Policy & Communications Lead – Sub-Saharan Africa - Midrand
3 days ago
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%) .
-
Midrand, South Africa The Focus Group Full timeThe Focus Group Midrand, South Africa 01 December 2025 Senior 0 - 0 Full Time Cost to Company 5 years - 10 years Skills Adaptability Budget Management Communication Health Policy Awareness Networking Pharmaceutical Project Management Solving Problems Stakeholder Management Strategic Thinking Industries Medical Pharmaceutical Job Description Client A leading...
-
Midrand, South Africa Focus Kamoso (Pty) Ltd Full timeClientA 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...
-
Midrand, South Africa The Focus Group Full timeClient 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...
-
Midrand, South Africa The Focus Group Full timeClient 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...
-
Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa The Focus Group Full time R900 000 - R1 800 000 per yearClientA 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...
-
Strategic Policy
1 day ago
Midrand, South Africa The Focus Group Full timeA 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...
-
Oncology Medical Advisor
4 hours ago
Midrand, South Africa MSD Full timeOur Medical Affairs team advances patient care by engaging in scientific exchange with external medical experts and industry professionals ensuring the scientific value of our products is realized. We engage and train internal employees to ensure that they thoroughly comprehend the science behind the medicine and review further unmet medical needs to bolster...
-
Associate Director: Policy
2 weeks ago
Midrand, South Africa MSD Full timeOur Policy & Government Affairs team collaborate with government entities and policy organizations at local and national levels. We address legislative and regulatory issues that promote the discovery and development of innovative medicines, vaccines and animal health products while improving and protecting patient access to care. Primary...
-
Africa Market Compliance
2 weeks ago
Midrand, South Africa Organon South Africa Full timeA leading global healthcare company is seeking a Compliance Officer in Midrand, South Africa, to provide operational leadership and support for compliance programs, ensuring adherence to regulations. The ideal candidate has a background in compliance, a bachelor's degree, and strong collaboration skills. This role promotes organizational values and involves...
-
Midrand, South Africa MSD Full timeAre you passionate about improving health systems and advancing policy in Southern Africa? We are looking for a motivated and strategic leader to fill the role of Associate Director: Policy & Health Systems Strengthening. In this pivotal position, you will have the opportunity to shape impactful health policies, strengthen health systems, and drive...
