AMET Public Affairs Lead

Opella; Fatih; Hybrid; TRY 4,429,000 - 6,398,000; Full time

Job summary

Opella seeks a seasoned AMET Public Affairs Lead to shape external policy for Africa, Middle East, and Turkey. You will drive advocacy, build government relations, and align policy with self-care growth plans. Strong cross-functional leadership and regional networks are essential. Travel may be involved.

The role reports to the AMET GM and requires 8–10 years in public affairs, with fluency in English and a strategic mindset to navigate diverse regulatory environments across AMET.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of public affairs, policy, or market access experience.
• Experience influencing government policy and stakeholders in AMET is preferred.
• Knowledge of FMCG/CHC sectors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a robust public affairs strategy for AMET.
• Shape CHC policy positions and engage with regulators and industry bodies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to mitigate risk and identify opportunities.
• Build and manage relationships with key external stakeholders and associations.

Skills

Public affairs

Policy advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Government affairs

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

AMET experience

Education

Advanced degree

MBA

Job description

Position: AMET Public Affairs Lead Reporting to: AMET GM Location: UAE or Turkey Opella is the self-care challenger with the purest and third-largest portfolio in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market globally.

Our mission is to bring health in people’s hands by making self-care as simple as it should be. For half a billion consumers worldwide – and counting.

At the core of this mission is our 100 loved brands, our 11,000-strong global team, our 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites and 4 specialized science and innovation development centers. Headquartered in France, Opella is the proud maker of many of the world’s most loved brands, including Allegra, Buscopan, Doliprane, Dulcolax, Enterogermina, Essentiale and Mucosolvan.

As a globally certified B Corp company, we are active players in the journey towards healthier people and planet. Find out more about our mission at www.opella.com.

JOB PURPOSE

Opella is looking to recruit a seasoned public affairs & policy lead for their business in Africa. This role is designed to achieve Consumer Healthcare business objectives and growth ambitions by shaping the external public policy environment to support Self Care and ensuring business strategy is informed by a clear understanding of the external policy environment, as well as stakeholders’ needs and expectations. This role is vital to shape the external policy and operating environment in support of Self Care, conducive to grow the Opella Consumer Healthcare business in the AMET Zone (Africa Middle East and Turkey). The role will require a strong government affairs experience with a track record of success in public policy advocacy with the agility to navigate the complex policy, regulatory, and business environment. The candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of the continent’s landscape complexity and is able to provide clear guidance and strategic counsel to the Opella business in support of its growth ambitions in AMET - Africa Middle East & Turkey. Finally, the role will involve strengthening our participation in the regional industry association (MENAP-SMI), as well as those local trade associations in the key markets to support the Opella growth ambitions.

KEY RESULTS/ACCOUNTABILITIES

The primary objective of this role is to establish and execute a robust public affairs & policy strategy and action plan aimed to grow the CHC business in AMET. Identify key policy priorities and levers to support business growth, provide a robust analysis of the self care policy and operating environment in AMET. Regularly inform the AMET GM, the Global Public Affairs Head and other relevant CHC business leaders/partners (i.e., CHC Commercial/Categories, Regulatory Affairs) to ensure seamless understanding and alignment on issues and topics. Anticipate public affairs & policy trends and competitive dynamics (i.e., self care, e-commerce, pharmacy channel, etc.) that represent opportunities or threats to the business; and build a clear plan of action to leverage the opportunities or mitigate threats to Opella's reputation and to the business. Monitor external developments and effectively communicate potential threats or opportunities to the AMET GM and the Global Public Affairs Head, and CHC business leaders/partners. Lead in proposing CHC positions on key issues affecting the CHC business and industry in AMET– in alignment with the AMET Zone GM, relevant counterpart CHC functions and the Global Public Affairs – and develop position papers/statements to advocate with policy makers and other key external audiences, ensuring internal sign‑off prior to engagement. Strengthen engagement with key external stakeholders, and foster new ones, given the evolving policy environment around Self Care. Lead and work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams ensuring that business risk is mitigated, and opportunities are swiftly identified and successfully executed. Develop scenarios and risk mitigation plans, which reflect a thorough understanding of the policy, government decision‑making processes, decision‑makers, and influencers, and provide recommendations and solutions to the CHC business Gain a clear understanding of Sanofi’s Consumer Healthcare strategy for growth and contribute to the formulation of such strategies. Remain current and alert on relevant industry changes (activities likely to include monitoring trade journals and press releases (in collaboration with the Communications team), networking with agenda-setting institutions like WHO and the African Union, venture capital firms and companies, and attending conferences to learn about and monitor new business development opportunities).

