BRIEF COMPANY PROFILE
ViNordic (Veterinary Industry Nordic) is a non-profit organization that represents the veterinary medicine industry in the Nordic countries, advocating for access to prescription medicines for both production and companion animals. ViNordic describes itself as: “The voice of the animal medicines industry in the Nordics” Formally established in its current form in late 2017, ViNordic grew out of a Danish industry association VIF (originally Veterinærmedicinsk Industriforening) founded in 1992 and expanded to cover all Nordic countries. ViNordic is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and is the single unified industry body for the veterinary pharmaceutical sector across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. In pursuing this mission, ViNordic emphasizes science-based decision-making and responsible use of medications. For example, the association advocates that policies to combat antimicrobial resistance must be grounded in evidence and not lead to under-treatment of sick animals, stressing that veterinary medicines are an essential part of good animal welfare and should be used judiciously. This principle reflects ViNordic’s broader goal of promoting animal health in ways that also protect public health. This is what’s called a “One Health” approach linking animal and human health, by ensuring veterinarians have the needed tools like vaccines and antibiotics, to prevent and treat disease in animals responsibly. ViNordic’s Association Members are among the world’s leading developers, manufacturers, and marketeers of prescription medicines for animals. Operations and Business Model ViNordic’s non-profit status and mission-driven approach means its “business model” is oriented around advocacy for industry positions and delivering high service levels for member companies. Services offered include position papers, guidance documents, industry statistics, and educational efforts that benefit both its member companies and external stakeholders (like vets and farmers who ultimately need access to medicines). The association’s value proposition to its members is that by speaking with a collective voice, they can achieve outcomes that individual companies could not easily accomplish alone: Streamlined regulations across the region. Faster approvals for new drugs. Defending against unfounded restrictions. At the same time, ViNordic couches its advocacy in terms of societal responsibility. It actively promotes the idea that animal health industries are partners in promoting animal welfare and public health, not just commercial actors. This approach helps maintain the association’s credibility with policymakers and the public. ViNordic helps member companies unify their market from national, small markets to a Nordic market. Working under the larger Nordic landscape brings several benefits, these translate into a wider opportunity range, and more importantly, broader supply of veterinary products in the region. ViNordic’s Purpose The purpose of ViNordic is to create the best possible frames for providing approved veterinary pharmaceuticals for animals to the Nordic market through scientific and objective cooperation. The purpose is achieved by: Enhancing the image of the industry as a trustworthy partner for all relevant stakeholders. Informing about the industry and the importance for the health and well-being of animals and humans. Keeping the members of the association updated on all matters relevant for the industry. Enforcing the ethical code of conduct on marketing of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Enhancing the international cooperation in the industry. Ensuring proper information on veterinary pharmaceuticals to the Nordic veterinarians.

THE POSITION
The Head of Secretariat at ViNordic will assume full responsibility and leadership of the day-to-day operations and further development of the Nordic veterinary industry association. This pivotal role will play a key part in strengthening ViNordic’s presence across all five Nordic countries, aligning with member companies’ needs while driving service efficiency and stakeholder engagement. The Head of Secretariat will oversee the secretariat’s employees, ensuring smooth administration and operational excellence, while also being accountable for the financial sustainability of the organization. Furthermore, the position will hold primary responsibility for implementing strategic plans in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and member companies, ensuring that ViNordic continues to represent and advocate effectively for the veterinary pharmaceutical industry at both Nordic, European and global levels. The position will also represent ViNordic externally, including participation in AnimalhealthEurope, the European-level association for the veterinary medicine industry. A strong ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with Nordic authorities, industry partners, and international stakeholders will be key.

POSITION PROFILE
Position title:	Head of Secretariat.

Reporting line:	The Board of ViNordic.

Reporting to the position:	2 direct reports (Project Manager + Technical Manager).

Location:	Copenhagen.

Traveling:	Moderate.

Responsibilities & Tasks:	Implementing the strategic plans for ViNordic while putting the association firmly on the Nordic map. Creating a close bond to member companies ensuring they feel heard. Taking care of ongoing strategic work in cooperation with the Board of Directors and member companies. Lobbying key ViNordic agendas. Representing ViNordic to relevant stakeholders -hereunder building and extending multi-tiered stakeholder cooperations with national authorities, policymakers, universities, members, associations, and other Nordic and international stakeholder groups to improve coordination and impact. Ensuring continuous momentum in the various technical committees and marketing boards. Representing ViNordic in AnimalhealthEurope, the association for the veterinary medicine industry at European level. Expanding the member base. Ensuring the financial health of ViNordic through hands-on management of operational budget, liquidity budget and overall financial management. Managing and motivating the secretariat's employees. Managing and overseeing the administrative procedures.

Key success criteria:	Consolidating the Secretariat organization, including coordination with the company’s outsourced services in bookkeeping and IT. Ensuring strong performance of the organization and harmonize operations between the Secretariat organization, Technical Committees and Marketing Boards. Expanding the membership base to cover the majority of veterinary industry companies in the Nordics. Ensuring that ViNordic offers a harmonized set of services and activities across all Nordic countries. Enhancing service levels for member companies and aligning organizational costs with expanded Nordic activities. Ensuring timely delivery of projects and managing resource allocation and task delegation successfully.

CANDIDATE PROFILE
Educational background:	Academic background, preferably with experience in relation to the veterinary pharmaceutical industry or related life science fields.

Language:	Fluency in English (verbally and written) + 1 Nordic language

Ideal experience:	Management experience with the ability to inspire, motivate, and lead employees. Experience in public administration, regulation, or political processes within one or more Nordic countries. Demonstrated lobbying and advocacy capabilities, with the ability to communicate and sell messages effectively. Preferably an established network and familiarity with the veterinary medicine industry at Nordic and international levels.

Personal & leadership competencies:	Autonomous and Self-Motivated Operates independently with confidence and drive, demonstrating the ability to take initiative and progress tasks without constant direction. Sees opportunities rather than obstacles and maintains momentum even in complex or ambiguous situations. Persistent, Enthusiastic and Results-Oriented Keeps focus on agreed objectives and follows through until results are achieved. Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenges, adapts approaches when necessary, and ensures tasks are completed to a high standard despite setbacks. Strong Personality and Management Skills Exhibits authority and presence in professional settings, earning respect and credibility through competence and fairness. Able to lead, motivate, and develop employees, ensuring accountability while fostering collaboration and growth within the team. Communication and Public Affairs Skills Communicate ideas, lobby positions and formulate decisions clearly, precisely, and with confidence. Listens actively and adjusts messages to the audience, while demonstrating strong negotiation capabilities that ensure constructive outcomes and lasting relationships. Diplomatic, informal and Team-Oriented Handles sensitive matters tactfully and with respect for differing perspectives. Balances firmness with empathy and actively seeks consensus where possible. Is informal and works well across teams and cultures, building trust and collaboration to achieve common objectives. Business Knowledge Possesses a strong understanding of business dynamics and decision-making processes, enabling effective prioritization and resource allocation. Identifies opportunities for organizational improvement and applies sound judgment to balance commercial, political, and strategic considerations. Language Skills Expresses ideas fluently and convincingly in multiple languages, both spoken and written, enabling effective communication across the Nordic region and internationally. Demonstrates cultural awareness and adaptability in cross-border interactions.