support to PA Leadership.

Major accountabilities

• Identify, prioritize and drive topics which define policy environment for business — contribute to the creation, revision and publishing of policy documents, advocacy toolkits, training materials.
• Shape, represent, and advance Novartis legislative, policy and alliance strategic objectives — execute product advocacy where applicable.
• Map external stakeholders and systematically engage pro-actively through direct contact and relationship building, setting up key platforms for engagement on key policy and business priorities, working in partnership.
• Based on internal alignment with cross-function teams (IMI and global functions) about country priorities, identify key policy areas where we need to shape the environment and engage various external stakeholders externally, build and execute engagement plans.
• Lead and/or active member of the local trade/industry associations and participate in the policy discussion to shape the favorable environment.
• Mitigate negative impact of regulation either as Novartis individually and/or together with industry/trade association.
• Formulate and obtain board alignment across division to implement consistent public affairs strategy in line with Novartis corporate strategy and implement them consistently.
• Represent Novartis, providing regular and quality input to Government through reports and/or briefing documents.
• Develop the plan to achieve company key priorities related to access (public and private) and collaborate with relevant internal and external stakeholders to achieve this priority.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders including government, research institutes and media to support business objectives.
• Close communication and alignment within the organization especially with other business functions to ensure the achievement of business objectives.
• Disseminate information to relevant stakeholders (patient groups, regulators, media and partners) through appropriate use of communication channels.
• Lead Public Affairs Council at the country level to strategize and implement initiatives.
• Translate policy/regulatory changes into implications for Novartis, and develop strong positioning for policy advocacy.
• Serve as an advisor to the Country President to identify aligned priorities between Novartis and the government and the short-to-mid term engagement plan to achieve those objectives.
• Ethics and Compliance
• Work within any given legal framework, Novartis Ethics, Risk and Compliance policies and ensure those around him/her do the same.
• Work to ensure a diverse and inclusive environment, free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Key Performance Indicators

• Deliver quality and timely briefings, reports, thought pieces and other written material.
• Develop Public Affairs strategy, stakeholder map, country plan, engagement plan and implementation.
• Achieve country milestones according to strategy, objectives and work plans.
• Novartis market reputation: surveys, interviews, polls, and media.
• Stakeholder satisfaction with presented information: surveys of relevant media or analyst stakeholders; internal customer satisfaction.
• Consistency of apparent Novartis corporate position within target markets.
• Extent of participation at relevant industry conferences.
• Regional/global/country and CP coordination: alignment with regional/global Public Affairs strategies.

Minimum Requirements Education

• Masters or Degree in public policy, business, bioscience or related fields.

Languages

• Proficiency in English (written & spoken) and local language.

Experience

• 8-10 years in public affairs/public policy or related. Multinational experience preferred.
• Background in government service is an added advantage, e.g., experience working with ministries, embassies, and other government agencies.
• Critical thinking and highly self-motivated to proactively drive the PA agenda.

Work Experience

• Collaborating across boundaries.
• Project Management.
• Operations Management and Execution.

Skills

• Communication
• Corporate Communication
• Curiosity
• Influencing Skills
• Microsoft Access
• Prioritization
• Public Affairs
• Strategic Partnerships

Skills Desired

Corporate Communication, Prioritization, Public Affairs, Strategic Partnerships

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