Legal, Compliance, and Data Privacy Healthcare Lead Developing Markets at Merck Group

Your Role: 

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic professional to provide comprehensive legal, compliance, and data privacy support to our Healthcare Business across developing markets in Africa. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse cluster of countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and more, while reporting directly to the Regional Manager for the MEAR region.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor, providing essential legal, compliance and data privacy guidance to management and various functions within our organization. Acting as a strategic partner to the Managing Director responsible for the Developing Markets, you will facilitate seamless communication and collaboration across teams. Your support will extend to a wide range of activities, including negotiation of contracts, support to market access and commercial strategies including digital projects, support to the legal entities active in the Developing Markets cluster in corporate matters, disputes and potential investigations, strategic advisory on a broad range of legal, compliance and data privacy matters.

Collaboration will be key as you work closely with regional and global teams to foster a culture of compliance and ethical behavior throughout the organization. You will oversee the implementation of compliance and data privacy management systems, ensuring they align with all relevant regulations.

A proactive approach will be necessary as you identify and manage legal, compliance and data privacy risks, implementing effective monitoring and control systems.

Additionally, you will conduct training sessions aimed at empowering management with knowledge about legal matters as well as compliance and ethical practices. Your role will involve developing and updating policies to ensure they meet local requirements while effectively addressing compliance challenges. Finally, you will manage budgets and resources in accordance with global guidelines, ensuring that all activities align with the company’s strategic objectives.

Who You Are:

• You have a legal degree and admission to practice law in one of the jurisdictions in developing markets, preferably in Kenya or alternatively in South Africa.
• You have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the healthcare sector or life sciences, preferably in a large law firm or the legal or compliance department of an international healthcare or life sciences company.
• You are familiar with multinational corporate compliance and data privacy culture, with knowledge of anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, as well as data privacy regulations.
• You have experience in an international environment and the ability to work across different cultures, being comfortable interacting with all levels of management, including senior management.
• You possess strong management skills and are a well-balanced business counselor and influencer.
• You have a background in change and process management, are open, energetic, a self-starter, pragmatic, and able to act under pressure.
• You have excellent organizational, collaboration, and communication skills, and are proficient in English.