Policy & Communications Specialist

Reports to: Head of Policy & Communications

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• Develop and manage strategic policy initiatives to support the Company's business in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Develop and implement innovative policy strategic platforms to support the Company's business, including but not limited to creation of broader industry coalitions and platforms to advance The Company's objectives.
• Serve as thought partner to the Head of Policy & Communication and the Sub-Saharan Africa Cluster Lead in anticipating and assessing the impact of the external policy environment on business strategy.
• Develops, executes and leads Patient Advocacy strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa to support key the Company and business unit priorities and serves as thought partner to commercial and cross-functional leaders and colleagues in managing patient advocacy and patient engagement opportunities.
• Will serve as local country point-of-contact for all communications efforts. This includes executive support for Country Managers and local country level external communications programs that drive business objectives and boost the Company's reputation in Sub-Saharan Africa countries.

ROLE RESPONSIBILTIES

Strategic planning and implementation

• Proactively assesses trends, policies and identifies key opportunities and threats.
• Prepares informational materials for management, highlighting opportunities and potential threats and works in partnership with the Head of Policy & Communications, Middle-East/Russia/Africa to develop responsive strategies where such developments could impact business operations.
• Utilizes the Company corporate policy positions to develop targeted political strategies and action plans.
• Develops and implements a macro-level strategic policy plan that effectively shapes the environment to create a favorable operating environment for the Company.
• Leverages insights and knowledge to create a vision for the future and position the Company as a preferred partner.
• Prioritizes and drives both long-term and short-term opportunities.
• Works in partnership with the Head of Policy & Communications, Middle-East/Russia/Africa and local functional teams to develop innovative policy strategies that proactively shape the environment for launch of new assets.
• Adapt and implement TA-level policy strategies and tactics to support access to the Company products address the patient affordability challenge.

External Relations

• Participates in advocacy functions at trade and business associations at a local level, as required.
• Establishes, maintains and consistently leverages relationships with policy makers, think tanks, patient advocacy groups and other organizations to advance the Company's strategic priorities and ensure the Company's position is reflected in advocacy materials.
• Supports the development of briefing materials for external engagements.
• Appropriately and effectively tailors the Company Global and/or Regional policy positions to local market dynamics.
• Maintains strict compliance with all applicable policies and laws, especially those related to interactions with government officials.

Patient Advocacy

• Develop and lead the implementation of country strategic and pro-active agenda with internal and external stakeholders as well as across patient platforms.
• Provide leadership, coordination and direction for all cross functional engagement with targeted key stakeholders, including current and future patients, and serve as a key relationship manager, leading and/or guiding relationships with patient and professional advocacy organizations as appropriate.
• Manage support of special events with patient advocacy community to maximize the Company's presence as appropriate.

Communications

• Communicates on key topics such as IP, health reform, access to medicines, pricing, trade agreements, etc. through the development of briefing notes, position papers, talking points, as well as relevant correspondence, proposals and presentations.
• Provide strategic counsel and tactical communications support to the Cluster Lead, as well as country marketing teams and other functions in order to develop external communications country plans aligned with the business vision, mission and key priorities.
• Work collaboratively across functions in the business to manage proactive and reactive external communications.
• Partner commercial teams in local countries, ensuring alignment with global messaging and priorities and that local teams have the external communications support needed to execute on local business strategies.
• Provide strategic communications counsel and messaging support for country leadership with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and consistency with the Company's corporate narratives and International policy messaging.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years experience in life sciences industry, consulting or public policy
• Experience in policy related activities or project is desirable
• Completed B.SC. in Life Science, Medicine, Pharmacy or Health Policy
• High level knowledge of healthcare policy and pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement issues
• Excellent knowledge of the local healthcare system and its major players and decision-makers
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute effective, innovative and practical solutions and comprehensive plans that deliver results
• Strong understanding of business strategy and key drivers of commercial success
• Skilled at anticipating, identifying, and addressing emerging issues and related risks that could impact The Company's business
• Highly pro-active, self-starter able to work with minimal day to day supervision
• Demonstrated record of developing networks both within and outside their organisation
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with leaders
• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills
• Ability to work in a cross-functional, matrix environment
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Excellent command of English language (French would be an advantage).

Paying R120K + Benefits