Government Affairs Associate Director, Gulf

AstraZeneca; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a Government Affairs Associate Director to advance its government engagement strategy. This key leadership role requires a minimum of 8 years in healthcare policy, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the local healthcare landscape. The ideal candidate will drive impactful initiatives, ensuring compliance while enhancing AstraZeneca's reputation. Join us to make a difference in healthcare and patient access.

Benefits

Inclusive and diverse culture

Opportunities for growth and development

Empowerment to influence healthcare solutions

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in healthcare policy or government affairs.
• Understanding of Gulf government healthcare priorities.
• Experience engaging with high-profile government officials.

Responsibilities

• Shape and advance government engagement strategy.
• Lead government affairs projects and initiatives.
• Communicate insights and adaptations to government strategies.
• Ensure compliance and manage policy risks.

Skills

Healthcare policy knowledge

Government relations

Advanced communication skills

Project management expertise

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

JOB TITLE

Government Affairs Associate Director

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, science‑led, patient‑focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Government Affairs Associate Director is responsible for shaping and advancing AstraZeneca’s government engagement strategy to support patient access, healthcare system sustainability, and business objectives. Reporting to the Gulf Corporate Affairs Director, this leadership role drives proactive interactions with government bodies and authorities, aligning AstraZeneca’s priorities with national healthcare agendas and positioning the company as a trusted partner in the external healthcare ecosystem. The role oversees cross‑functional collaboration with commercial, medical, regulatory, and policy teams to deliver impactful programs, manage policy risks, and ensure compliance with evolving legislative and regulatory frameworks. It also provides expert guidance to brand leaders and managers, enabling strategies that reflect government insights, anticipate emerging issues, and strengthen AstraZeneca’s reputation and influence across the Gulf region.

What you’ll do

• Lead and support Government Affairs projects to maximize the effectiveness of interactions with government bodies and officials.
• Engage proactively with government stakeholders, aligning AstraZeneca’s strategy with national healthcare priorities in the Gulf and positioning the company as a trusted partner to the healthcare ecosystem.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen healthcare system sustainability and resilience, working with government and stakeholders to address long‑term challenges and opportunities.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration with commercial, medical, regulatory, and policy teams to deliver agreed projects and programs with government authorities.
• Communicate government insights to AstraZeneca teams enabling leaders to adapt strategies to legislative, regulatory, and healthcare system developments.
• Develop and disseminate briefs aimed at influencing decisions and channel these through a network of public sector contacts.
• Formulate responses to new legislative initiatives and emerging issues that could impact AstraZeneca’s portfolio, reputation or patient access.
• Ensure compliance and manage policy risks, safeguarding AstraZeneca’s reputation while advancing patient access and alignment with national healthcare priorities.
• Incorporate legislative, regulatory, and healthcare developments into brand, market, and functional strategies to ensure strategic alignment.
• Collaborate with other colleagues within Government Relations functions to share best practices, key contacts, and emerging issues.
• Act as an expert resource for brand leaders and managers, helping them understand the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on their areas of focus.

Essential for the role

• Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare, Government Relations, Communications, or related field; Master’s strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years’ proven success in healthcare policy, government affairs, or advocacy within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare sector.
• Deep understanding of government national healthcare priorities in the Gulf, with the ability to navigate complex and challenging discussions.
• Demonstrate experience in engaging with high profile government officials, senior advisors and policy makers.
• Advanced communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and credibly represent AstraZeneca externally.
• Strategic thinker with a strong track record of cross functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the healthcare ecosystem, including policy, regulatory, and reimbursement dynamics.
• Proven project management expertise, delivering complex initiatives with efficiency and measurable impact.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram

Date Posted 25-نوفمبر-2025

Closing Date 01-ديسمبر-2025

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry‑leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non‑discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.