We're hiring: Director Scientific and Medical Affairs

Vaccines Europe - 10 Jan 2023

About Vaccines Europe 

Vaccines Europe, is a specialised vaccines group within the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), the professional association of the innovative pharmaceutical industry in Europe. Vaccines Europe was created in 1991 to provide a voice for the vaccine industry in Europe. The group represents 15 vaccine companies of all sizes operating in Europe, and currently includes all the major global innovative and research-based vaccine companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises. 

Vaccines Europe’s mission is to support broad access to immunisation, enabling better protection of the health of individuals and the wider community throughout life, with both existing vaccines and those in development. 

Role 

The Director of Scientific and Medical Affairs reports to the Executive Director of Vaccines Europe and will lead the organization’s strategic partnerships, advocacy and outreach on vaccines related legislation and policies, in collaboration with other team members. The Director of Scientific and Medical Affairs will be in charge of leading Vaccines Europe Research, Innovation & Medical strategy.   

Key Responsibilities (include but not limited to) 

• Lead Vaccines Europe Research, Innovation & Medical strategy, and deliver on priorities 
• Lead Vaccines-specific discussions in inter-association platforms and drive members’ collaboration 
• Perform Horizon scanning of EU funding instruments to support an innovative research agenda for vaccines in the EU 
• Development and management of Vaccines Europe’s Scientific and Medical external network 
• Development, management and coordination of Vaccines Europe engagement into public-private, cross-sectorial partnerships initiatives 
• Design and implement advocacy strategies, applying Scientific Affairs expert knowledge and leveraging in-house and external expertise  
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders: EU institutions, Member states, NGOs, other industry organisations, etc.  
• Secure alignment and coordination with international sister organizations on key vaccine research and innovation priorities  
• Development and management of Vaccines Europe external advocacy events on vaccines’ science and innovation and vaccines as essential public health tool 
• Development and implementation of Vaccines Europe’s scientific publication plan  
• Budget and team management 

 Minimum qualifications and assets: 

• University degree required (Bachelor in Biology/Science/Business); A master’s degree in Biology, epidemiology, medical, public health, public policy, international affairs, political science, and/or a Law degree or other advanced degree is desired.  
• Good understanding of infectious diseases, vaccines specificities and vaccination; experience in immunization R&D preferred. 
• Strong public health and political grasp – graduate with 8+ years of direct experience in European health policy and Scientific affairs. Proven track record of effective leadership, including cross-functional leadership of Scientific affairs strategies and projects to support organizational objectives.   
• Excellent knowledge of the EU R&D ecosystem as well as the EU political and legislative decision-making processes and political ecosystem.  Skilled judgement on positioning and tone of sensitive and complex policy issues is essential.  
• Ability to grasp complex technical information and “translate” it for non-expert audiences. 
• Strong communication (written and oral), networking, collaboration and interpersonal skills – ability to build relationships of trust with a wide range of individuals and organizations. 
• Effective, flexible approach to team working.   
• Proven ability to influence others at both peer and senior level. 
• Strategic and flexible thinking – ability to multi-task, project management, handle complex issues, and translate insights into sound analysis and advice to the organisation. 
• High personal accountability and integrity.  
• Must have mother tongue level of English with excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills 

Skills 

• Proven ability to build and maintain close relationships internally and externally.  
• Proven ability to work collaboratively, foster teamwork and drive performance.  
• Flexible team member with positive attitude, energy and ability to prioritise projects.  
• Excellent organisational skills and consistent attention to detail.  
• Good negotiations skills and ability in consensus building, etc. 

Additional assets 

• Experience working within pharmaceutical and/or healthcare industry. 
• Additional European languages 
• Public speaking  

Vaccines Europe offers a permanent contract to start as soon as possible. The role is based in Brussels.

Interested candidates should send their application by 1 February, or address any question on the position to vacancy@efpia.eu. 

Please ensure that your application includes the following: 

1. An updated CV; 

2. A letter of motivation describing what attracts you to this position and why you believe you would be the right person for this job; and   

3. A 1-pager outlining the R&D challenges for the vaccine industry in Europe