Health Policy Internship

MSD Malaysia; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 18,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Dublin offers a 9-month internship within the External Affairs team, focusing on policy development and stakeholder engagement across Irish and European health landscapes.

You will learn to support advocacy initiatives, develop briefing materials, and coordinate events with internal teams and external partners. The role provides exposure to healthcare policy, government affairs and the life sciences sector, with opportunities to contribute to projects impacting patients and health

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in healthcare policy, public affairs and health systems.
• Experience in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement or project work is advantageous.
• Ability to work across a cross-functional team with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support policy development, government affairs and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Assist with briefing materials, agendas and stakeholder summaries.
• Coordinate policy events, site visits and follow-up actions.
• Maintain trackers for policy developments and key priorities.
• Prepare reports and briefing documents for internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical Problem Solving

Clinical Research

Data Analytics

Database Management

Data Entry

Data Visualization

Diversity and Inclusion

Document Management

European Studies

Healthcare Policies

Health Economics

Health Systems Strengthening

Life Science

Office Applications

Political Sciences

Process Improvements

Project Management

Public Health

Public Health Research

Reporting and Analysis

Stakeholder Communications

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder Management

Technical Specifications

Education

Public Policy

Political Science

Public Health

Health Policy

Communications

Law

European Studies

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

Working in a professional and collaborative health policy environment, you will gain practical experience within the External Affairs team at our Red Oak Campus in Dublin. As part of the team, you will support policy development, stakeholder engagement, advocacy initiatives and strategic projects across the Irish and European healthcare landscape. Working alongside colleagues from across the business and engaging with a wide range of external stakeholders, you will contribute to initiatives that help improve patient outcomes, inform healthcare policy and strengthen healthcare systems. The team operates at the intersection of healthcare policy, government affairs, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications. We help shape the environment in which patients access innovative medicines and vaccines, while supporting healthcare innovation, public health, research and Ireland's life sciences sector. The successful candidate will work across a diverse portfolio of healthcare, industrial, economic and EU policy issues, contributing to projects that impact patients, healthcare systems and the wider life sciences ecosystem. The role involves close collaboration with internal stakeholders as well as engagement with government departments, healthcare organisations, patient groups, professional bodies, industry associations and other external stakeholders. During your 9-month placement, you will gain first-hand insight into how policy, government affairs and external affairs supports the objectives of a global healthcare organisation operating in Ireland. You will work alongside experienced policy, communications and public affairs professionals, gaining exposure to senior business leaders, policymakers, healthcare stakeholders and industry representatives while developing practical skills in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of the Irish healthcare system, public policy environment and pharmaceutical industry.
• Support the planning, coordination and delivery of policy, government affairs and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Assist with preparing briefing materials, agendas, background notes, stakeholder summaries and key messages for internal and external engagements.
• Help coordinate policy events, conferences, roundtables, stakeholder meetings and site visits, including logistics, attendee tracking and follow-up actions.
• Maintain trackers for policy developments, stakeholder engagements, consultation opportunities and key strategic priorities.
• Monitor political, legislative and healthcare policy developments relevant to patients, healthcare systems and the life sciences sector.
• Conduct research and analysis on healthcare, public health, industrial, economic and EU policy topics.
• Support the development of policy submissions, consultation responses, position papers and stakeholder engagement materials.
• Liaise with colleagues across business to support strategic projects and ensure alignment.
• Support participation in industry associations, policy forums and stakeholder initiatives at both national and European level.
• Prepare appealing PowerPoint presentations, reports and briefing documents for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support compliance with all relevant statutory requirements, industry codes and company policies.

Technical Specifications

Working towards a degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Health, Health Policy, Communications, Law, European Studies, or a related discipline. Demonstrated interest in healthcare policy, public affairs, government affairs, health systems, public health, politics or the life sciences sector. Experience conducting research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, communications or project work would be advantageous.

This Role Is Well Suited To Someone Who:

Is organised, driven, proactive and can work on own initiative. Has an interest in healthcare, public policy, Irish politics, public affairs or communications. Wants exposure to healthcare policy, government affairs and stakeholder engagement within a global healthcare company. Is curious about how business, government, healthcare and policy intersect. Enjoys research, problem-solving and working on projects that have real-world impact for patients and healthcare systems.

Qualities We Look For

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research, analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Demonstrates initiative, curiosity and a desire to learn.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a cross-functional team.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality written materials.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Operates with a high level of integrity, transparency and accountability.
• Demonstrates problem-solving capabilities and a willingness to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Team player who actively supports colleagues and contributes to a positive working environment.
• Aligns with and fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrates a desire to continuously learn, develop and improve through feedback.

Length of Programme:

9 Months

Start Date:

January 2027

PQ20 Required Skills

Analytical Problem Solving, Analytical Problem Solving, Clinical Research, Data Analytics, Database Management, Data Entry, Data Visualization, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Document Management, European Studies, Healthcare Policies, Health Economics, Health Systems Strengthening, Life Science, Office Applications, Political Sciences, Process Improvements, Project Management, Public Health, Public Health Research, Reporting and Analysis, Stakeholder Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management, Technical Specifications {+ 2 more}

Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term) Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A

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.

Job Posting End Date: 09/16/2026