Communication Director

GIRP - European Healthcare Distribution Association

Brussels, Belgium

GIRP, the European Healthcare Distribution Association, is the umbrella organisation for pharmaceutical full-line wholesalers in Europe. We represent national associations across 34 European countries, as well as major international and pan-European healthcare distribution companies.

GIRP is in the process of an organisational turnaround, and in this context, we are looking for an experienced communications director to shape and execute a new communications strategy. It is a full-time position, based in Brussels.

While full-line wholesalers are the blood vessels making sure patients across Europe have access to any medication at any time, they are not seen or known by the public nor in many instances by policymakers. By their efficient and continuous efforts, the complex and intensive function they perform is “invisible”. Faced with significant challenges to our core business model, our sector’s voice need to be heard loud and clear. It will be your task to ensure this happens over the coming years. Hence, your contribution will be crucial in delivering on our main goal: to protect the full-line wholesale model, including our commitment to deliver public services to benefit of patients and healthcare systems around Europe.

Responsibilities:

You will lead the associations communications efforts, referring directly to the Director-General, with a small team and budget for external communication services.

As part of our organisational turnaround, you will be tasked with three main deliverables in the first year:

rebranding of the association;
shaping a new external communications strategy, as well as an overhaul of our internal communication with members.

You will work closely with our public affairs team that will enable us to deliver on policy priorities and agendas set by the associations board. You will also be working with our events team to ensure our events become drivers for the messages and priorities we want to be known for. Finally, your team will assist the Director General and President with their public engagements when necessary.

While you will be responsible for developing our new communications strategy, the following specific tasks are foreseen:

Manage our external communications platforms (websites, social media, etc.), incl. allocated budget;
Manage our relations with media outlets;
Manage our communication service providers, incl. allocated budget;
Manage our internal communication platforms (intranet, app, mail services, etc.);
Manage dedicated campaigns;
Responsible for design, visual identity, and assets in this area.

Core qualifications required:

5-7 years proven experience in political and/or organisational communication;
Degree in communication or related fields;
Fluent in English (other European languages are an asset);
Experience working with external service providers or having worked in communications consultancy;
Experience in developing a narrative and bring it to live via strategic planning and execution;
Sense of responsibility and ability to take initiative;
An eye for detail and accuracy in both language and visual presentation;
 Proven experience in MS Office, InDesign, Canva and/or other relevant software.

GIRP is an equal opportunities employer. We strive to offer a safe and sound working environment with focus on as well mental as physical well-being in the workplace.

Deadline for applications is 14 April 2025.