Job Description
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The Senior Government Affairs Manager drives AbbVie’s strategic engagement with key Swiss healthcare policy makers, particularly in Bern. The role leverages a strong network of policy influencers and stakeholders to advance AbbVie’s priorities within the Swiss healthcare landscape. With a highly strategic and execution-driven mindset, the Senior Government Affairs Manager collaborates across functions such as Market Access, Government Affairs, Communications, Patient Relations, and Regulatory Affairs to design, communicate, and execute impactful programs and initiatives representing AbbVie’s interests.
Key responsibilities:
* Shapes and leads proactive government affairs strategies to drive and guide the evolution of healthcare and pharmaceutical policy, ensuring alignment and advancement of AbbVie’s business objectives.
* Actively builds, maintains, and strengthens relationships with policy makers and senior stakeholders in Bern, frequently meeting and working with organizations including Interpharma, FMH, pharmaSuisse, prio.swiss, scienceindustries, Swissmedic, BAG, and other relevant Swiss healthcare bodies.
* Proactively forms partnerships and coalitions through regular engagement with senior representatives of current and potential partner organizations, positioning AbbVie as a collaborative and trusted partner in sector-wide discussions and initiatives.
* Possesses deep knowledge of the Swiss healthcare system and understands national policy-making mechanisms.
* Leads priority programs, represents AbbVie to third-party stakeholders and senior public officials, organizing ongoing briefings to inform General Manager’s involvement in trade associations.
* Organizes and guides strategic stakeholder meetings and events at the national level, with frequent direct interactions, policy dialogues in Bern, and active participation in regional relationship-building.
* Collaborates closely with Market Access, Communications, Patient Relations, Regulatory Affairs, and other key internal teams for cohesive execution.
Qualifications
* University degree in Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Healthcare, or a related field
* At least 6-8 years of professional experience demonstrated ability to develop and execute government affairs plans
* Proven track record of building strategic relationships with healthcare policy makers in Bern, with an active network to leverage
* Advanced knowledge of healthcare legal topics and legislative processes, including experience with legislative revisions, is considered an asset for candidates applying for the Senior Government Affairs role.
* Business fluency in German and English; French is an advantage
* Strong project management and strategic planning skills
Critical skills required for the role:
* Reliable and trustworthy team player and proactive self-motivated approach and initiative driven mindset
* Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills
* Strategic thinker with proven ability to execute complex projects under pressure
* Curious learner with an extensive stakeholder network and influence capabilities
You don’t have to bring a classic pharma-company background. We’re looking for healthcare policy shapers, who could also come from Swiss-based organisations and associations like Interpharma, IFPMA, scienceindustries, HCI, HCO, or a National Political Party staffer etc.
Additional Information
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
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