Head of Public Affairs

Directors of Public Affairs are executives who manage the public relations and communications initiatives of the company. They oversee all external communications that are intended for broadcast. They create guidelines on the proper crafting of communication materials that will be published or broadcasted.

• Responsible for ensuring that all elements of the firm’s business in Ireland are supported to achieve business growth and to understand and influence relevant policy areas
• Grow and support the company brand by ensuring appreciation for our innovative therapies and solutions to societal challenges
• Strategically position the firm as partner of choice for potential collaboration partners and stakeholder groups
• Devise and execute best-in-class public affairs strategies that enhance engagement with external advocacy groups
• Represent the firm on external groups and co-ordinate and counsel firm representatives on external groups as well as required
• Develop and drive the communications and media relations strategy including corporate social media for the firm in Ireland
• Protect the reputation of the company by effectively managing issues across the divisions from a media relations perspective
• Devise and deliver sustainability strategies (environmental and social, including sponsoring the employee volunteering programme and managing corporate donations) for the firm’s Ireland business
• Responsible for compliance with national lobbying regulations and support transparency initiatives
• Protect the firm’s reputation through management of the Issues Management Process
• Manage external agencies and budgets
• Represent the Ireland Business at the company’s global forums for public affairs and external communications
• As a member of the Leadership Team contribute to development of business strategies and plans and contribute to shaping culture
• Develop relationships and engagement with policy shaping organisations and new stakeholders
• Understand the legislative process and areas where the firm can engage
• Build relationships with key decision makers, anticipate their vision and future direction
• Anticipate and provide strategies around changes in the policy landscape

• Strong understanding of public and government affairs arena
• Extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical and healthcare environments
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills are essential as is an aptitude for engaging and influencing an array of internal and external stakeholders
• High levels of self-initiative, energy and drive are essential characteristics
• Strong background in delivering multi-stakeholder public affairs projects and budgets that help shape the external environment for the company in Ireland
• Extensive understanding of codes practice and legislation
• Well established network in advocacy
• Third level degree in politics or communications