Associate Director, Patient Advocacy, Germany

Principal Responsibilities

As a member of the German Corporate Affairs teams, you contribute to the development of annual patient advocacy strategy, goals and patient engagement plans, aligning within Corporate Affairs for Germany and ensure execution per therapeutic area

Build, maintain and enhance strategic and sustainable relationships with patient advocacy organizations (PAOs) in Germany from across the different therapeutic areas of interest to Alexion and other patient advocacy and relevant allied stakeholder organizations

Conceptualize and execute strategy for early engagement in new indications

Identify, build, and maintain strategic and sustainable relationships with new patient communities

Contribute to designing patient-centric processes and establishing best practice of patient engagement across the therapeutic lifecycle in Germany in strong alignment within the Corporate Affairs team (communications, governmental affairs and policy)

Showcase the value of patient advocacy Germany by delivering best-in-class patient engagement across the therapeutic lifecycle

Provide dedicated support to local launch and brand teams as well as other key local workstreams by identifying critical areas for patient engagement / patient input; keep track of and communicate key deliverables, milestones and timelines

Contribute the German advocacy perspective within the International/global Advocacy and Patient Engagement team and beyond, and contribute to global/international work streams where the local perspective is required

Conceptualize and coordinate engagement of PAOs in clinical development programs running and/or planned in Germany

Conceptualize and coordinate engagement of PAOs in the development of local Patient Support Programs (PSPs) working in close partnership with the Patient Medical Program team and local medical team responsible for PSPs

Conceptualize and coordinate engagement of PAOs in data generation initiatives (HEOR/ MR) as well as in relation to local HTA processes or other post-marketing and policy initiatives, in close partnership with Medical Affairs and Market Access teams

Based on local needs assessment, conceptualize and carry out Patient Advisory Boards, focus groups and roundtables with patient representatives, patients, and caregivers, in close collaboration with a cross-functional team

Based on local needs assessment, conceptualize and carry out strategic patient advocacy programs and partnerships related to disease awareness and education, diagnosis, access to appropriate care, and policy advocacy, in close collaboration with a cross-functional team

Educate internal stakeholders about the role of PAOs and our standards of working with PAOs; champion the patient voice and experience at the local level and ensure that patient perspectives are reflected in our thinking and approaches

Manage and track PAO sponsorship process in Germany; coordinate annual disclosure of PAO funding in Germany

Represent Alexion at local PAO events, seminars and conferences

Contribute to the company’s evolving philosophy and long-term vision for patient engagement as well as enhance the patient-centric culture within the company

Identify and create opportunities for other internal functions to engage with and listen to patients and caregivers to learn about their journey and needs

Establish close cross-functional collaboration with all key internal business functions

Demonstrate ability to take initiatives and consistently deliver high-quality work product

Ensure ethically sound and compliant collaboration with PAOs in Germany

Perform at times in previously uncharted territory with few established guidelines or procedures

Manage multiple projects while maintaining an understanding of local and global priorities

Demonstrate ability to take initiative and consistently deliver high-quality work product

Qualifications

Minimum of 6 years of experience in Patient Advocacy

Profound knowledge of German Healthcare System, especially HTA process (AMNOG), policy, role of patient representatives and PAOs

Proven track record of successful interactions and sustainable relationship with patient advocates and patient advocacy groups in Germany and with a focus on rare disease space

Knowledge of the rare disease patient advocacy community in Germany (not mandatory)

Solid knowledge of the medicine’s R&D process and opportunities for patients and patient advocacy groups to contribute to such processes

Knowledge of the legal and regulatory compliance environment impacting the pharma/bio industry and interaction with patient advocacy groups

Understanding of key trends affecting patient engagement and new forms of patient interactions

Intuitive, socially intelligent, flexibility and creativity to excel in a rapidly changing environment

Proven planning and organizational skills with experience managing multiple priorities; ability to prioritize in a shifting environment with a sense of urgency

Strong track record in working cross-functionally

Excellent communication skills both vertically and horizontally

Exceptional sense of ethics

Willingness to travel

Most importantly, a passion for patients and research

Education

University degree required

Fluent in German and English, written and spoken. Additional languages  desirable

Advanced user skills in standard office software applications

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.