Policy & Communications Lead – Sub-Saharan Africa - Midrand

The Focus Group; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare organisation is seeking a senior policy strategy lead to strengthen its position in Sub‑Saharan Africa. This role encompasses policy development, advocacy, and external communications. Candidates should possess at least 5 years of relevant experience and a degree in Life Sciences or similar fields. Exceptional stakeholder management and analytical skills are required. The position focuses primarily on South Africa but also involves broader SSA engagement. A strong command of English is necessary, French is a bonus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in life sciences, public policy, healthcare consulting, or related areas.
• Strong proficiency in health systems, pricing, reimbursement, and policy dynamics in SSA.
• Ability to operate in a cross-functional, matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement high-impact policy initiatives that create a favourable operating environment.
• Lead patient engagement strategy ensuring patient perspectives drive decision-making.
• Drive external communications across SSA including executive messaging and country-level comms plans.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Analytical capabilities

Excellent communication skills (English)

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Health Policy

Job description

Client

A leading global healthcare organisation operating across Emerging Markets, with a strong footprint in Sub‑Saharan Africa. The business focuses on expanding access to essential medicines and vaccines, shaping policy environments, and strengthening health systems. This role sits within the Policy & Communications function for the MERA region, with primary focus on South Africa and additional influence across wider SSA markets.

Job Purpose

To drive policy strategy, advocacy, and external communications that strengthen the organisation’s position as a trusted partner in Sub‑Saharan Africa. This senior role leads policy development, builds key stakeholder networks, amplifies the patient voice, and delivers high‑impact communications that support business priorities and enable access to innovative healthcare solutions.

Job Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in life sciences, public policy, healthcare consulting, or related areas.
• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Health Policy.
• Strong understanding of health systems, pricing, reimbursement, and policy dynamics in SSA.
• Proven strategic thinking capability, with experience driving complex policy or advocacy initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret commercial drivers and align policy solutions accordingly.
• Highly proactive, independent, and skilled in stakeholder management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; English required, French an advantage.
• Strong project management, analytical, and critical‑thinking capabilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in a cross‑functional, matrixed environment.
• Strong aptitude for building networks, partnerships, and coalitions.

Job Responsibilities

Policy Strategy & Leadership

• Develop, lead, and implement high‑impact policy initiatives that create a favourable operating environment.
• Build platforms and industry coalitions aligned to long‑term business priorities.
• Monitor health policy, political shifts, and market dynamics to identify opportunities and risks.
• Shape actionable political strategies that align with regional and global policy positions.
• Support product launches with tailored policy strategies that enable access and affordability.

External Relations

• Represent the organisation in trade bodies and industry associations.
• Build strong relationships with policymakers, academics, think tanks, advocacy groups, and key influencers.
• Prepare policy briefings, thought leadership, and position papers adapted to local contexts.
• Ensure all engagements, especially those involving government, meet strict compliance standards.

Patient Advocacy

• Lead patient engagement strategy across the region, ensuring patient perspectives drive decision‑making.
• Strengthen access pathways for essential medicines and vaccines in SSA.
• Manage partnerships with patient and professional advocacy organisations.
• Oversee patient‑focused awareness, education, and advocacy initiatives.

Communications

• Drive external communications across SSA, including executive messaging, strategic narratives, and country‑level comms plans.
• Provide counsel on priority topics such as health reform, pricing, IP, and access.
• Ensure alignment of messaging across global, regional, and local teams.
• Deliver high‑quality written content, talking points, and leadership materials.

Budget & Scope

• Manage the regional Policy & Communications budget for South Africa and SSA.
• No direct reports — influence through leadership, networks, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Geographic focus: South Africa (90%), with SSA markets (10%).