Country Head, Public Affairs

Job Description Summary

Job Description

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 the 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 group 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 objective.
• 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 conference
• 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. Ie experience working with important external stakeholders such as ministries embassies and other government agencies.
• critical thinking and is highly self-motivated to proactively drive the PA agenda

Work Experience:

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

Skills:

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

Skills Desired