Description Global External Affairs Lead About Astellas Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. .Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients? We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact. Location and Working Environment
1. This position is hybrid and will require you to be onsite 1 day per quarter in our office in Belgium.
2. This position may require travel domestically and/or internationally.
3. Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines Statement- At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
Purpose & Scope
4. As Global External Affairs Lead, you will help shape Astellas’ voice in a rapidly shifting geopolitical and industrial landscape ensuring our innovation agenda is understood, supported, and enabled by the stakeholders who influence the future of healthcare.
5. This role sits at the nexus of global policy, reputation leadership, and strategic engagement, driving integrated advocacy across priority markets and multilateral arenas. You will help position Astellas as a trusted partner in life-sciences innovation, strengthen our influence on critical policy debates, and build the external alliances necessary to protect and expand patient access to breakthrough therapies. This is a high-impact opportunity for a seasoned public affairs leader to play a defining role in the company’s global visibility and long-term competitiveness.
6. Joining the Global Public Affairs team and reporting to the VP, Head of Global Public Affairs, you will be joining the organization in a transformative phase in which we are strengthening our enterprise capability in public affairs.
Role and Responsibilities
7. Build, manage, and elevate relationships with major global policy organizations (e.g., IFPMA, EFPIA, PhRMA, BIAC/OECD Health and Others).
8. Develop and execute a strategic external engagement roadmap aligned with Astellas’ global policy priorities including innovation, health system sustainability, biotech competitiveness, and trade.
9. Represent Astellas in global and regional policy coalitions, alliances, working groups, and taskforces.
10. Ensure alignment of advocacy narratives across stakeholder groups emphasizing innovation, access, and patient benefit.
11. Partner closely with Market Access, Patient Partnerships, Sustainability, and Regional Policy & Government Affairs leads to enable coordinated global and local advocacy.
Required Qualifications
12. Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Policy, International Relations, Life Sciences, Economics, or related field.
13. Proven experience in public policy, government affairs, external relations, or similar strategic roles within the life sciences sector or an international policy institution.
14. Deep understanding of global health policy, innovation, regulation, and access frameworks.
15. Proven success in building coalitions and influencing complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
16. Strong ability to translate policy engagement into meaningful business outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
17. Experience in the pharmaceutical or broader healthcare industry.
18. Consultancy background in public affairs or strategic communications.
19. Experience working with national or regional healthcare industry associations.
20. Government, parliamentary, or regulatory agency experience.
What awaits you at Astellas?
21. Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
22. Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
23. Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
24. A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
Our Organizational Values and Behaviors
25. Impact
26. Innovation
27. Integrity
28. One Astellas
29. Accountability
30. Courage
31. Sense of Urgency
32. Outcome Focus
Benefits We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address. If you encounter a fake profile or anything suspicious, report it promptly to LinkedIn's support team through LinkedIn Help.
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