External Affairs Manager, Slovenia

The External Affairs Manager for Slovenia plays a vital role in developing and implementing strategic government affairs, corporate affairs, and external communication activities. This role fosters positive relationships with government agencies, business and trade associations, policymakers, healthcare stakeholders, patient associations, media representatives, and the local community. The manager ensures alignment between AbbVie's business objectives, corporate values and key legislative and policy developments while enhancing AbbVie's reputation as a transparent, responsible, and innovation-driven organization. Responsibilities will be divided equally between Government Affairs and Corporate Affairs tasks.

Responsibilities

Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting the pharmaceutical market in Slovenia; Develop and execute government affairs strategies to foster a patient-centered and innovation-friendly policy environment; Provide policy and stakeholder intelligence to inform strategic decision-making and identify risks and opportunities; Build and maintain trusted relationships with government officials, industry associations, healthcare authorities, and other stakeholders; Represent AbbVie in policy and system-level negotiations and discussions with government bodies and institutions such as relevant Slovenian ministries, health authorities, public payers and insurance institutions; Work cross-functionally with Market Access, Medical, Legal, Communications, and Commercial teams to ensure strategic alignment and compliance; Drive corporate communication and external affairs activities in Slovenia to build and protect AbbVie's reputation; Design and deploy communication strategies that shape public and policymaker opinion using data-driven narratives and third-party support; Manage media relations and advocacy campaigns to support AbbVie's policy objectives and business priorities; Support public representation of senior leadership through effective communication plans; Partner with local and regional healthcare stakeholders including patient advocacy groups, universities, and professional associations to build a positive corporate reputation; Collaborate with various internal teams to integrate external affairs initiatives into broader marketing and business campaigns

Requirements

University degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Law, Economics, Health Policy, or a related discipline; Professional experience in public affairs, government affairs, or corporate communications, preferably within healthcare or a highly regulated environment; Proven experience in stakeholder management, government relations, and policy advocacy; Strong understanding of healthcare policy and regulatory frameworks in Slovenia and the broader region; Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills; Ability to analyze complex policy and scientific topics and translate them into clear and credible messages; Demonstrated strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to operate in a dynamic matrix environment; Proficiency in English at business executive level; Slovenian language proficiency is essential; High personal integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to patient-focused values