Public Affairs Intern
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Job Description
OBJECTIVES / PURPOSE
- The Public Affairs Intern will support the Public Affairs function in monitoring the political, regulatory and healthcare environment in Spain and Europe, contributing to stakeholder engagement activities, policy analysis and internal strategic projects.
The role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in pharmaceutical public affairs, healthcare policy, government affairs and stakeholder management, while developing an understanding of how public policy influences patient access to innovation and healthcare sustainability.
SCOPE
Supports Public Affairs activities across Spain.
Collaborates with Market Access, Medical, Business Units, Communications and Patient Advocacy functions.
Exposure to national and European healthcare policy developments.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Policy Monitoring & Intelligence
- Monitor legislative, regulatory and political developments affecting the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in Spain and Europe.
- Track healthcare reforms, pharmaceutical policy initiatives, public procurement developments, pricing and reimbursement policies, HTA developments and patient-related legislation.
- Prepare summaries, policy briefings and reports for internal stakeholders.
- Support horizon-scanning activities and identification of emerging risks and opportunities.
Stakeholder Mapping & Analysis
- Assist in maintaining stakeholder databases and mapping exercises involving government, regulatory agencies, parliamentarians, patient organizations, think tanks and industry associations.
- Conduct background research on institutional stakeholders and healthcare decision-makers.
- Support preparation of briefing materials for meetings with external stakeholders.
Industry Associations & External Engagement
- Support preparations for working groups and meetings involving industry associations such as Farmaindustria and other relevant organizations.
- Assist with coordination of company inputs into industry consultations and policy initiatives.
Internal Projects
- Support cross-functional projects related to healthcare policy, patient access and the external environment.
- Assist in preparing presentations, dashboards and executive-level materials for country leadership.
- Contribute to internal communication of policy developments and public affairs priorities.
Digital & Data Analysis
- Use data sources and digital tools to monitor policy developments and stakeholder activity.
- Support development of policy intelligence reports and visual materials.
- Explore innovative approaches, including AI-enabled tools, to improve insight generation and monitoring activities.
- Assist in the development of stakeholder maps and influence analysis using digital tools and data sources to support Public Affairs engagement strategie
CORE ELEMENTS RELATED TO THIS ROLE
Supports the Public Affairs team in understanding, assessing and navigating the political, regulatory and healthcare policy environment in Spain and Europe.
Contributes to the development of policy intelligence and stakeholder insights that support Takeda's Public Affairs priorities.
Supports advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting patient access, healthcare sustainability and innovation-friendly healthcare policies.
Assists in the monitoring of legislative and regulatory developments affecting the pharmaceutical sector and patient access to medicines.
Gains direct exposure to interactions with healthcare stakeholders including government institutions, industry associations, patient organizations and healthcare policy experts.
Develops understanding of how Public Affairs contributes to Takeda's mission of improving patient outcomes through a favorable external environment.
DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTS:
Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise (Breadth and depth of knowledge, application and complexity of technical knowledge)
Develops knowledge of the healthcare, political and regulatory environment relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, building an understanding of how policy decisions influence patient access, healthcare sustainability and innovation. Supports the monitoring and analysis of healthcare policy developments and contributes to the preparation of internal insights and recommendations for business stakeholders. Gains exposure to stakeholder engagement, advocacy initiatives and healthcare policy topics under the guidance of the Public Affairs team.
Leadership (Vision, strategy and business alignment, people management, communication, influencing others, managing change)
Demonstrates curiosity, accountability and a willingness to learn while contributing to Public Affairs priorities and cross-functional initiatives. Collaborates effectively with colleagues across the organisation, communicates clearly and professionally, and progressively develops influencing and stakeholder engagement capabilities. Embraces Takeda's culture and values, acting in a patient-focused, respectful and collaborative manner.
Decision-making and Autonomy (The capacity and authority to make organizational decisions, autonomy in decision-making, complexity of decisions, impact of decisions, problem-solving)
Works under the direction of the Public Affairs Lead while progressively taking ownership of assigned projects and deliverables. Exercises judgement when gathering, analysing and summarising information, and develops problem-solving skills through participation in projects involving healthcare policy, stakeholder engagement and external environment analysis. Learns to assess risks, opportunities and strategic implications within a highly regulated environment.
Interaction (The span and nature of one's engagement with others when performing one's job, internal and external relationships)
Interacts with colleagues across Public Affairs, Market Access, Medical, Communications, Patient Advocacy and other business functions to support shared objectives. Contributes to projects that may involve interactions with external stakeholders including industry associations, patient organisations, healthcare policy experts and public institutions while gaining exposure to the broader healthcare ecosystem.
Innovation (The required level of scientific knowledge, knowledge sharing, innovation and risk taking)
Contributes ideas and new perspectives to Public Affairs activities while developing an understanding of how healthcare policy can support innovation and better patient outcomes. Utilises digital resources, data sources and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to support policy monitoring and insight generation. Demonstrates a continuous-learning mindset and actively shares knowledge with colleagues.
Complexity (Products managed, mix of businesses, internal and/or external business environment, cultural considerations)
Operates within a dynamic healthcare policy environment characterised by evolving legislation, multiple stakeholder perspectives and increasing demands on healthcare systems. Supports projects related to policy areas affecting pharmaceutical innovation, patient access and healthcare sustainability while developing an understanding of the complexity of decision-making across the healthcare ecosystem.
Performance Culture (Ambitious goals, accountability, speed and delivery of measurable results)
Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and delivers high-quality work within agreed timelines. Demonstrates attention to detail, reliability and responsiveness while contributing to team objectives. Continuously seeks opportunities to improve performance, develop new skills and generate value for patients, the team and the organisation.
Enterprise Orientation (Cross-functional and cross-geography collaboration, sharing best practice, enterprise-first mindset)
Develops an understanding of how Public Affairs contributes to Takeda's broader mission and business objectives. Collaborates across functions and, where relevant, with regional and international colleagues to support common priorities. Demonstrates an enterprise mindset by sharing knowledge, leveraging best practices and supporting initiatives that contribute to long-term value for patients and healthcare systems.
EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
- Degree in political science, law, life sciences, communications or a related field.
- Knowledge of public affairs, government relations or healthcare policy experience in pharma/healthcare.
- Knowledge of the national political, regulatory and healthcare-policy landscape.
- Excellent stakeholder-management, communication, negotiation and representation skills.
- Fluency in the local language and good command of English; strong ethics and compliance mindset.
- Role-models Takeda's six culture pillars: Patient-Centric, People-Minded, Respectful & Collaborative, Decision Effectiveness, Performance Culture and Enterprise Orientation.