Policy/Government Affairs Manager - South Africa and SSA

Job Description

The Position

The Government Affairs Senior Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing policy and government affairs objectives in a wide range of priorities, healthcare reform, pricing and reimbursement, trade and intellectual property protection and therapeutic area policy.

The position will be an integral part of the Government Affairs and Policy team and will collaborate with government entities and policy organizations in South Africa and SSA. We address policy, legislative and regulatory issues that help create a better and healthier every day for every woman.

Responsibilities

Policy

1. This role will monitor and analyze political and legislative developments, including government policies, assessing possible impacts on Organon’s business in South Africa and SSA, and address emerging issues proactively and strategically.
2. Collaborate with country colleagues to identify policy priorities and develop an implementable policy strategy for the region.
3. Implement and support policy projects in South Africa and SSA in collaboration with cross functional teams, including digital policy advocacy campaigns, ESG projects, development of policy positions and policy messaging.
4. Maintain deep understanding of current and anticipated future policy trends through engagement with think tanks and relevant bodies.
5. Drive policy strategies and plans that address health specific challenges.
6. Policy crisis management and proactive risk identification and mitigation.
7. Represent our company in a variety of settings including with institutions, professional organizations and public health organizations in South Africa and SSA.

Stakeholder Engagement

1. Trade association empowerment and engagement. Drive industry agenda through trade associations to help implement strategies and reach key objectives.
2. Build strategic relationships with key influencers and other decision makers who influence governmental policies, including government officials.
3. Partner with internal stakeholders like market access, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, business support etc. to help realize the organization’s objectives.

Advocacy

1. Implement advocacy plans to seize opportunities and minimize threats that have a major impact on our company’s business in South Africa and SSA.
2. Proactively develop and provide alternative solutions and preferred approaches to policy challenges.

Strategic and Commercial Support

1. Deliver strategic initiatives that may flow from evolving leadership priorities and internal and external influences.
2. Collaborate with relevant business areas to implement cross-functional strategies in support of the annual business plan.
3. Ensure compliance with all applicable South Africa regulations and company policies.

Required Education, Experience And Skills

1. Experience working in a Pharmaceutical Contact Center.
2. University/ Professional Degree (Life Sciences, Public Health, Policy, etc.).
3. Must be a self-starter with proactive mindset, effectively identifying priorities and managing deliverables.
4. Excellent project management skills and organizational skills.
5. Excellent problem-solving skills.
6. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
7. Carrying out this role requires ongoing interaction and strong collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders.
8. Customer centric focus on customer care experience.
9. Ability to optimize operations and champion change.
10. Process oriented and attention to detail.
11. Experience and success in cross-functional leadership and teamwork.
12. Strong analytical and technical skills.
13. Minimum 5 years of experience addressing public policy issues related to pharmaceuticals and/or a related area of healthcare (market access, etc.)
14. Proven track record of success in managing high level stakeholders.
15. Experience with and knowledge of government and non-governmental organizations active on public policy issues required.
16. Strong knowledge of healthcare public policy process in South Africa and SSA, including understanding the roles and influence of various stakeholders.
17. Knowledge of the access and reimbursement environment.