Job offer – Policy Officer

POLICY OFFICER in the area of patient advocacy and patient engagement

The European Patient Advocacy Institute (EPAI), established as a non-profit organisation in Germany in 2017, acts as an education and research platform to strengthen patient advocacy and patient involvement.

 

We are looking for an engaged Policy Officer, to drive forward our exciting policy initiatives in patient engagement and patient advocacy.

      • Full time / 1-year contract.
      • Working language is English.
      • Travel up to 30 days a year.
      • Home based, European Union, preferably Germany, Belgium or Spain.
      • Gross salary: 42.000-50.000 EUR/year.

 

Tasks

      • Monitor current and upcoming consultations on EU healthcare policies affecting pan-European patient communities and organizations, including pharmaceutical legislation, regulatory processes, rare disease policy, cancer policy (including the Beating Cancer Plan and Cancer Mission), GDPR/data protection, respiratory policies, European Health Data space, and digital health initiatives.
      • Keep track of consultation timelines and comitology processes to ensure timely coordination and submission of responses.
      • Provide strategic consultancy on how the patient community can respond to policy consultations, soliciting input from pan-European organizations and their members to facilitate joint positions or harmonized submissions.
      • Suggest and pursue strategies to partner with healthcare stakeholders and European societies to advocate for specific policy positions.
      • Develop and implement communications strategies for policy-oriented positions and projects, including disseminating position papers, supporting awareness campaigns, and planning dissemination activities.
      • Conduct thorough research and analysis on emerging healthcare policy issues, trends, and best practices at the EU and international levels.
      • Develop policy briefs, white papers, and other advocacy materials to effectively communicate EPAI’s positions and recommendations to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
      • Represent EPAI at external meetings, conferences, and events to advocate for patient-centric policies and build strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders, where requested by EPAI.
      • Collaborate with internal teams, to ensure alignment and coherence in advocacy efforts.
      • Provide training and capacity-building support to patient advocates and organizations on policy advocacy strategies and techniques.
      • Monitor and evaluate the impact of EPAI’s advocacy efforts, including tracking policy outcomes, media coverage, and stakeholder engagement.
      • Support fundraising and grant-writing efforts by providing policy analysis and strategic input for project proposals and funding requests.
      • Stay abreast of developments in EU funding opportunities and contribute to the development of project proposals and grant applications.
      • Contribute to the development and implementation of EPAI’s strategic plan and annual work plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
      • Report to the managing director of EPAI and the respective responsible person in the patient organization.

Required experience and skills

      • University degree in public policy, political science, law, healthcare administration or related field.
      • Minimum professional experience of 4 years as a policy specialist, policy manager or consultant.
      • Commitment in delivering work on time and within budget.
      • Excellent organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.
      • Very advanced English (C2), written and spoken.
      • Professional skills in developing and holding PPT presentations.
      • High-level ability to use electronic office and online tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Email, Telegram) and open minded towards new tools.
      • Ability to be pro-active, flexible, self-driven and work independently from home office and our Munich office (if needed), within tight deadlines.
      • Experience of collaborative working in a virtual environment (with a team distributed across Europe).
      • Commitment to patient-centred healthcare and the core values of patient-led organizations.
      • Availability to travel.

Desired experience and skills

      • Knowledge/experience in working with pharmaceutical companies, preferably in the field of patient engagement and patient advocacy.
      • Knowledge/experience in collaborating/working with patient communities/patient organisations.
      • Knowledge/experience in working either in the non-profit sector, in a health-related consultancy or in patient advocacy.
      • Knowledge of European healthcare system.
      • Knowledge of EU law is a plus.
      • Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.

    How to Apply

      • Apply for this job offer by sending your CV and your motivation letter to HR@patientadvocacy.eu with the subject “Application Policy Officer”.