Head Medical SM&P at Novartis

About The Role
Job Purpose:

• Lead medical affairs efforts for and Specialty Medicines and Programs (SM&P) and represent SSA at Global Health GPTs as needed. This include guiding local medical and Healthcare Systems Strengthening (HSS) teams, be responsible for partnership execution and oversight and work hand-in-hand with relevant stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of Global Health programs in SSA. The role is also accountable for identifying and executing specific opportunities to address specialty areas such as transplant and oncology/hematology in the region.
• Drive the medical plans & disease area strategies for SM&P, guiding the Medical Affairs and HSS plans for region. Provide medical and Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) leadership for the region in cross-functional global, regional, and local teams, support integrated disease area & program plans and guide execution of country Medical Affairs activities, with the SM&P Medical Science Liaisons.

Major Accountabilities:

• Lead the development of high-quality Medical and HSS strategies for the Global Health Programs and specialty disease areas, providing scientific expertise across functions as well as a compelling story to guide the SM&P teams:
• Work with the Global Medical Affairs Directors to execute local and regional medical affairs and HSS plans including but not limited to the evidence gap analysis and competitors’ landscape in conjunction with other functions (i.e. Patient Access) to support the decision-making processes.
• Perform key activities related to planning, execution, M&E and reporting of HSS partnerships across the region for and ensure timely and on budget delivery e.g. Develop, contribute and review presentation materials for study/program-related advisory boards in SSA, local investigator meetings for studies linked to SM&P, and external speaker at meetings, as required; for HSS – review and development of concept notes, partnership agreements and governance bodies.
• Support the development and rollout of activities in partnership with key external stake-holders to build capability and provide successful solutions in the health care system to reach underserved patient populations.
• Support health system strengthening reporting across SSA, partnering to establish Monitoring & Evaluation plans, and integrating into existing reporting mechanisms.
• Identify and map clinical COEs for specialty medicines including Global Health programs, Transplant and Oncology.
• Lead and/or enable interactions with external key stakeholders including but not limited to (e.g. Key Medical Experts, Scientific Societies, FBO’s, NGO’s Policy and key decision makers, Patient Associations, Health Authorities, etc.).
• Coach and develop team members with regards to SM&P efforts; influencing strategy and tactics across the region to ensure best outcome for patients; involves extensive internal and external networking co-create medical plan bringing relevant insights, and shape region or country activities to address local needs and in line with global strategy.
• Ensure successful execution of Health system strengthening initiatives (HSS), Demonstrate impact of health systems strengthening efforts, raise awareness of approaches and ensure cross-fertilization of good practices.
• Collaborate across functions and/or divisions to operate as “one team” and provide guidance on governance, as required.
• Work with Ethics and Compliance Professional Practices Policy (BeSure ) and ensure team does the same.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

• We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Role Requirements
Education & Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or equivalent education/degree in life science/healthcare is required.
• MD or PharmD/PhD preferred.
• Advanced knowledge in medical/scientific and Therapeutic areas required.

Competencies:

• Applied Business Insights
• Breakthrough Analysis and Business Mindset
• Healthcare systems thinking
• Joint Value Creation
• Operational Excellence
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Experience in implementing HSS activities

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Medical Education & Scientific Engagement, Medical Governance.
• Medical Science and Disease Area Knowledge
• Regulations & Guidelines
• Third-Party Sponsored Trials

Languages:

• Fluent oral & written English.
• Fluency in French would be a plus.

Experiences required:

• ≥8-10+ years of relevant experience working with high-performing regional and local medical and access teams in healthcare/life sciences industry.
• ≥ 5 years people management and development experience in global organization, demonstrated leadership, project management expertise and accomplishment in operational aspects of clinical development.
• Demonstrated leadership and prior matrix management experience and ability to lead complex international multidisciplinary teams with a pragmatic approach.
• Strong understanding of clinical development activities and functions/roles/responsibilities.
• Extensive knowledge of clinical operations and standards.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Advanced understanding of business processes.
• Demonstrated innovation in operational processes and issues resolutions.
• Excellent problem-solving, negotiation and conflict management/resolution skills.
• Change management skills to sustain a cultural of high ethical standards and compliance.
• Excellent team player.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Operate with mutual respect and integrity, embrace diversity, collaboration and candor diversity, collaboration, and candor
• Significant experience of risk management
• Relevant experience acquired at pharmaceutical companies, HTA, physician associations or health care consultancy companies or equivalent experience