Japan Assistant Representative (Director)
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
To apply, please contact hklemm@phrma.org
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Japan Assistant Representative (Director) for the International Advocacy team to support its international advocacy efforts. The Japan Assistant Representative (Director) will work with the PhRMA Japan Representative and other colleagues to help drive the development and implementation of government and public affairs policy for PhRMA Japan. In this capacity, the PhRMA Japan Assistant Representative will aid in proactively shaping the association’s policies accordingly, in alignment with PhRMA’s overall policy objectives. The position has an external, customer-focused component and will coordinate with peers at member companies, other local trade associations and serve as a representative of the industry in a multitude of meetings. Additionally, the PhRMA Japan Assistant Representative will help coordinate management and administrative matters related to PhRMA’s Japan Office.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Play a strong coordination role between PhRMA Japan, PhRMA DC, the Japan-based Executive Committee (JBEC), PhRMA Japan committees and outside stakeholders, in coordination with the PhRMA Japan team.
Develop, evaluate and execute select science and regulatory advocacy priorities in Japan, in close collaboration with member company science and regulatory colleagues and other relevant JBEC committees.
Manage, in conjunction with peers, projects and initiatives related to science and regulatory advocacy efforts (e.g., soliciting member company input, support cross-functional discussions within PhRMA and JBEC member companies, engaging external stakeholders, creating project plans, and executing initiatives). Be the main point of contact to select S&R work groups to ensure activities are aligned with PhRMA’s consensus scientific and regulatory policy and advocacy positions.
Collaborate with local company representatives, local associations, and PhRMA colleagues in and outside of Japan, to identify key issues that could impact the industry, positively or negatively in Japan.
Aid in the development and implementation of action plans, together with local company representatives and PhRMA colleagues in and outside of Japan.
Work with colleagues and outside vendors to support association’s advocacy and other needed materials, leveraging existing materials and guided by global best practices.
Support PhRMA Japan committees as assigned (e.g., set up regular meetings/ teleconferences, provide advice and guidance, facilitate desired committee activities, facilitate reporting to the JBEC and PhRMA DC as needed, etc).
Support the work of the JBEC, including developing agendas for JBEC meetings and annual strategy meetings, development of needed materials.
Coordinate efforts to ensure that decisions made by PhRMA DC and/or the JBEC are fully and faithfully implemented by the relevant committees.
Support visits of PhRMA DC team members and Senior Executives from member companies, including the annual “PhRMA Days” visit by the PhRMA global chairman.
Continue to cultivate detailed knowledge related to the industry and areas assigned.
Serve as a resource on Japan-related issues for PhRMA DC, Japan-based members and other key stakeholders.
Desired Skills:
Adaptable/flexible and comfortable working in an international environment, excellent verbal and written communication skills, good at garnering consensus, proactive, well-organized, creative thinker, and a team player. Fluency in Japanese (native level) and English is essential. The successful candidate should have at least 6 years of experience doing government and/or public affairs in Japan. Knowledge of the healthcare sector is desirable but not essential. More specifically, the following skills are desired:
Highly motivated and a self-starter who thrives in a busy environment.
Open minded, quick learner, and high level of curiosity.
Understands emerging public policy issues in Japan and related risks that could affect a highly complex industry.
Knowledge of how to develop policy positions and relevant background.
Ability to build relationships within the association, with member companies, with other external constituencies, including policy makers and influencers in international venues.
Outstanding communications skills, both written and verbal, and be able to translate complex issues in an understandable and compelling manner.
Results-oriented, able to quantify results in measurable terms.
Integrity and commitment to ethical behavior always.
Key Success Factors:
PhRMA seeks a proactive, solutions-oriented, individual who is passionate about contributing to the health care challenges we face today. Key success factors for this role include a strong sense of team and collaborative focus as well as the ability to work independently. The preferred candidate will have a background in drug development, regulatory affairs and advocacy expertise, and be an organized, detail-oriented self-starter with excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex content in an audience-appropriate and compelling manner.
Demonstrated consensus building among internal and external stakeholders, decision-making and interpersonal skills are essential. This is a fast-paced position that is both internally and externally facing. Accordingly, the successful candidate should be adaptable, able to reprioritize and shift gears quickly, comfortable in a high-pressure environment and be politically savvy, diplomatic, and responsive.
