Job Description

Job Title: Director, External Affairs

Location: [Beijing], China

Reports to: Head of China R&D

Position Overview

The Director, External Affairs will serve as the strategic leader for all external engagement for R&D China. This pivotal role is accountable for developing and executing a comprehensive external affairs strategy to support R&D China's research and development objectives. This position will provide senior counsel on the evolving policy landscape and manage critical relationships with government bodies, regulatory agencies, and other influential institutions to foster a favorable operating and innovation environment for the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and execute a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy, building and maintaining high-level relationships with key government bodies, pharma R&D-related regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and industry associations. Define clear engagement plans with measurable outcomes to support operational and scientific goals.
• Policy Intelligence and Analysis: Proactively monitor, analyze, and interpret China's evolving healthcare and pharmaceutical R&D policy landscape. Establish and manage an early warning system to brief leadership on potential opportunities and risks, translating policy shifts into actionable business intelligence.
• Strategic Counsel and Advisory: Provide the Head of R&D China and the leadership team with timely, insightful analysis and strategic counsel on policy impacts. Develop position papers, executive briefings to guide strategic decision-making.
• Incentive and Program Realization: Lead the strategy and execution to secure and realize government incentives and preferential policies. This includes, but is not limited to, talent acquisition programs (e.g., Hukou), tax benefits, research grants, and other forms of government support. