CEE Zone Public Affairs Lead

ROLE

As the CHC Public Affairs Zone Lead for CEE, your role will be pivotal in shaping the external public policy and healthcare landscape, in support of CHC’s purpose, ambition, business and sustainability strategy. You will spearhead engagement with external stakeholders to bolster self-care, strengthen CHC’s reputation, and establish it as a thought leader. Reporting directly to the CHC CEE General Manager, your duties will include crafting and executing public affairs, policy, and advocacy strategies. These efforts will be targeted towards key priority markets in the CHC CEE (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary), with the aim of shaping the external operating environment to support self-care and accelerate CHC's growth. This position demands keen business acumen, strong leadership, strategic agility, and excellent advocacy and communication skills. Moreover, it necessitates demonstrated proficiency in navigating complex policy, regulatory, and access landscapes. The ability to provide clear guidance and strategic counsel to the Zone General Manager, while securing buy-in from crucial internal stakeholders, will be instrumental in achieving success.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTED IMPACT

The primary objective of this role is to establish and execute a robust public affairs, policy and advocacy strategy and action plan in support of business priorities in CHC CEE and in close collaboration with key internal stakeholders and functions to drive CHC’s external agenda: Corporate Communications, Growth Hub, Science Hub, and People & Culture

• Identify key policy priorities aligned with CHC CEE General Manager's business growth goals.
• Conduct thorough analysis of external landscape to ensure strategic alignment with functional partners.
• Anticipate and respond to public affairs & policy trends and competitive dynamics.
• Monitor external developments and communicate potential threats or opportunities to relevant stakeholders.
• Propose CHC positions on key issues, develop advocacy materials, and ensure internal alignment.
• Strengthen engagement with key stakeholders and represent CHC in industry associations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to mitigate risks and seize opportunities.
• Develop scenarios and risk mitigation plans based on policy understanding.
• Stay updated on industry changes and identify new business opportunities.
• Drive Ethics & Business Integrity activities within Public Affairs to ensure compliant engagement.

ABOUT YOU

• Senior professional with 10+ years' experience in public affairs, policy, and market access & development, ideally with pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare industry knowledge.
• Strong network within CEE healthcare ecosystem, adept at effectively engaging with government ministries, diplomatic corps, trade associations, and civil society organizations.
• Proven track record of success in public affairs & policy advocacy, market access & development, driving thought leadership and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with regulatory environments and experience working with healthcare authorities and professional organizations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, adept at identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities.
• Results-driven with a compliance-first approach and ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Adaptable to fast-paced, matrix environments with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Exercises independent judgment in complex situations and fosters creativity and diversity.
• Advanced degree in social sciences and behavioural sciences preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken English and at least one of the official languages in the Zone; proficiency in other additional languages an asset.

What we offer at Sanofi:

• An international work environment, in which you can develop your talent and realize ideas and innovations within a competent team
• Access to internal recruitment and development libraries - you can create your own career path within Sanofi; your professional development will be supported purposefully
• Flexible home office policy, with a possibility to work up to 50% of time from home, where you can easily schedule your office days
• An attractive package of benefits, including company car
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health support, legal and financial consulting)
• Gender neutral paid parental leave