About the Role
The Director, Government Affairs – Saudi Arabia and GCC, is a key member of both the Middle East Leadership Team and the Intercontinental Region Government Affairs Leadership Team. Reporting to the Executive Director, Head of Government Affairs, Intercontinental Region, this role is pivotal in developing and executing government affairs strategies that align with the company's business priorities and public health objectives within Saudi Arabia and selected GCC markets.
The Director will work closely with various teams, including Commercial, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Public Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Legal and Compliance, to shape the external policy environment that supports value recognition, patient access, and sustainable uptake of the company's innovations. You will serve as a strategic advisor to senior management, providing insights into healthcare policy and market developments that impact the business.
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Key Responsibilities
Leadership
- Serve as a member of the Middle East Leadership Team and actively contribute to business strategy and performance.
- Participate in the Intercontinental Region Government Affairs Leadership Team, contributing to regional priorities and initiatives.
- Provide strategic counsel to Middle East leadership regarding policy developments and stakeholder engagement.
- Champion the company's culture, values, and leadership commitments.
Government Affairs Strategy and Policy Shaping
- Develop and execute Government Affairs strategies supporting business priorities in Saudi Arabia and GCC markets.
- Shape policy discussions related to healthcare reform, pharmaceutical innovation, patient access, and public health priorities.
- Identify opportunities to position the company as a trusted partner in national healthcare transformation, including the Saudi Vision 2030 agenda.
- Support policy environments conducive to innovation in HIV, oncology, liver disease, and cell therapy.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with government officials, policymakers, healthcare authorities, industry associations, and other stakeholders.
- Develop strategic engagement plans for various ministries and public health institutions.
- Represent the company in external forums and industry platforms.
- Provide strategic guidance for senior leadership engagement, including messaging and briefing materials.
- Foster partnerships that enhance public health priorities and improve patient access.
Access and Business Partnership
- Collaborate closely with Market Access, Medical Affairs, and other relevant teams.
- Support launch readiness and lifecycle management through proactive policy engagement.
- Contribute to policy environments that facilitate access to innovative medicines and therapies.
- Align Government Affairs priorities with business objectives and patient needs.
Strategic Intelligence and Environmental Monitoring
- Monitor healthcare, political, and policy developments across Saudi Arabia and GCC markets.
- Assess risks and opportunities, providing actionable business recommendations.
- Deliver regular policy intelligence and insights to affiliate and regional leadership.
- Support business planning by identifying emerging trends and policy developments.
Project Leadership
- Lead complex Government Affairs projects and multidisciplinary workstreams.
- Manage external consultants and strategic partnerships as necessary.
- Support the implementation of regional Government Affairs initiatives across GCC markets.
- Execute policy-related initiatives that align with business priorities and enhance public health impact.
Qualifications and Experience
Experience
- Minimum of 10 years in Government Affairs, Public Policy, Market Access, Public Affairs, or related healthcare disciplines.
- Strong understanding of the healthcare and pharmaceutical policy environment in Saudi Arabia.
- Prior engagement with government stakeholders and healthcare authorities preferred.
- Experience within the biopharmaceutical industry, especially in virology, oncology, cell therapy, or specialty medicines, is desirable.
Government Affairs Expertise
- Proven track record in developing successful Government Affairs and policy-shaping strategies.
- Experience in influencing policy related to healthcare access, innovation, and public health.
- Desirable understanding of healthcare transformation and localization strategies.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders and work across various cultural contexts.
- Strong executive presence and strategic mindset are essential.
Strategic and Business Acumen
- Effective business judgment and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Robust analytical and problem-solving skills.
Communication
- Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills are essential.
- Fluency in English is required; Arabic language skills are a plus.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Economics, Law, or Business Administration is preferred.
