Director, Policy and Government Relations-Latin America

Job Description

Overview:

The Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, Latin America, is responsible for developing and executing global and regional policy strategies and advocacy plans across Latin America in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. These efforts are aimed at enhancing access to innovation, addressing policy risks across a range of cross-cutting issues, and supporting the successful launch, timely access, and uptake of our company's Global Pharma portfolio and pipeline in the fields of cardio-metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and immunology within Latin America.

The position reports to the Executive Director, Global Public Policy, Latin America Hub, and closely collaborates with the DC International team.

The role is based in Washington, DC.

Scope of work and core responsibilities include: 

• Developing and executing public policy strategies in collaboration with Global Public Policy teammates, Commercial and Market Access leaders, Communications, Social Business Innovation, and Patient Engagement regional directors, and in-market teams in support of business-critical priorities in Latin America.

• Monitoring, analyzing, and briefing on the regional political dynamics, policy issues, and bilateral/regional relationships impacting our company's business objectives in Latin America and globally.

• Support establishing our company as an industry thought leader and collaborating with industry associations and relevant stakeholders in Washington, D.C. to devise and implement advocacy strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, and cohesive narratives to advance key policy priorities.

• Creating and implementing strategies to maximize the impact of regional and multilateral platforms (e.g., Americas RISE for Health, APEC, G20, Summit of the Americas), including efforts to connect Ministries of Health with non-traditional stakeholders such as Ministries of Finance, Economy, and Trade.

• Contributing to the development and execution of global, regional, and cross-functional strategies to support the successful launch, regulatory approval, public access and reimbursement of prioritized therapies within our company's Global Pharma portfolio and pipeline in the areas of infectious diseases, Cardio-metabolic disorders and Immunology.

• Building regional and market-level policy and advocacy capabilities aligned with business objectives.

• Contributing to quarterly and annual strategic planning and evaluation processes for the Global Public Policy function and the Latin American Human Health Leadership team.

Commute/Travel/Visa:

• We offer Hybrid Work Model (combination of 3 days In-office & 2 days offsite).

• This position cannot be 100% remote.

• Applicant must have ability to work from our Washington D.C site with 10% to 20% Travel (including International).

• The position offers relocation and visa support.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Public Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field.

• Preferred: Master's or Professional degree or equivalent in Public Policy (MPP), Public Health (MPH or MSPH), Public Administration (MPA), Political Science (MA, MS), or International Business (MBA).

Required Skills and Experience:

• At minimum of 10 years’ experience in public policy and international government affairs with demonstrated ability to master complex policy, regulatory and legislative issues and advocate before U.S. and Latin American governments.

• Expertise on health policy cross-cutting issues (pricing, access, intellectual property, etc.) is highly desirable.

• Track record of providing strategic thought leadership and issue management to global, regional and DC based industry associations, think thanks and other advocacy organizations.

• Capacity for creative thinking, development of innovative strategies and solutions, and effective management of competing priorities, often in time-sensitive environments, with strong project management skills.

• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and diplomacy skills with a proven ability to work within diverse teams, achieve results, influence without formal authority, and contribute to a common agenda.

• Fluency in English and Spanish with strong verbal and written communication skills is essential. ((This includes the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership and high-level external stakeholders.))

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

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