Summary
About the Role
Major Accountabilities:
Political and Legislative Engagement:
- Navigate and influence the Saudi political and legislative environment to support Novartis’s strategic goals.
- Build and maintain relationships with key government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders.
Business Opportunity Maximization:
- Align Novartis’s business strategies with Saudi Arabia's Vision to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Thought Leadership in Public Policy:
- Provide evidence-based insights and innovative solutions to inform public policy.
- Collaborate with government, industry, academic institutions, industry partners, diplomatic partners, associations and other members of the healthcare ecosystem to establish Novartis as a leading voice in policy debates.
Cross-Divisional Strategy Development:
- Develop and implement a cohesive government affairs strategy that integrates and supports all NOVARTIS objectives through effective communication and collaboration across business units.
Crisis Management:
- Identify and manage short-term issues and crises with high business and reputational impact.
- Implement robust risk management frameworks and respond promptly and transparently to crises.
Stakeholder Management at the Highest Government Level:
- Engage with senior government officials and high-level stakeholders to advocate for Novartis’s interests.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
Macro and Geopolitical Factors:
- Monitor and analyze macroeconomic trends and geopolitical developments impacting Saudi Arabia.
- Develop strategies to navigate and leverage these factors to support Novartis’ business objectives.
Leadership and Collaboration:
- Foster collaboration within the country executive team and divisional government affairs staff.
- Maintain strategic alignment with overall business objectives and regularly interact with senior leaders.
Job Dimensions (Indicate key facts and figures)
Number of associates: 1
Impact on the organization: High
Background (State the required education, experience level, and competency profile)
Minimum Job Criteria: Government Affairs Leader
Educational Background:
- Bachelor's degree in political science, Public Policy, Law, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
- Advanced degree (master's or PhD) preferred.
Professional Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or a related field.
- Significant experience in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.
- Proven track record of influencing public policy and legislative processes.
- Local Policy and Saudi Market Experience: Extensive experience with local policies and a deep understanding of the Saudi market dynamics.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement comprehensive government affairs strategies.
- Political Acumen: Deep understanding of the political and legislative environment in Saudi Arabia.
- Relationship Building: Strong networking skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with key government officials and stakeholders.
- Crisis Management: Experience in managing short-term issues and crises with high business and reputational impact.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
- Leadership: Proven leadership skills with the ability to foster collaboration and drive strategic alignment.
- Language: Fluency in English and Arabic both verbally and in writing is a must
Knowledge and Expertise:
- In-depth knowledge of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its implications for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Familiarity with macroeconomic trends and geopolitical factors affecting the region.
- Understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
Personal Attributes:
- Innovative Mindset: Commitment to fostering a positive pro-innovation environment.
- Adaptability: Ability to navigate a dynamic and evolving political landscape.
- Integrity: High ethical standards and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network
Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.
