Program Manager

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. 

At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging.

About Us

The Health Team at Edelman Public & Government Affairs (P&GA) Brussels is looking for a talented public affairs professional with a minimum of four years’ experience in healthcare public / government affairs.

Ideally, you’ll have experience working in an EU institution, in the private sector, a consultancy, trade association, not-for-profit organization, or national government. The successful candidate will work with our existing health clients, as well as help us develop new business opportunities. We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and writing skills, an eye for detail, a passion for healthcare, and who thrives on using creative public affairs strategies to solve complex policy problems.

Edelman’s P&GA practice brings together policy expertise, strategic advisory, and communications to help clients navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical and regulatory environment.

Our work sits at the intersection of business, policy and society, combining government affairs, corporate strategy, sustainability and impact, and geopolitical risk advisory to support informed decision-making and drive meaningful engagement with stakeholders.

We partner with organisations to anticipate policy developments, shape regulatory outcomes, and build trust with governments, institutions, and wider society. Our mission is to help clients operate with confidence and credibility in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Position Overview

Program Managers support client strategy development, monitor issues, manage projects, review drafts, and finalize deliverables for clients as assigned. Program Managers also support research and issues monitoring for new business and thought leadership development. Program Managers report to Directors and can oversee Analysts and Research Associates.

Scope of Work

• A focus on EU health policy, engagement, and advisory programs for clients.
• Lead day-to-day operations of an account workstream and work hand-in-hand with senior team members.
• Conduct comprehensive research and prepare reports that simplify complex issues into easily understandable briefs for clients.
• Design and implement fully integrated programs to achieve outcomes on critical issues in the health and life science sectors and multilateral organizations.
• Foster collaboration and consensus-building among internal and external partners, including colleagues and clients from around the globe.
• Supporting thought leadership development.
• Provide value-add analysis and monitoring on client issues.
• Represent Edelman P&GA by attending industry and sector events and networking.
• Support the development of client strategies and Scopes of Work to promote, protect, and evolve their interests amidst geopolitical headwinds, shifting consumer sentiment, and an evolving global business environment.
• Oversee and provide leadership to direct reports; establish a standard of expectations and ensure those are met consistently; evolve expectations over time as business needs and circumstances change.
• Empower junior staff by delegating tasks and actively contributing to their motivation and development through coaching and guidance

Basic Qualifications

• At least 4+ years demonstrated track record of success in an EU institution, in the private sector, a consultancy, trade association, not-for-profit organization, or national government.
• University degree in political science, public affairs, international relations, health / health policy, law, or another relevant field.
• Expertise in the politics and policy of health.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills, other languages are a plus.
• Existing permission or the right to work in Belgium.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proactive in nature, constantly curious, and unwaveringly positive attitude.
• Curiosity in how health systems and policymaking processes work.
• Excellent knowledge of EU decision making processes and its stakeholders – previous experience working in the EU institutions and / or Executive Agencies (including internships) is a specific plus.
• Exceptional client / interpersonal skills; ability to manage independent client projects and communicate effectively by phone, email, and in-person to client teams and leadership.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Thrives in a collaborative team environment that focuses on outcomes and can identify and implement the necessary processes to achieve success on behalf of clients.
• Superior ability to write and edit documents and content to ensure clarity, persuasion, and polish.
• Digital literacy through the use of social and digital tools, channels, and platforms that drive public affairs activities with clients.
• Strong leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate, inspire, and guide.
• Skilled in resolving conflicts within the team or with clients and stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Copilot, ChatGPT, and/or other AI tools.

In addition to a competitive salary, the role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Monthly representation allowance.
• Luncheon vouchers for each day worked.
• Employer‑funded group insurance scheme.
• Hospitalization insurance covering you and your immediate family.
• Full reimbursement of public transportation commuting costs; private car use reimbursed in line with applicable legal requirements.
• Company‑provided laptop and smartphone, with communication costs covered by the employer.
• Gym allowance.
• “Work from anywhere” policy allowing up to 30 working days per year after 6 months of employment
• Hybrid working model (three days per week in the office).
• Structured mentorship and access to continuous training and development opportunities.
• Access to a global professional network with offices worldwide.

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.