Our Corporate Affairs team collaborates with governments and policy organizations at local and national levels. We address legislative and regulatory issues that promote and protect the discovery of innovative medicine and vaccines while improving and protecting patient access to medicines. We take great care to monitor and manage the reputation of our company communicating the work we do to improve lives.

The Associate Director, Corporate Affairs Lead will report into the Access & Corporate Affairs Director and will work in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders to design, select and implement strategies that enable Our Company to meet its strategic and business goals.

The position will support the Leadership Team in developing and implementing policy objectives in a wide range of health context priorities, developing action plans and measuring policy impact.

Internal and External Communication are two other pillars within the responsibility of the Corporate Affairs team, guaranteeing the adequate company voice, reputation, and internal alignment on critical company topics.

Besides, the role will be responsible for the planning and execution of patient engagement activities in alignment with regional and local priorities. Carrying out this role requires ongoing interaction and strong collaboration with the different functions of the organization, including commercial and medical colleagues.

You will be responsible for reviewing information on government policies in healthcare system, proposing and implementing strategic initiatives and action plans in support of the Company which include creating a more favorable environment for our business, influencing government policy to positively affect healthcare and public specific issues, and building strategic partnership with key stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

Corporate affairs team supervision, driving the strategic thinking, implementing Corporate Affairs plans and develop the team.

Collaborate with the regional and local teams to develop and implement cross-functional policy strategies in support of the strategic business priorities.

Developing Communication and Advocacy efforts to shape the environment and help build relations with key stakeholders.

Identify and build partnership with key policy stakeholders, including government authorities, experts, key thought leaders, NGOs, and patient groups to address policy issues and create positive environment to grow our business.

Monitor, develop and implement strategic plans to shape favorable healthcare environment.

Monitor, anticipate and analyze opportunities and threats with regards to company?s product portfolio and product pipeline.

Develop evidence and advocacy messaging.

Engage with relevant trade associations and drive industry agenda.

Crisis management and proactive risk identification and mitigation at country level.

Supporting, as a key contributor, the digital transformation of our communication and engagement activities.

You must have:

Bachelor Degree in Health/Policy/Public Affairs related fields;

Business acumen, with a solid track record of working in the public affairs / policy field;

Understanding of pharmaceutical business and related healthcare policies;

Experience in policy & communications including development of strategic and tactical plans;

Thorough understanding of the EU and Portuguese policy and legislative development processes and how to influence them, how to mobilize stakeholders to achieve change consistent with the Company?s goals;

Effectively influence and action-driven mindset and behaviors with key stakeholders;

Proactivity and ability to manage internal/external communication channels and initiatives, identifying risks and opportunities;

Capacity to think ?out of the box? in terms of future initiatives, and trends

Existing network of national policy stakeholders;

Strong communication and interpersonal skills;

Strong project management skills;

Native Portuguese, with superior written and oral communication skills in English;

Good knowledge of the political, economic and social environment;

Ability to develop and build relationships externally and internally.

Who we are ?We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What we look for ?

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us?and start making your impact today.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

50%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Work Week

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

Yes

Hazardous Material(s):

Requisition ID: R186436