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The position holder will be a key member of the extended leadership team of AMET. Strong interactions with relevant functions in the AMET Zone including e.g. digital, marketing/categories, regulatory, finance, medical, communications, among others. Strong partnership and collaboration with the AMET Science Head and AMET Communications Lead. A wide-ranging network of external stakeholders to manage in the AMET healthcare ecosystem, including establishing a strong presence in our industry associations in both the regional (MENAP-SMI) and priority countries to drive the Opella agenda. Selection, direction, and oversight over third party agencies, firms, and/or consultants to support this role in accomplishing its objectives See list below for key working relationships: AMET GM and leadership team Country Heads and leadership team (key countries supported) Global Public Affairs team Communications counterparts Science counterparts

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

A high-calibre professional with comprehensive working experience in the public affairs, policy, and market access space (at least 8-10 years) and track record of success delivering on shaping the external environment to address business objectives; broad cross functional understanding & general knowledge of the pharmaceutical business is preferred; knowledge and experience in the field of Consumer Healthcare/FMCG a plus Solid experience navigating the AMET Zone healthcare ecosystem, preferably with strong existing network, having past experience proactively dealing with government ministries that have oversight on health policy, public health, reimbursement, finance, among others. Proven track record of successful initiatives in public affairs, market access/development, innovative reputation-building, and stakeholder engagement is required. Experience conceiving programs that join diverse stakeholders to deliver on a common public interest is an asset. Experience working in highly regulated environment and a demonstrated understanding of AMET's various national, provincial/regional health authorities, including experience dealing with World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa; knowledge/familiarity of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) initiative, and the African Continental Free Trade Area are a plus. An entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to understand consumer needs and business transformations to create new business opportunities to build CHC’s business in the AMET Zone. Experience working in a matrixed environment and driving results through influence is required, but with a Compliance‑first mindset. Ability to work under a multi‑country accountability, with experience managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced and matrix environment, demonstrate flexibility and superior organizational, analytical, strategic thinking, and decision‑making skills. Results‑oriented with strong cross‑functional collaboration mindset . Exercise a high level of independent judgment even in challenging, complex situations is required. Demonstrated ability to build deep, authentic relationships and strong influence with senior internal and external stakeholders is required. Strong social and intercultural skills, position holder acknowledge diversity and creates the room to motivate people towards creativity & out of the box thinking, strong ability to work under pressure, to work along agreed upon timelines and to achieve respective milestones. Outstanding academic background, with an advance degree in the social and behavioral sciences a plus (MA, MBA, MSc). Fluent in English, French / Arabic and Turkish will be a plus.

Why us?

At Opella, you will enjoy doing challenging, purposeful work, empowered to develop consumer brands with passion and creativity. This is your chance to grow new skills and be part of a bold, collaborative, and inclusive culture where people can thrive and be at their best every day.

We Are Challengers.

We Are Dedicated To Making Self-care As Simple As It Should Be. That Starts With Our Culture. We Are Challengers By Nature, And This Is How We Do Things

All In Together: We keep each other honest and have each other's backs.

Courageous: We break boundaries and take thoughtful risks with creativity.

Outcome-Obsessed: We are personally accountable, driving sustainable impact and results with integrity.

Radically Simple: We strive to make things simple for us and simple for consumers, as it should be.

Join us on our mission. Health. In your hands.

www.opella.com/en/career