Public Affairs & Policy - EU Institutions

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Public Affairs & Policy Specialist with expertise in healthcare and sustainability policy to drive our advocacy efforts within the European Union institutions, and also looking after key stakeholders in EU such as civil society organizations and trade associations based in Brussels. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding and experience in policy-shaping & advocacy in the EU, as well as healthcare/FMCG topics and sustainability issues, with a track record of effectively engaging with policymakers to shape policy outcomes. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our advocacy strategy, building relationships with stakeholders, and advancing our policy priorities related to healthcare and sustainability – informing overall global public affairs and sustainability strategy.

The position holder will report to the CHC Global Public Affairs Head and be based in Brussels.

This role is vital to shape the external policy and operating environment in support of Self Care & Sustainability, twin imperatives to achieve our ambition to become the best FMCH Company in & for the world. This includes developing and executing a public affairs & policy strategy that lays out a clear plan of action to drive policy & regulatory reform more broadly in support of self-care and sustainability, and more specifically EU Pharmaceutical Legislation, Green Deal, among other priority legislation in the EU impacting/shaping how we conduct our business at CHC.

The role will requires strong policy shaping and technical knowledge of healthcare and sustainability policy/strategy, European and global political dynamics, with a track record of success in public policy advocacy and external stakeholder management, with agility to navigate the complex policy, regulatory, and business environment, has strong understanding of the continent’s landscape complexity, and is able to provide clear guidance and strategic counsel to CHC leadership.       

Key Responsibilities:

Identify key broad policy priorities and levers to support policy objectives related to self-care, self-care growth, and sustainability. Develop policy agenda in alignment with business goals, with key policy outcomes in support of business objectives:

• Gain a clear understanding of Sanofi’s Consumer Healthcare strategy for growth and contribute to the formulation of such strategies.

• Provide a robust analysis of the self-care policy and operating environment affecting self-care and sustainability clearly and regularly inform the Global CHC Public Affairs Head and other relevant CHC business leaders/partners to ensure seamless understanding and alignment on strategy, issues, and topics.

• Anticipate public affairs & policy trends and competitive dynamics (i.e., self care, sustainability, e-commerce, digital, etc.) that represent opportunities or threats to the business; and build a clear plan of action to leverage the opportunities or mitigate threats to Sanofi’s reputation and to the business

• Monitor external developments and effectively communicate potential threats or opportunities to the Global CHC Public Affairs Head, and CHC business leaders/partners, as relevant

• Lead in proposing CHC positions on key issues affecting the CHC business and industry in Europe/EU and develop position papers/statements to advocate with policy makers and other key external audiences pertaining to self-care, sustainability, health & environment

• Strengthen engagement with key external stakeholders, and foster new ones, given the evolving policy environment around Self Care.

• Lead and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams ensuring that business risk is mitigated, and opportunities are swiftly identified and successfully executed.

• Develop scenarios and risk mitigation plans, which reflect a thorough understanding of the policy, government decision-making processes, decision-makers, and influencers, and provide recommendations and solutions to the CHC business

• Represent CHC with key stakeholder partners/civil society groups, as well as trade associations, within the EU policy advocacy space

Experience:

• A high-calibre professional with comprehensive working experience in the public affairs, policy, and sustainability space, specifically in Europe and EU Institutions, (at least 10 years’ experience) and track record of success delivering on shaping the external environment to address business objectives; broad cross functional understanding & general knowledge of the pharmaceutical business is preferred; knowledge and experience in the field of Consumer Healthcare/FMCG with a focus on sustainability a plus

• Solid experience navigating the European/EU healthcare ecosystems, preferably with strong existing network, having past experience proactively dealing with government ministries/EU institutions that have oversight on health policy, public health, sustainability, reimbursement, among others.

• Proven track record of successful initiatives and legislative shaping outcomes in public affairs, policy-shaping & advocacy, sustainability, reputation-building, and stakeholder engagement is required. Experience conceiving initiatives that join diverse stakeholders to deliver on a common public policy interest is an asset

• Experience working in a highly regulated environment and a demonstrated understanding of Europe’s various national health authorities; experience dealing with EU institutions, WHO, and other multilateral agenda setting institutions related to sustainability, health & environment, trade cooperation, professional healthcare organisations, patient/consumer groups

• An entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to understand consumer needs and business transformations to create new business opportunities to build CHC’s business globally

• Experience working in a matrixed environment and driving results through influence is required, but with a Compliance-first mindset

• Results-oriented with strong cross-functional collaboration mindset

• Exercise a high level of independent judgment even in challenging, complex situations is required in this role

• Demonstrated ability to build deep, authentic relationships and strong influence with senior internal and external stakeholders is required

• Strong social and intercultural skills, position holder acknowledge diversity and creates the room to motivate people towards creativity & out of the box thinking, strong ability to work under pressure, to work along agreed upon timelines and to achieve respective milestones

• Outstanding academic background, with an advance degree in the social and behavioural sciences a plus (MA, MBA, MSc)

• Fluent in written/spoken English and French are required, matched with excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Opella, the Consumer Healthcare business unit of Sanofi, is the purest and third-largest player globally in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market.  

We have an unshakable belief in the power of self-care and the role it can play in creating a healthier society and a healthier planet.

That’s why we want to make self-care as simple as it should be by being consumer-led always, with science at our core. 

Through our unique and balanced portfolio of more than 100 loved brands, including 15 global and local high-growth challengers such as Allegra, Dulcolax and Buscopan, we deliver our mission: helping more than half a billion consumers worldwide take their health in their hands.  

This mission is brought to life by an 11,000-strong team, 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites, and 4 specialized science and innovation development centers. 

We are also proud to be the first major fast-moving consumer healthcare company to achieve B Corp certification. 

Join us on our mission. Health. In your hands.