Assoc. Dir., Policy/Govern. Relations

Job Description

An amazing opportunity has arisen for an Associate Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy in Spain. Reporting to the Executive Director of Government Affairs & Policy, this role will be responsible for shaping and executing public policy and government affairs strategies that support patient access to innovative medicines and vaccines while strengthening our company's position in an evolving healthcare environment.

This is a highly visible and strategic role that sits at the intersection of healthcare policy, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will work closely with senior internal and external stakeholders, helping to navigate legislative and regulatory developments while contributing to meaningful healthcare outcomes for patients across Spain.

What You Will Do

Bring energy, knowledge, innovation and leadership to carry out the following

• Lead and execute Government Affairs and Public Policy strategies aligned with company and healthcare priorities in Spain.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national and regional policymakers, healthcare authorities, industry associations, and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor and assess legislative, regulatory, and healthcare policy developments, providing strategic insights and recommendations.
• Partner cross-functionally with Market Access, Medical Affairs, Communications, Regulatory, Legal, and Commercial teams to advance policy objectives.
• Support initiatives that improve patient access to innovative medicines and vaccines through effective stakeholder engagement.
• Represent the company externally and promote constructive dialogue with healthcare decision-makers and relevant organizations.

What Skills You Will Need

In order to excel in this role, you will more than likely have

• A university degree, preferably in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• Significant experience in Government Affairs, Public Affairs, Public Policy, Healthcare Policy, or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of legislative and policy-making processes and how to effectively influence them.
• An established network of key healthcare and policy stakeholders at national and/or regional level in Spain.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic engagement plans and managing complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate policy developments into business implications.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively across cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• Professional fluency in both Spanish and English.

Why Join Us?

As a company, we are committed to keeping the patient at the very heart of everything we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world's most challenging healthcare needs.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment.

So, if you are excited by the opportunity to shape healthcare policy, influence meaningful change, and help improve outcomes for patients across Spain, please apply today.

Required Skills

Government Affairs, Health Administration, Healthcare Policies, Health Economics, Institutional Relations, Legislative Affairs, Patient Access, Political Awareness, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Public Policies, Regulatory Policies

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

07/30/2026

• 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 R406897