Senior External Affairs Expert - Industry Policy

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The Position

Are you passionate about shaping policy for the life sciences industry in Switzerland? Life sciences is the leading industry sector in Switzerland, contributing about 40% of the country’s export volume. As one of the leading companies in the sector, Roche has an important voice in shaping future policy developments for our industry. This role is a great opportunity for you to contribute to defining and delivering Roche’s contribution for a strong, sustainable and future-proof environment for life science companies in Switzerland.

The Senior Government Affairs Expert will be part of the External Affairs Team, Switzerland. The team strives to improve the political, legal and regulatory environment by interacting with a wide variety of partners. The individual holding this role will work closely with the Head of External Affairs Switzerland on a broad range of industry policy topics in Switzerland. They will guide the strategy development for External Affairs in Switzerland and ensure the close alignment between Swiss and international policy activities at Roche. The incumbent will work with many experts across the company to define the Roche positions in Switzerland related to general industry topics such as Swiss trade policy, international relations from the Swiss angle, implementation of supranational regulation in the Swiss context and other topics as needed. The position holder will represent Roche in key industry associations in Switzerland and interact directly with political stakeholders. The role will report to the Head of External Affairs, Switzerland.

Your opportunities:

External Affairs strategy for Switzerland

• Based on the Roche 10-year ambitions, business objectives and policy priorities, develop and execute advocacy strategies in Switzerland to safeguard Roche’s business model and ability to innovate

• Develop industry policy priorities for Switzerland and interact with senior leaders, political stakeholders and associations to drive them forward

Relationship management

• Build a strong network with colleagues in other Roche policy teams and relevant experts in the business to craft Roche positions in response to the Swiss political discourse in international matters

• Lead the creation of policy position papers in close collaboration with relevant experts to address short term business risks and opportunities, and position Roche successfully

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key collaborators in the Swiss government and other relevant institutions

Engagement and Communication

• Participate in relevant Swiss industry associations to ensure that Roche business interests are taken into consideration (mainly economiesuisse, scienceindustries, Swiss Holdings)

• Shape ongoing debates by contributions in meetings and fora, internal and external

• Contribute to briefings for senior leaders as they interact with politicians on these important issues.

• Provide regular updates to different internal functions on Swiss industry policy

Policy Analysis and Monitoring

• Keep constant oversight of ongoing issues, developments and new trends in industry policy in Switzerland

• Conduct analyses and derive proof points for our positions through data

Who you are

You’re someone who wants to influence your own development. You’re looking for a company where you have the opportunity to pursue your interests across functions and geographies. Where a job title is not considered the final definition of who you are, but the starting point.

You have a University degree in Political Sciences, Law, Economics or a related field. A relevant postgraduate degree is considered a plus. You bring at least 7 years of experience working in government affairs, public affairs, international relations or related functions, at least partly in Switzerland.

In addition, you bring the following competencies:

• Deep understanding of the Swiss political system and profound knowledge of macroeconomic trends

• Industry experience is required, experience in the pharmaceutical or diagnostics/medtech industry is a plus

• Background in trade policy or another important field of industry policy

• Solid understanding of the Swiss industry association landscape and way of working

• Comfortable and proficient in interactions with politicians and senior leaders; Existing network with Swiss political stakeholders is an asset

• Proven record of dealing with complex policy issues and the ability to communicate them clearly

• Strategic thinker with a broad perspective, strong analytical skills, ability to navigate and thrive in complex and fast-paced environments

• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and complete multiple priorities and projects

• Fast learner, able to extract and quickly process key information, summarize key needs or interests of collaborators, and provide targeted and appropriate insights and recommendations

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in German and English, verbal Swiss German and/or French skills are an asset

• High degree of integrity and professionalism and independent working style

This position is located in Basel or Rotkreuz, Switzerland.

Who we are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

Basel is the headquarters of the Roche Group and one of its most important centres of pharmaceutical research. Over 10,700 employees from over 100 countries come together at our Basel/Kaiseraugst site, which is one of Roche`s largest sites. Read more .

Besides extensive development and training opportunities, we offer flexible working options, 18 weeks of maternity leave and 10 weeks of gender independent partnership leave. Our employees also benefit from multiple services on site such as child-care facilities, medical services, restaurants and cafeterias, as well as various employee events.

We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and strive to identify and create opportunities that enable all people to bring their unique selves to Roche.