Job Description

JOB TITLE

Public Policy Associate Director

Job Location: Riyadh

Reports To: Corporate Affairs Director

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

SITE DESCRIPTION

AstraZeneca is experiencing a significant transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, driven by a commitment to advancing healthcare, innovation, and sustainable growth. Building on our global legacy, AZ KSA is rapidly evolving its operations to better serve patients, collaborate with healthcare stakeholders, and contribute to the ambitious goals outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030. We are investing in talent, digital solutions, and new ways of working; all designed to enhance our impact on patient outcomes and reinforce our leadership in therapeutic areas. This dynamic environment calls for visionary, agile professionals who thrive in change and are motivated to help shape the future of healthcare in KSA. 

The Public Policy Associate Director is responsible for shaping, executing, and advancing AstraZeneca’s policy and advocacy strategy in support of the business unit’s portfolio and objectives. Reporting to the Gulf Corporate Affairs Director, this leadership role focuses on analyzing and influencing the external policy environment, identifying opportunities and risks, and guiding the organization’s engagement with critical stakeholders. The position works cross-functionally with commercial, medical, regulatory, and government affairs colleagues to support patient access, drive business priorities, and ensure alignment with AstraZeneca’s mission and values.

What you’ll do

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the policy landscape affecting AstraZeneca’s disease products, anticipating emerging trends and regulatory changes.
• Monitor relevant legislation, regulations, and advocacy activities to ensure compliance and proactively address potential risks to the business unit’s interests.
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy and advocacy projects that advance therapeutic access, reimbursement, and innovation for the respective therapy area(s).
• Assess and grow internal policy shaping capabilities, with a particular focus on ensuring alignment between national priorities and our therapy area-specific objectives.
• Ensuring KSA policy strategies are aligned with AstraZeneca’s global policy framework and contribute to broader corporate affairs strategy and must wins.
• Build and sustain relationships with key external stakeholders, including policymakers, senior government officials, patient advocacy groups, medical societies, NGOs, and industry associations.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment between policy priorities and business goals. Act as a subject matter expert for policy-related input into brand plans, regulatory submissions, market access, and lifecycle management.
• Develop impactful policy position statements, white papers, briefings, and other communication materials for internal and external audiences.
• Track and report key policy and advocacy outcomes, supporting continuous improvement in strategy and execution.

Essential for the role

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Pharmacy, Life Sciences, or a related discipline required; Master’s degree in Public Policy, Health Economics, or a relevant field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in healthcare policy, government affairs, or advocacy roles, with proven success in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare sector.
• Experience influencing public policy at national and/or international levels, including shaping legislative frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory and reimbursement environments relevant to AstraZeneca’s therapy areas.
• Familiarity with market access, pricing, and reimbursement challenges in innovative therapeutics.
• Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strategic thinker, results-oriented, and adept at navigating ambiguous and evolving policy environments.
• Ability to represent AstraZeneca externally with credibility and impact.
• High agility in stakeholder management and consensus-building across diverse groups.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn

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Date Posted

03-Apr-2026

Closing Date

14-Apr-2026

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.