Head of Government Affairs, Policy & Access

10480 ViiV Healthcare Company; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global health company is seeking a Head of Government Affairs, Policy and Access in Greater London. This leadership role focuses on strategic engagement with government stakeholders to ensure access to innovative HIV medicines. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, and a proven record in stakeholder engagement, particularly in the healthcare sector. This position promises a unique opportunity to influence key policies and drive impactful change within the HIV community.

Benefits

Comprehensive employee benefits through GSK

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in government affairs or public policy.
• Strong experience in navigating regulatory environments.
• Proven ability to build relationships with policymakers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global Government Affairs and Access strategy.
• Advocate for equitable access to HIV medicines.
• Lead cross-functional efforts addressing healthcare access.

Skills

Government affairs expertise

Public policy knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science or related field

Advanced degree (MBA, MPP, JD)

Job description

About ViiV Healthcare

ViiV Healthcare, majority-owned by GSK, is a global specialist HIV company dedicated to delivering innovative medicines and solutions for people living with HIV. At ViiV Healthcare, we are committed to fostering partnerships, advocating for equitable access, and driving transformative change for communities affected by HIV.

Role Overview

The Head, Government Affairs, Policy and Access, is a critical leadership role within ViiV Healthcare, responsible for shaping and driving strategic engagement with government stakeholders, policymakers, and advocacy organizations to advance ViiV’s mission. The leader will play a pivotal role in ensuring access to ViiV’s innovative HIV medicines, addressing barriers to care, and influencing the broader policy landscape to support the needs of people living with and impacted by HIV.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute ViiV Healthcare’s global Government Affairs and Access strategy in alignment with the company’s commercial, medical, and policy objectives.
• Provide thought leadership and guidance to the executive team (VLT) on emerging policy trends, risks, and opportunities that impact access to HIV treatments, prevention and care and will serve as a member of the Europe and International Region leadership team.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to address systemic challenges in healthcare access and reimbursement.
• Lead team of 10 across government affairs, policy and access.

Policy Advocacy

• Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy organizations globally to influence legislation, regulations, and policies related to HIV treatment and prevention.
• Represent ViiV Healthcare in industry forums, coalitions, and public dialogues to champion equitable access to healthcare and drive policy solutions.
• Advocate for the inclusion of ViiV’s medicines in national formularies, treatment guidelines, and reimbursement programs.

Access Strategy

• Design strategies to address barriers to access, including pricing and distribution challenges in low-and middle-income markets.
• Partner with commercial, medical, and regional teams to ensure alignment of access strategies with local market needs.
• Collaborate with global health organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to expand access to HIV treatments in underserved and resource-limited settings.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate and manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including government leaders, advocacy groups, healthcare associations, and community organizations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and spokesperson for ViiV Healthcare on issues related to government affairs, policy, and access.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Government Affairs and Access team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Ensure the team remains informed of global and regional policy developments, providing training and resources to enhance their capabilities.

Qualifications

Basic Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, healthcare access, or related fields.
• Experience of leading government affairs teams in country, in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector showing strong market and government / policy knowledge.
• Experience of leading government affairs teams above country in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector showing the ability to lead across multiple geographies.
• Experience of driving performance with impact focused decision making.
• Experience of navigating complex regulatory environments and achieving policy outcomes that support business objectives.
• Experience of working in a specialty medicine therapy area such as respiratory, oncology or infectious diseases.
• Experience of thinking problem-solving.
• Experience of building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials, policymakers, and advocacy groups.

Preferred Criteria

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPP, JD, or equivalent).
• Experience of global HIV-related policy issues, healthcare systems, and access challenges.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders.

Why Us

At ViiV Healthcare, we will not rest until we leave no person living with HIV behind. Until the 40 million people living with HIV is down to zero, we will continue searching for new ways to limit the impact of HIV.

We are the only pharmaceutical company solely focused on combating, preventing, and ultimately eradicating HIV and AIDS. At ViiV Healthcare, we do things differently. Born out of a partnership between and in 2009, with joining in 2012, we are determined to help end the HIV epidemic. We are guided by our mission to leave no person living with HIV behind and it is this mission that unites our employees located across the globe. We combine expertise in research, manufacturing, policy and more to push the boundaries of what people think is possible in HIV treatment and care. As a result of our connection with GSK, we are able to draw on their proud history and resources. This means that you would receive all the employee benefits offered by GSK.

Living our mission of leaving no person living with HIV behind means keeping inclusion and diversity at the heart of everything we do - from our breakthrough innovation, to our diverse portfolio of medicines as well as the work we do to partner with HIV communities.

Having a truly inclusive culture where we’re all able to be ourselves and feel like we belong will make us an even stronger team, better able to perform as a business and deliver on our mission to leave no person living with HIV behind.

ViiV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at where you can also request a call.

Please note should your inquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive.