Requisition ID: GLO001360 MSD is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where MSD has codified its 125:year legacy. MSD's success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.
The Public Policy and Communications Director for Central America and the Caribbean will work in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders to design and implement strategies that enable MSD to meet its strategic and business goals. The incumbent acts as a resource to the subsiadiary in developing and implementing policy strategies and building policy capabilities in a wide range of priorities. The main areas of focus include support for key company therapeutic areas, healthcare reform, intellectual property, trade:related issues, access to medicines, and regulatory harmonization. In addition, the role will advocate for policies and legislation affecting competitiviness, investment and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.
The position is based in Panama.
Responsibilities:
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Develops and implements cross:functional strategies in support of the business priorities, focused on key therapeutic areas.
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Builds strategic relationships with key policy stakeholders who are active in the development of governmental policies at the sub regional level and in priority markets, including public health organizations and NGOs.
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Develop and implement policy plans and stakeholder mapping and engagement.
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Liases with priority franchise teams for alignment in the development and implementation of subsidiary policy plans.
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Works in partnership with regional policy and communications leaders for coordination and alignment within the functional area.
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Collaborates with Washington, DC:based teams and organizations to provide input from markets and develop coordinated trade, policy and advocacy strategies for the subsidiary. Take part in the implementation of these strategies.
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Implements advocacy plans to seize opportunities and minimize threats that may have a major impact on MSDs business in the region. Proactively develops and provides alternative solutions and preferred approaches to policy challenges.
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Drives industry agenda through industry and business associations to help implement strategies and reach key objectives.
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Facilitates information exchanges relevant to policy initiatives between regions/countries and other Merck groups (e.g. Corporate Responsibility, Regulatory, Legal, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Communications, Product teams, etc).
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Monitors policy and regulatory developments.
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Conducts policy crisis management and proactive risk identification and mitigation. Qualifications
Requirements:
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Bachelors degree.
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Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with governments and non:governmental organizations active on public policy issues, required.
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Strong knowledge of healthcare public policy processes, including understanding the roles of various stakeholders.
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Experience addressing public policy issues related to pharmaceuticals and/or vaccines or a related area of healthcare is preferred.
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Demonstrated leadership ability to identify strategic priorities, bring together different internal stakeholders, and move an agenda forward to resolution and action.
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Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively is essential.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
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Fluency in English and Spanish (in oral and written) is required.
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Cultural knowledge and sensitivity.
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Strong business acumen.
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Cross:functional leadership s
