Head, Policy Advocacy SSA at Novartis

Summary

• The Head, Policy Advocacy SSA will drive targeted advocacy efforts around policies that impact Novartis priority brands and key assets across SSA. The role will ensure that the Novartis policy view on Health financing, Health policy, Regulatory harmonization, Local manufacturing, Competitiveness, ESG and Environmental issues, is disseminated and positioned with key African stakeholders to shape legislation and regulation that guarantee sustainable availability of innovative medicine to SSA patients.

About the Role

• Drive targeted advocacy for Novartis around critical topics like Health financing, Health policy, Regulatory harmonization, Local manufacturing, Competitiveness, ESG and Environmental issues, aligned with overall SSA policy priorities and the Novartis policy position.
• Build and maintain strong network and partnerships with key stakeholders across African institutions and position Novartis as a trusted partner.
• Monitor African institutions (African Union, Africa CDC, Council of Ministers, AMA, AfCFTA, etc.), healthcare or pharmaceutical regulatory authorities and major industry bodies, focusing on policy evolution and regulatory harmonization.
• Provide proactive analysis and insights on the SSA political environment and key issues likely to affect availability of innovative medicines to African patients or the SSA business.
• Represent Novartis in selected committees of African Trade associations focusing on healthcare/pharmaceutical industry as well as regional policy and advocacy fora.
• Collaborate closely with International Public Affairs team and Business internally to connect policy issues with business impact.
• Actively contributes to launch plans with Medical for early pipeline, V&A for late pre-launch, and Operations for launch readiness; continuously assessing policy changes required for optimal launch uptake.
• Align with regional teams (GH&S, APMA) on policy priorities across priority therapeutic areas.
• Coordinate development of strategic policy materials (e.g. white papers, policy position) and portfolio policy messaging 

 Key Performance Indicators 

• Coordinate portfolio policy for priority brands and key assets, in line with Novartis strategy.
• Collaborating with Medical, V&A and Portfolio teams to ensure successful launches.
• Drive integrated portfolio advocacy programs with country teams.
• Develop external advocacy priorities and represent Novartis in external, portfolio-relevant fora.