Government Affairs Lead, Gulf

Amgen; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Dubai is seeking an experienced professional to lead its Pharma Government Affairs strategy. The successful candidate will engage with key healthcare stakeholders and policymakers, developing and executing advocacy plans aimed at enhancing the company's reputation. This role requires 10-15 years of experience in pharma external affairs and fluency in Arabic and English. The position offers a competitive salary and total rewards aligned with local standards.

Benefits

Comprehensive Total Rewards Plans

Professional growth and well-being support

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in pharma external affairs.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is essential.
• Experience in managing public policy issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop policy positions and government affairs programs.
• Build stakeholder relationships and influence key policymakers.
• Analyze policies to assess their impact on business.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Networking

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Master's degree in a related field

Job description

Career Category: Government Affairs

Job Description

HOW MIGHT YOU DEFY IMAGINATION

You've worked hard to become the professional you are today and are now ready to take the next step in your career. How will you put your skills, experience, and passion to work toward your goals? At Amgen, our shared mission to serve patients drives all that we do. It is key to our becoming one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, reaching over 10 million patients worldwide. Come do your best work alongside other innovative, driven professionals in this meaningful role.

Purpose of the role

An exciting opportunity reporting to the Amgen Gulf GM to lead and deliver our Pharma Government Affairs strategy across priority brands and strategic projects, as well as coordinating Amgen's engagement with trade associations.

This is a highly visible role working with senior leaders across the business and requires the ability to understand the commercial implications of public policy.

The purpose of this role is to lead Governmental Affairs for Amgen Gulf, engaging with key healthcare stakeholders and policymakers in the Gulf and across sectors. The role will develop and execute engagement strategies with public policymakers, enhance Amgen's reputation, and establish relationships with trade associations. This role will build relationships with policymakers, develop advocacy plans to disseminate clear, well-cadenced policy and regulatory recommendations, and advocate on behalf of Amgen. Additionally, this role will be part of a community of advocacy leaders sharing policies, approaches, and best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Develop Stakeholder Engagement Approach:

• Develop policy positions and government affairs programs to deliver a favorable business environment and maximize patient access to Amgen medicines in the Gulf.
• Build stakeholder maps in consultation with VA&P Medical and BUs Leadership teams to ensure all interested parties are involved appropriately. Develop a clear approach to engaging with and influencing key stakeholders across the Gulf.
• Support and brief GM and LT leaders on external meetings.
• Gain buy-in of the approach and key messages from the LT and Extended Leadership teams.
• Report to VAP Lead and keep leadership informed of progress, challenges, and the effectiveness of strategies.
• Coordinate with other group teams and stakeholders to align tactics.

Analyze and Interpret Policies:

• Map policymakers and influences across sectors and authorities (MOHAP, DOH, DHA, ESH, EDE, PAG) with the V&A lead.
• Understand decision-making structures in each authority.
• Assess policies' potential positive or negative impacts on Amgen’s business.
• Analyze policies and determine influence strategies and target audiences.
• Develop key messaging aligned with Gulf vision to influence policymakers and regulatory bodies.
• Cascade messaging internally to raise awareness and ensure proper dissemination.

Develop a Community of Advocacy Leaders:

• Build relationships with key advocacy leaders in the pharma sector.
• Create a community of practice for sharing best practices and supporting each other.
• Identify advocacy gaps in territories and work with local leaders to address them through capacity building or external support.

Communicate and Influence:

• Build external networks to support advocacy strategies.
• Develop a strong stakeholder network for Amgen Gulf.
• Identify enablers and blockers to strategy delivery.
• Assess influence impact across sectors and authorities, and coordinate actions to improve.

The Candidate

• 10-15 years of experience in pharma external affairs, with proven success. A related degree or master's is desirable.
• Passion for sustainability, pharma transformation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to partner with and influence stakeholders across the Gulf.
• Strong external network, including policymakers and government agencies, with experience in delivering results.
• Experience managing public policy issues, navigating government structures, and advocating effectively.
• Experience working in a decentralized structure with diverse teams.
• Track record of developing advocacy and stakeholder engagement plans, building teams, and aligning advocacy efforts.
• Ability to translate business needs into policy positions and negotiate internally.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze policies across authorities and sectors.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is essential.

Skills

• Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders on policy and government affairs issues.
• Manage a broad external network of relationships.
• Navigate complex organizations and manage senior internal stakeholders.
• Communicate complex topics clearly and succinctly.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.

What you can expect from us

We are committed to the professional and personal growth and well-being of our teammates, as we work to develop treatments that care for others.

In addition to a competitive base salary, Amgen offers comprehensive Total Rewards Plans aligned with local standards.

Apply now

for a career that defies imagination

Objects in your future are closer than they appear. Join us.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process. Please contact us to request accommodation.