Associate Director, Policy & Government Relations

Job Description

In an evolving and increasingly complex health policy environment, this role plays a strategic part in contributing to the development and implementation of policies aimed at ensuring sustainable access to innovation.

The Associate Director, Policy & Government Relations supports the company’s commitment to health across all therapeutic areas, operating within a framework characterized by the balance between value‑based healthcare, innovation uptake, and cost‑containment pressures at both national and regional levels.

The position requires a high level of seniority, decision‑making autonomy, and strategic vision to effectively represent and articulate the social, economic, political, and health impact of the company’s initiatives, both product‑related and cross‑functional, as a critical prerequisite for the achievement of successful policy outcomes.

In an increasingly broad and complex institutional ecosystem, encompassing both traditional stakeholders and emerging areas such as digital health and private insurance, the Associate Director acts as a key point of reference in institutional engagement, working in close coordination with the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Leadership & Institutional Relations

• Personal accountability for managing high-level relationships with national policymakers, including Ministers (Health, Economy, Economic Development, Education & Research), Members of Parliament, in alignment with the Directors responsible for Regional Policy for pharma and for vaccines and according to RACI.  
• Actively contribute to the cross-functional teams to propose policy plans for in line and in pipeline products working closely with Business Units, Market Access and Medical Affairs teams, and
• Actively engage to the EUCAN Policy function to ensure alignment between national policy initiatives and broader global and EUCAN/HHI/Global strategies and blueprints.
• Organize and /or support institutional workshops/events at national level in compliance with corporate procedures, research activities in the policy field collaborating with Medical Affairs and Market Access, public-private partnerships, training initiatives
• Support objects aimed at boosting Company reputation at policy level, in strict collaboration with the Communication team.

The position interacts with key policy players at national level aligned with our company's position and shares strategies and objectives with the Executive Director and has full autonomy in the implementation of the activities.

The position needs to propose solutions to allow our company's position to be effectively transformed into feasible acts. Negotiations skills, problem-solving attitude, team-player approach and networking as well as a strong empathy and leadership are all skills needed in this position.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• University degree in Political Science, Law, Public Health, Economy or another relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in public affairs consultancy with specific experience in pharmaceuticals and well-introduced presence amongst key relevant Stakeholders.
• Proven ability to establish, manage, and sustain strong partnerships with senior institutional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in advising senior leadership and executives on complex policy matters.
• Experience leading or coordinating cross-functional teams toward shared objectives.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strategic and innovative thinking, especially in environments characterized by limited resources, conflicting interests, and competitive markets.
• Excellent negotiation skills, problem-solving mindset, and results-oriented approach.
• Excellent in designing company presentations
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Strong analytical ability, with proven skill in synthesizing complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in Italian and English, including the ability to draft talking points and concise briefing materials.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to anticipate organizational challenges and take ownership of critical issues.
• High level of diplomacy, professional discretion, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-exposure environment.

Why Join Us

This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of health policy, innovation, and societal impact—contributing directly to shaping a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and enabling patient access to transformative solutions.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Communication Coordination, Data Analysis, Financial Research, Health Outcomes, Legislative Issues, Market Access, Oncology Marketing, Policy Development, Policy Interpretation, Political Forums, Public Health Policy Development, Relationship Building, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking, Talent Acquisition, Talent Recruitment

Preferred Skills:

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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:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

05/4/2026

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