Public Affairs Manager with a focus on EU

We are looking for a Public Affairs Manager with broad experience and a strong EU-network to leverage EU-related public affairs activities of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings.

The foundation is increasing its engagement with stakeholders at EU-level such as institutions, politicians, public administration, organisations, and NGOs. The role as Public Affairs Manager focusing on EU affairs offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s overall vision of improving people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet.  

The Novo Nordisk Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic actors in the world. Thus, in 2024 it awarded DKK 10bn (EUR 1,35bn) in grants.

The Job

The Novo Nordisk Foundation aims to support and engage in excellent research and innovation in close collaboration with public and private stakeholders. In this role you will work closely with two colleagues working on EU-related public affairs activities to strengthen the dialogue with public and private stakeholders within and around the EU system. You will be able to demonstrate your in-depth understanding of current policy developments, particularly in research, innovation, the life science ecosystem, critical technologies and energy.

The tasks will include:

• Identifying, building, and maintaining relevant stakeholder relations within the EU and related organisations
• Building alliances and partnerships with relevant EU stakeholders
• Monitoring and influencing institutional, political, and regulatory developments in EU within areas of importance to the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings

• Running day-to-day operations, business activities and providing public affairs support and advice across the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings
• Designing and heading specific EU public affairs activities to drive change within relevant policy areas
• Working actively with agenda setting at EU and member state level

The position is based in Brussels, and you will be working from our office there. Regular travel activities to the headquarters in Copenhagen must be expected according to agreed-upon terms.

You will be part of our Public Affairs team with 7 colleagues, which is anchored in the Corporate Affairs department. We value a dynamic and high-performance working environment, where engagement and proactivity drive our activities. Working together as a dedicated team is key to provide the best solutions in everything we do.

Professional and personal qualifications

The ideal candidate has a minimum of +5 years’ experience with EU-related public affairs.

Furthermore, we expect that you have:

• A master’s degree in political science, European studies, communication, or other relevant educational background
• Knowledge of EU decision-making processes and the political, regulatory, and scientific landscape within the EU that are relevant to the stakeholders of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings, e.g. within life sciences, sustainability, research and innovation, and more
• A strong and broad network within the EU environment
• Strong skills in managing stakeholder relationships and engaging at all levels effectively
• The ability to independently drive processes and projects
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbally and written
• Experience with public affairs related to research, innovation, the life science ecosystem, critical technologies and energy are seen as assets but not required.

As a person, you are purpose driven with a positive attitude and you have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build professional relationships and engage stakeholders at all levels.

You are also:

• Leading processes and projects independently
• Analytical, proactive and with a structured approach to problem-solving
• Professional, quality-conscious and impact-oriented
• An active contributor to the team and has a collaborative mindset.

Work at the Novo Nordisk Foundation

We offer a committed and professional workplace in which we emphasize ensuring that our colleagues thrive, are challenged, and have the opportunity to develop their potential. A career at the Novo Nordisk Foundation gives you the opportunity to work: 

• On important projects that improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet.  
• With key actors within research and development in Denmark and internationally.
• And as part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating impact.

Application and Information

For more information, please contact Public Affairs Director Alexandra Lichtenstein Kaarsen on e-mail:

. We encourage you to send your application and CV as soon as possible, and no later than 31 March 2025.