Public Policy Manager Oncology

MSD; Brussel Hoofdstad; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a Public Policy Manager in Oncology to lead external policy and public affairs in Belgium and Luxembourg.

You will shape the policy environment, advance patient-centered solutions, and build strategic partnerships to improve cancer care and access to innovative therapies. With a strong science background and policy experience, you will translate insights into strategic priorities, engage diverse stakeholders, and collaborate with Medical Affairs, Market Access and

Qualifications

• University degree in science, pharmacy, medicine or health economics with strong interest in health care policy and advocacy.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry, a health authority or governmental body is preferred.
• Proven track record of advancing public policy initiatives through effective stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain understanding of oncology policy in Belgium and Luxembourg; translate insights into strategic priorities.
• Inform policy discussions on oncology innovation to support patient access.
• Design and lead policy and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Build trusted partnerships with policymakers, patient organisations, healthcare professionals, academia and industry associations.
• Contribute to multi-stakeholder initiatives addressing unmet patient needs and care pathways.
• Represent the company in policy forums, industry associations and working groups with evidence-based perspectives.
• Link external insights with internal cross-functional expertise to develop policies delivering value for patients.
• Collaborate with Medical Affairs, Market Access, External Affairs, and global teams to ensure alignment.

Skills

Multilingual communication

Stakeholder management

Policy advocacy

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Science/Pharmacy/Medicine/Health Economics degree

Law/Political Science/Economics asset

Job description

Job Description

This role is part of the External Affairs department. As Public Policy Manager Oncology, you will lead our Company's external policy and public affairs strategy in the Oncology field in Belgium and Luxembourg. You will be responsible for contributing to the policy environment, advancing patient-centered solutions, and fostering strategic partnerships that improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and access to innovative healthcare solutions.

Key activities

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the oncology ecosystem in Belgium and Luxembourg, including cancer policies, prevention and screening programmes, care pathways, reimbursement frameworks and emerging scientific developments, and translate these insights into strategic priorities.
• Help inform policy discussions on oncology innovation—including precision medicine, early detection, immuno-oncology and personalised therapies—to support timely, equitable and sustainable patient access.
• Design and lead policy and stakeholder engagement initiatives that demonstrate how innovation can improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient outcomes.
• Build trusted partnerships with policymakers, patient organisations, healthcare professionals, academia, industry associations and other stakeholders across the oncology community.
• Contribute to multi-stakeholder initiatives aimed at addressing unmet patient needs, reducing inequalities, improving care pathways and strengthening patient-centred cancer care.
• Represent our Company in relevant policy forums, industry associations and working groups, bringing forward evidence-based perspectives and the needs of patients and healthcare systems.
• Connect external stakeholder insights with internal cross-functional expertise to help develop policies and initiatives that deliver meaningful value for patients and society.
• Partner with colleagues across Medical Affairs, Market Access, External Affairs, and regional and global teams to ensure alignment.

Your profile

University degree in science, pharmacy, medicine or (health) economics with strong interest in health care policy and the advocacy environment. A degree in law, political science, economics/finance is an asset. At least 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, a health authority or governmental body. Proven track record of successfully advancing public policy initiatives delivering tangible outcomes through effective stakeholder management and advocacy. Experience with cross-functional collaboration. A strong existing network.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills in French, English and Dutch. Team player. Strong collaborative mindset. Creative, positive minded. Robust storytelling and communication skills. Customer-oriented mindset. Good project management skills. Partnering and facilitating skills to build strong and sustainable relationships, both internally as well as external. Ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple projects. Interpersonal and negotiation skills. Trustworthy and accountable. Ability to generate innovative ideas/solutions.

Do you have a passion for healthcare, public policy, and improving patient outcomes? Are you motivated to contribute to the future of oncology through policy development, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration? At our Company, our commitment to oncology is driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for people living with cancer, supported by an expanding and exciting pipeline with the potential to transform cancer care and improve outcomes for patients.

Required Skills

Accountability, Accountability, Adaptability, Advertising Communications, Benefits Strategy, Building Partnerships, Collaborative Leadership, Collaborative Networking, Communications Programs, Communication Strategy Development, Content Creation, Cross-Functional Project Management, Educational Materials Development, Global Coordination, Healthcare Delivery Systems, Health Policies, Liaison Work, Marketing Coordination, Pharmaceutical Policies, Pharmaceuticals Marketing, Policy Analysis, Policy Research, Project Leadership, Project Team Management, Public Health Research {+ 10 more}

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Regular
Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date: 10/21/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.