Health Policy Internship

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme in Dublin offers a 9-month internship within our External Affairs team. You will support policy development, stakeholder engagement and advocacy across Irish and European healthcare landscapes, gaining exposure to senior leaders and healthcare stakeholders.

The role involves collaboration with internal teams and external organisations, preparing briefing materials, and contributing to policy submissions and strategic projects within a global healthcare company.

Qualifications

• 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 or life sciences.
• Experience conducting research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement or project work would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of the Irish healthcare system, public policy environment and pharmaceutical industry.
• Support planning and delivery of policy, government affairs and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Assist with briefing materials, agendas, background notes and stakeholder summaries for engagements.
• Coordinate policy events, conferences, roundtables and site visits, including logistics and follow-up actions.

Skills

Analytical Problem Solving

Stakeholder Engagement

Policy Analysis

Research Methods

Public Health

Education

Public Policy or related field (in progress)

Tools

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

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