Policy and Corporate Affairs Associate Director

MSD France; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 299,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Policy and Corporate Affairs Associate Director based in Riyaadh. This role involves driving communications with government stakeholders, shaping healthcare policies, and implementing strategies to meet business objectives. Candidates must have at least 7 years of experience in similar roles and excellent communication skills in both English and Arabic.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience in policy and government affairs in pharmaceutical or government sectors.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and legislative issues.

Responsibilities

• Drive external communications with government stakeholders and patient organizations.
• Design and implement strategies to meet business goals.
• Represent the company in relevant government forums and initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Data Analysis

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

Strategic Planning

Education

University degree in pharmacy, medicine or health science

Job description

Policy and corporate affairs associate director will drive external communications and engagements with key government stakeholders, policy makers and patient organizations to shape policies related to the strategic priorities supporting the company business objectives in increasing access to our medicines.

Policy and corporate affairs associate director will work in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders to design, select and implement strategies that enable the company to meet its strategic and business goals. He / she will play a critical role in shaping the policy landscape and fostering government engagement to support company business priorities. This position requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in policy and advocacy, an understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, and a proven track record of stakeholder engagement including government officials, payors, policy makers, patient organizations and industry associations.

As Policy and corporate affairs associate director , you will be a key person to position the company as a preferred partner in all therapeutic areas from a Policy Perspective and manage the reputation of our company communicating the work we do to improve lives.

Primary activities include, but are not limited to :

• Identification of the health policy challenges, design and implement policies / government affairs strategies with cross functional teams and other relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborates with regional policy colleagues to identify and develop policy priorities and advocacy messaging that are aligned with local, regional, and global policy and advocacy priorities.
• Leading the policy projects in KSA with clear milestones by seizing opportunities and anticipate and minimize threats that have a major impact on the business in the market.
• Implementation and execution of integrated policy plans whilst identifying a common interest of external stakeholders in KSA. Develops proactively alternative solutions and preferred approaches to policy challenges.
• Creation and expanding of trusting and reliable partnerships with the relevant stakeholders in Saudi healthcare eco-system.
• Represent the company in relevant government forums and initiatives, advocating for the company’s interests in the healthcare sector.
• Analysis of the health policy environment in KSA, anticipation of any trends or reforms through continued monitoring of the healthcare eco-system changes.
• Communicate evolving legislative and regulatory changes that affecting the industry, prepare briefing materials, writes position papers, prepares and conducts lobbying discussions with trade associations, identifies decision-makers and makes strategic recommendations.

Required Experience and Skills :

Saudi candidate is a must.

At least 7 years of related experience in policy and / or government affairs and / or market access and / or public affairs in leading pharmaceutical or government sectors or both.

University degree in pharmacy, medicine or health science related degree (Preferable)

Excellent writing and verbal communications skills in English and Arabic (must).

Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, legislative, advocacy environment and regulations impacting the pharmaceutical sector

Strong business acumen and experience in Saudi market, strong existing network is an asset

Proven track record of successful strategy execution, experience interacting with key external stakeholders including Government Officials and / or Key Scientific leaders and / or Non-Profit Organizations.

Organizational skills, good project management skills

Team player, Customer-oriented mindset, resilient, highly motivated,

Robust storytelling and able to effectively communicate in cross-functional teams, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

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) :

Required Skills :

Communication, Data Analysis, Health Outcomes, Legislative Issues, Market Access, Pharmacy Regulation, Policy Development, Political Forums, Project Management, Regulatory Frameworks, Social Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Management, Strategic Planning, Trade Associations

Preferred Skills :

Job Posting End Date :

08 / 7 / 2025

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.

Requisition ID : R351034