Job Description
Job Description
Associate Director – Government Affairs, Sustainability & Patient Advocacy
Position Summary
The Associate Director – Government Affairs, Patient Advocacy & Sustainability will lead the development and execution of integrated strategies that strengthen the organization's reputation, advance public health priorities and improve patient outcomes across India. This role requires a seasoned professional with strong government relations experience, deep understanding of CSR laws, public affairs, patient advocacy ecosystems, and demonstrated ability to work with state‑level health systems, patient groups, policymakers
The incumbent will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams—including Market Access, Medical Affairs, Corporate Communications, and Business Units—to shape policy, embed third party voice in decision‑making, and expand equitable access to innovative healthcare solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Government Affairs & Public Policy
- Patient Advocacy & Engagement
- State Government Engagements
- CSR Strategy & Program Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive government affairs strategy aligned with business priorities and public health objectives.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with key ministries at both central and state levels, including Health, Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Commerce & Industry, Science & Technology, and others.
- Represent the organization in industry associations, policy forums, and expert working groups to influence legislation and regulatory frameworks.
- Partner with internal teams to analyse legislative and regulatory changes, providing strategic recommendations and action plans.
- Build coalitions with policymakers, patient organizations, public health groups, and scientific societies to advance shared health objectives.
- Foster strong and credible relationships to position the company as a trusted partner in the Indian healthcare ecosystem.
- Bring the voice of patients into organizational decision‑making by championing patient‑cantered policy development.
- Map, engage, and strengthen relationships with patient organizations, ensuring compliant and ethical collaborations aligned with therapeutic priorities.
- Support patient groups in capability building—including disease awareness, health literacy, advocacy skills, and evidence‑based policy engagement.
- Facilitate participation of patient groups in consultations, scientific meetings, and advisory boards.
- Build deep partnerships with priority state governments to advance state‑level health programs, vaccination initiatives, and disease elimination strategies.
- Identify and address state‑specific patient pathway barriers in collaboration with Market Access, Medical Affairs, and Business Units.
- Track evolving state health priorities and develop tailored engagement plans to support adoption of innovative healthcare solutions.
- Lead the design and implementation of CSR programs aligned with national priorities, sustainability frameworks, and the company's broader public health mission.
- Ensure all CSR initiatives comply with India's Companies Act, Schedule VII CSR requirements, and relevant regulatory guidelines.
- Partner with NGOs, public health organizations, and community stakeholders to deploy high‑impact CSR projects in areas such as health equity, disease prevention, health literacy, and community capacity building.
- Establish KPIs and impact measurement frameworks for CSR and sustainability initiatives, ensuring transparent reporting in alignment with internal and statutory requirements.
- Integrate CSR and sustainability efforts with Government Affairs, Patient Advocacy, and Market Access teams to ensure cohesive stakeholder engagement.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree required.
- PGDBM, MBA, Master's in Public Health, Public Policy, Health Administration, Life Sciences, or related fields preferred.
Experience
- 16 – 20 years of experience in Government Affairs, Public Policy, Patient Advocacy, or Healthcare Public Affairs.
- Proven track record of engaging with government bodies, patient groups, and public health organizations.
- Experience navigating complex regulatory and multi‑stakeholder environments.
- Strong understanding of India's policy ecosystem and state‑level health systems.
- Experience with CSR, sustainability, or ESG‑linked initiatives is desirable
Capabilities & Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence across levels.
- Strong strategic thinking with ability to translate policy insights into actionable plans.
- Ability to manage sensitive issues and engage with diverse, sometimes challenging stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; experience with policy analysis and advocacy.
- High credibility, ethical judgment, and commitment
Required Skills
Adaptability, Adaptability, Communication Coordination, Corporate Communications Strategy, Corporate Sustainability, Data Analysis, Financial Research, Health Literacy, Health Outcomes, Legislative Issues, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Oncology Marketing, Patient Advocacy, Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Policy Interpretation, Political Forums, Public Health, Public Health Policy Development, Public Policies, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Frameworks, Relationship Building, Stakeholder Engagement + 2 more
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
Regular
Relocation
VISA Sponsorship
Travel Requirements
Flexible Work Arrangements
Not Applicable
Shift
Valid Driving License
Hazardous Material(s)
Job Posting End Date
05/11/2026
- 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.
Requisition ID R393245
