Plan and implement comprehensive advocacy efforts to help Covidien achieve global business goals.
Global Government Affairs supports Covidien’s worldwide business development and growth through cultivating relationships, developing trust and leveraging information. The pro-innovation policies that we promote help Covidien innovate and bring to market healthcare solutions to a growing number of patients worldwide.
This position may be located in the Belgium, the UK or in Dublin, Ireland and directly reports to the Vice President, Global Government Affairs, located in Washington, DC. The Director of Government Affairs EMEA will assist the VP of Global Government Affairs in the development of Covidien's policy and positions with relevant government stakeholders (European Union, EMEA country specific government agencies, trade associations (Eucomed, etc., NGOs.) The primary focus of this position will be to direct all government affairs advocacy efforts within EMEA as needed. Key Internal Network contacts will include; Business Unit and Function leaders in EMEA, the ELC, Country Host Managers and Global Government Affairs Team members. Key External network contacts include; Government officials, trade association members, peer company representatives, working party members and other lobbyists.
Director Government Affairs EMEA, COVIDIEN
Director of Government Affairs EMEA principle responsibilities:
1. The Director will plan and implement comprehensive advocacy efforts to achieve global business goals.
2. Work directly with the company's business leaders on anticipating and identifying threats and opportunities impacting on EMEA/global business.
3. Develop relationships with key legislators to effectively influence in a way that supports Covidien’s business goals e.g. advocating that the EU continue to adopt and maintain policies allowing expedited patient access to innovative medical solutions, while maintaining a strong patient safety record.
4. Align and build partnerships with key stakeholders from trade associations and other third parties to positively help shape outcomes from such associations.
5. Contribute to due diligence, where appropriate and support decision making on key strategic initiatives.
6. Interact and align with members of the Covidien Global Government Affairs team on matters likely to have global impact.
7. Track and report on activities of governmental bodies which may be of relevance to Covidien.
8. Provide advice and counsel (from a government affairs perspective) on business issues and challenges , identifying opportunities and ensuring the organization remains focused on actions needed to achieve its goals, while at the same time being aware of the impact of its strategies.
9. In conjunction with VP Country HR, monitor the impact of structural changes in Covidien’s EMEA workforce on government relations at a country level.
10. Support the company’s efforts to broaden innovation focus.
11. Support sustainable productivity by optimizing spending within EMEA Government Affairs.
12. Carry out or participate in any other ad hoc projects as deemed necessary by VP Global Government Affairs or by key business leaders stakeholders in EMEA.
Core competencies required:
• Adaptability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Cross Cultural Respect
• Customer Focus
• Drive for results
• Interpersonal relationships, including diplomacy Director Government Affairs EMEA, COVIDIEN
Required skills. Knowledge and experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree required. Advanced degree (e.g. MBA) or other graduate experience preferred (public policy or related discipline a plus).
- Experience in managing complex issues and the ability to develop cohesive public policy positions.
- Effective communicator and possess the ability to articulate complex issues both speaking and in writing.
- Proven experience in developing and driving strategies to accomplish corporate objectives in public policy environments, with measurable results, is a must.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in policy, public affairs or government relations, acquired in multinational company, public affairs agency or trade association.
- Experience in the healthcare sector and knowledge of various healthcare reimbursement methodologies preferred.
- Excellent relationship building and collaboration skills.
- Language skills: Fluent in English and preferably in one (or two) other European language(s).