Head of Policy, Advocacy

CSL is a global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of lifesaving medicines, including those that treat haemophilia and immune deficiencies, vaccines to prevent influenza, and therapies in iron deficiency and nephrology. Since the company foundation in 1916, CSL has been driven by the promise to save lives using the latest technologies. Today, CSL is organized in three businesses: CSL Seqirus, CSL Behring and CSL Vifor, providing lifesaving products to patients in more than 100 countries and employs 32,000 people, of which more than 2,000 dedicated to R&D.

As one of the largest influenza vaccine providers in the world – second global player in a $6B industry - CSL Seqirus is a major contributor to the prevention of influenza globally and a transcontinental partner in pandemic preparedness. CSL Seqirus utilizes egg, cell and adjuvant technologies to offer a broad portfolio of differentiated influenza vaccines in more than 20 countries. The company has a global manufacturing presence, with manufacturing sites in Australia, US and UK.

To support CSL Seqirus’s commercial market entry in the French market and achieve multi-stakeholder goals for improved Influenza and COVID-19 prevention as well as pandemic preparedness, the company is creating a new role of Head of Policy, Advocacy & Government Affairs (PAGA), France.

The Head of Policy, Advocacy & Government Affairs (PAGA), France will drive a viral respiratory disease policy agenda across the French market, building strong stakeholder networks and leading broad policy engagement based on shared public health interests, creating and implementing strategies that optimize the policy environment for CSL in France. The leader will support CSL Seqirus’s commercial market entry and achieve multi-stakeholder goals for improved Influenza and COVID-19 prevention as well as pandemic preparedness.

The Head of PAGA, France will also be responsible for identifying strategic policy risks and opportunities and providing analysis, insights and recommended strategies to the CSL Seqirus team. The leader will be a proactive partner to the French Commercial team, working closely with local Medical Affairs and Communications colleagues.  It will also contribute to international policy and advocacy strategies and be a strong collaborator with CSL Seqirus policy, advocacy and government affairs team members in the International region as well as globally. The key focus of the role will be an enterprise role with focus on CSL Seqirus geo-expansion in Years 1 and 2, with some time spent also on other Business Unit priorities as determined by local leadership in collaboration with CSL Seqirus.

The ideal candidate is an experienced leader in Public Affairs, Policy and Government affairs roles, ideally bringing prior experience in Vaccines or Rare Diseases. This role is well-suited to an individual who is keen to play a “trail blazer” role and can lead effectively within a matrixed local business environment. Additionally, the individual should have a demonstrated ability to not only inspire and motivate others, but also “roll up their sleeves” and personally deliver results.

In terms of responsibilities for the role, we would highlight the following:

• develop and implement strategies in France to shape policy outcomes and funding opportunities that support differentiation, vaccine uptake and pandemic readiness.

• identify and analyze strategic policy risks and opportunities, providing policy insights and solutions to the local CSL Seqirus and CSL Behring (and eventually also CSL Vifor) teams.

• drive an influenza policy agenda within the major trade body (Leem), contributing to relevant working groups and coordinating cross-functional, cross-business unit participation as required.

• build strong relationships, networks and alliances with French policy stakeholders including parliamentarians, government agencies, coalitions, academics, KOLs and advocacy groups.

• drive the French grants process to foster research, evidence-based programs and education that support our policy ambitions and strengthen our stakeholder network.

• lead the development of relevant submissions, position papers and policy materials tailored to the French environment, facilitating input from internal experts.

• ensure compliance with industry Codes and the CSL Seqirus approval process for grants, submissions, presentations and other materials used in policy outreach.

• contribute to the European policy, advocacy and government affairs strategies, participating in global team meetings and ensuring collaboration and alignment within CSL Seqirus and the various CSL policy teams.

• collaborate with the EMEA Communications lead in the development of creative media strategies for amplifying policy messaging and contributes content for use in Seqirus channels.

• manage agency partners in France, ensuring clear and aligned briefs and high-impact delivery in accordance with budget.

In terms of required knowledge and/or experience we would highlight the following:

• At least 7 years’ experience in public affairs, policy and government affairs roles, preferably in large, complex organizations which may include government. Prior experience in Vaccines or Rare Diseases will be appreciated but is not required.

• University or Bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree in political science, public policy, public health or MBA/JD would be an advantage.

• Demonstrated sustained ability to influence at senior levels, collaborate within a matrixed organization and drive outstanding commercial results through effective policy, advocacy and government affairs strategies.

• Deep knowledge and nuanced understanding of the European pharma/biotech/vaccines landscape and related political affairs, and in particular the public health environment in France.

• Well-established stakeholder relationships and networks with key decision makers, opinion leaders and advocacy groups in the influenza community in France.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to grasp the implications and act on complex and multi-dimensional issues that impact the industry and CSL.

• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills with the ability to represent and speak on behalf of CSL in high level meetings and in public fora.

• Excellent organisational, planning and project management skills involving cross-functional teams.

• Fluency in French and English.        

In terms of leadership competencies, we would highlight the following:

• Thought leadership/ assertiveness - a leader with executive presence and gravitas, strategic, able to be recognised as a thought leader, self-confident and assertive (but without being perceived as arrogant or pushy)

• Achiever/ Doer -  a ‘hands-on’ leader, results oriented, with a significant track record of having personally delivered results in her/his previous experiences;

• Customer-orientation – a leader who clearly acts client-first, externally representing well CLS, and internally, managing effectively the different stakeholders, including CSL Seqirus cross-functional team, BU GMs and company Executive Leadership (C-suite + BU LTs)

• Self-starter – a leader who acts with a significant degree of autonomy, while keeping the relevant stakeholders informed timely and appropriately.

The role is based in Paris, France.

CSL Vifor aims to become the global leader in iron deficiency and nephrology.

The company is a partner of choice for pharmaceuticals and innovative patient-focused solutions across iron, dialysis, nephrology and rare conditions. CSL Vifor strives to help patients around the world with severe, chronic and rare diseases lead better, healthier lives. It specializes in strategic global partnering, in-licensing and developing, manufacturing and marketing pharmaceutical products for precision patient care.

For more information, please visit viforpharma.com

As a global organization with employees in 35+ countries, CSL embraces diversity and inclusion. Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at CSL.