Job Description

Corporate Affairs Senior Specialist (Policy, Communications and Patient Advocacy) - temporary contract

An amazing opportunity has arisen for a Corporate Affairs Senior Specialist (Policy, Communications and Patient Advocacy) in our company on a 1‑year temporary contract. This position will be responsible for policy and public affairs activities, external communications and patient advocacy, with a focus on designing and implementing initiatives that positively shape the external environment and strengthen our company's voice and reputation.

The role will lead the planning and execution of patient engagement activities in alignment with regional and local priorities, and will work in close collaboration with access, commercial and medical colleagues, as well as with external stakeholders such as policy makers, health-related organizations, patient groups and media. The Corporate Affairs Senior Specialist will be part of the Access & Corporate Affairs team and will report to the Associate Director, Corporate Affairs Lead.

What you will do:

Bring energy, knowledge, innovation and leadership to carry out the following:

• Develop and implement policy and communication strategies in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Lead and local and regional teams within a specific therapeutic area.
• Partner with brand teams to plan and deliver impactful patient engagement activities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with key policy stakeholders, including government authorities, experts, key thought leaders, NGOs and patient advocacy organizations, to address policy issues and demonstrate the value of our company's portfolio.
• Monitor, anticipate and analyze opportunities and threats related to our company's product portfolio, pipeline and reputation.
• Develop strong evidence-based advocacy messaging and support crisis management, including proactive risk identification and mitigation at country level.
• Act as a key contributor to the digital transformation of our communication and engagement activities.

What skills you will need:

In order to excel in this role, you will more than likely have:

• A university degree in social sciences, health, communication or a related field, and a minimum of 4 years' experience in policy and communications, including strategy and plan development (experience in the health industry will be highly regarded).
• Strong policy know-how and acumen, with solid understanding of the political, economic and social environment, ideally complemented by business acumen and knowledge of pharmaceutical business and healthcare policies.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills, able to quickly learn new contexts, move from analysis to proposal, and identify priority routes for change.
• Proven ability to develop, adapt and disseminate positioning, narratives and corporate messaging on disease, therapy areas and company topics for diverse audiences, including government officials, regulators and key influencers.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with a strong command of English for daily business discussions and regional/global interactions.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to manage internal and external communication channels and initiatives, identifying risks and opportunities and demonstrating an action-driven approach.
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trustful relationships internally and externally.
• Solid analytical, fact-finding, project management and planning skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using digital tools and platforms for communication and engagement.

Why Join Us?

As a company, we are committed to keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world's most challenging healthcare needs.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment.

So, if you are ready to make a real impact in shaping health policy, strengthening our company's voice and driving meaningful patient engagement, please apply today.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Communication Coordination, Communication Delivery, Community Interaction, Content Management Systems (CMS), Event Planning, Healthcare Policies, Media Purchase, Pharmacoeconomics, Policy Development, Public Relations Services, Research Networks, Social Media Platform, Strategic Thinking, Vaccine Policy

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

Project Temps (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

03/16/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.