Associate Director: Policy

Our 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 Responsibilities

Developing Strategy & Influencing Public Policy

Informed by the long-term business strategy, lead the development of a detailed regional strategy that outlines overall objectives, priorities, strategies, and core activities for achieving health systems strengthening and public policy objectives.

In partnership with the local cross-functional and regional and global policy teams, play a key role in defining a results‐driven Company strategy for engagement with key African governments, Civil Society Organizations and commercial stakeholders to support public and private sector health systems strengthening as well as patient access strategies, with a focus on vaccines and oncology.

In relation to health systems strengthening, support the development and execution of programmes aimed at driving vaccines uptake as well as advocacy plans linked to public policy issues with a material impact to improved patient access to innovation (e.g. UHC; pricing & reimbursement regulations; development of MOH national therapeutic strategic plans).

Establish credibility as a thought leader on public health policy and in collaboration with regional and global Social Business Impact and Public Health teams, support development of corporate responsibility and public health initiatives.

Lead and/or participate in the planning and implementation of public events as well as conventions, conferences, and other special events as guided by the Director: External Affairs and Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa.

Compliance, Monitoring and Managing Results

Follow all relevant good practice guidelines, policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs),

Regularly monitor performance indicators such as public policy delivery, budgeting, and ensure appropriate actions are taken when deviations to plan are evident,

Monitor, analyse and identify opportunities and threats in the sub-Saharan Africa regulation/legislative framework and foresee the possible effects to the company, product portfolio and pipeline.

Stakeholder Management

Work collaboratively with other functional leaders and functions such as franchise teams, market planning, clinical research, market research, medical information, regulatory, statistics and strategic pricing to ensure integration of the latest public policy developments into their plans and strategies.

Cooperate with government, industry associations, academia, think tanks, and partners across key Sub Saharan Africa markets to shape the policy environment, protect our company's reputation, and support the growth of our company's business,

Provide strong engagement and guidance to team to navigate complex relationships among various stakeholders to drive and achieve the government affairs and business goals in line with our long-term business strategy.

Develop productive, meaningful and appropriate relationships with Government, Ministries of Health, patient representatives, SLs, funders, international organisations and other key stakeholders who are responsible for strategic planning and investment which affects treatment access and delivery at the national and regional level.

Public Health, Health Economics, Policy & Product Knowledge

Knowledge of the policy environment, industry and public health trends and the implications on our company's business priorities.

Knowledge of processes and key stakeholders associated with healthcare budgeting and financing; pricing; development of national disease policy, establishment of EDL and treatment guidelines, as well as health procurement.

Experience with funder negotiations and value arguments in relation to health interventions with a focus on vaccines and oncology.

Understanding of Health Technology Assessment best-practice

Understanding of public health and health systems strengthening

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Minimum 5yrs experience leading environmental shaping initiatives within a large organization. Experience with medical, market access and regulatory policy is preferred.

Relevant Degree

Experience working within government, think tanks, public policy groups, funders, managed healthcare organisations, scientific leaders, patient groups and regulated industry groups and/or relevant corporations,

Proven experience in skills of tact, diplomacy, discretion, courtesy and persuasiveness.

Knowledge and understanding of key policy issues of interest to the pharmaceutical industry critical (e.g., health economics, market access, overall regulatory issues),

Understanding of the policy and legislative development processes in South Africa and key Sub Saharan Africa markets ideal

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