Head of Public Affairs, Saudi Arabia
Novartis
Date: 3 weeks ago
City: Riyadh
Contract type: Full time

Summary
As the Government Affairs Leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the political and legislative landscape in Saudi Arabia to maximize business opportunities for NOVARTIS. You will provide thought leadership in public policy, drive a cross-divisional government affairs strategy, and lead government affairs activities. You will also manage short-term issues and crises with significant business and reputational impact. As a member of the country leadership team, you will be the functional leader for government affairs and key insight provider and contact person for government related topics and stakeholders.
About The Role
Major Accountabilities:
Political And Legislative Engagement
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
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
As the Government Affairs Leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the political and legislative landscape in Saudi Arabia to maximize business opportunities for NOVARTIS. You will provide thought leadership in public policy, drive a cross-divisional government affairs strategy, and lead government affairs activities. You will also manage short-term issues and crises with significant business and reputational impact. As a member of the country leadership team, you will be the functional leader for government affairs and key insight provider and contact person for government related topics and stakeholders.
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.
- Align Novartis’s business strategies with Saudi Arabia's Vision to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- 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.
- Develop and implement a cohesive government affairs strategy that integrates and supports all NOVARTIS objectives through effective communication and collaboration across business units.
- 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.
- 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.
- Monitor and analyze macroeconomic trends and geopolitical developments impacting Saudi Arabia.
- Develop strategies to navigate and leverage these factors to support Novartis’ business objectives.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
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
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