Policy & Health Systems Strengthening Associate Director

MSD

2mo ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Senior Level
Government & Politics
Healthcare

Requirements

Minimum 5 years experience leading environmental shaping initiatives within a large healthcare 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 organizations, 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, pricing, procurement, and overall regulatory issues),
Understanding of the policy and legislative development processes in South Africa and key sub-Saharan Africa markets ideal
Having established a solid foundation and credibility with key policy stakeholders advantageous
Ability to influence, motivate, advise and mobilize internal and external stakeholders around a particular topic and deliver successful results
Possess strong presentation skills and the overall knowledge, judgment and courage of conviction to be credible among internal and external stakeholders and win their confidence and respect
Clear reputation for ethical conduct, integrity and confidentiality
Demonstrated ability to work in a matrix organization and cross-functional collaboration
Keen attention to detail, excellent written work product and presentations, results driven, proactive, open-minded with the ability to develop new and creative ideas

Responsibilities

Assess and provide risks and opportunities associated with health sector reform in South Africa and key Southern African markets and develop a cross-functional strategy for Organisational positioning and sustainability
Lead the development of a strategic public policy strategy (focused on South Africa's move to UHC/NHI) to ensure favorable healthcare investment and treatment delivery environment exists for the disease areas in which the company operates.
Lead the early strategic analysis of local business potential for pipeline/compounds expected to enter the portfolio
Lead the production of high-quality internal and external responses to relevant policies and discussion documents linked to health sector reform in South Africa and key Southern African markets (e.g. disease policy, benefit design, treatment guidelines, pricing and procurement).
Execute strong advocacy activities in the areas of Healthcare Pricing Committees, Health Industries Guidance Committee, Health Insurance and Regulatory issues.
Liaise with EEMEA region, and other relevant affiliates on public policy and market access projects to ensure shared learning and efficient replication of relevant initiatives.
Establish credibility as a thought leader on Health Financing, Pricing and Pharmaco-economic evaluation best practice.
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,
Work collaboratively with other functional leaders and functions such as franchise teams, market planning, market access, communications, patient engagement, medical, regulatory, and clinical research to ensure integration of the latest public policy developments and advocacy strategies into their plans.
Collaborate with government, industry associations, academia, think tanks, and partners across Southern Africa to shape the policy environment, support health systems strengthening, protect our company's reputation, and support business sustainability.
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 Corporate HQ strategies,
Develop productive, meaningful and appropriate relationships with Government, Ministries of Health, patient representatives, SLs, funders, international organizations and other key stakeholders who are responsible for strategic planning and investment which affects treatment access and health delivery.
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 policies, establishment of EML 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

FAQs

What is the primary focus of the Associate Director: Policy & Health Systems Strengthening position?

The primary focus is to shape impactful health policies, strengthen health systems, and drive meaningful change across Southern Africa, particularly in relation to healthcare investment and treatment delivery.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A relevant degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in leading environmental shaping initiatives within a large healthcare organization are required.

Is experience with government or public policy groups necessary for this role?

Yes, experience working within government, think tanks, public policy groups, and other relevant organizations is preferred.

What kind of skills are essential for this role?

Essential skills include tact, diplomacy, discretion, strong presentation abilities, and the capacity to influence and mobilize stakeholders.

Will the Associate Director be involved in stakeholder management?

Yes, the role involves extensive stakeholder management, including collaboration with government, industry associations, and various internal functions to achieve government affairs and business goals.

Does this position require monitoring and compliance responsibilities?

Yes, the role includes responsibilities for compliance with good practice guidelines, monitoring performance indicators, and analyzing regulatory opportunities and threats.

Is travel required for this position?

Travel requirements are not specified, but flexibility may be necessary given the role's focus on regional engagement in Southern Africa.

Are there opportunities for professional development and networking in this role?

Yes, the position offers opportunities to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government and academic partners, which can enhance professional development and networking.

Do we have a commitment to diversity and inclusion in hiring?

Yes, the company is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourages the challenge of ideas and collective problem-solving.

What is the job posting end date for this position?

The job posting end date is 11/21/2024, and applicants should apply no later than the day before this date.

MSD

We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company.

Science & Healthcare

Industry

10,001+

Employees

1891

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

MSD, also known as Merck & Co. Inc. in the United States and Canada, is a global pharmaceutical company that focuses on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative healthcare solutions. They research and develop a wide range of prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. MSD's ultimate mission is to improve and save lives by addressing unmet medical needs and advancing healthcare worldwide. Their purpose is to develop innovative medicines and therapies that tackle diseases and conditions affecting individuals across the globe, with a strong emphasis on scientific excellence, patient-centricity, and ethical business practices. MSD strives to make a meaningful impact on public health by providing access to safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare solutions, while also contributing to the broader advancement of medical knowledge and healthcare systems

Culture & Values

Patients first
We are all accountable for delivering high quality products and services. We aspire to improve the health and wellness of people and animals worldwide, and to expand access to our medicines and vaccines. All of our actions must be measured against our responsibility to those who use or need our products.
Respect for people
Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity, safety and teamwork of our employees. We work to create an environment of mutual respect, inclusion and accountability. We reward commitment and performance and are responsive to the needs of our employees and their families.
Ethics and integrity
We are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We are responsible to all of our stakeholders: employees, patients, customers, distributors and suppliers, shareholders, and the communities we serve worldwide. We do not take professional or ethical shortcuts.
Innovation and scientific excellence
We are dedicated to the highest standard of innovation and scientific excellence. Our research is guided by a commitment to improving health and quality of life. We strive to identify and meet the most critical needs of patients and customers through continuous innovation across all areas of our business.