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.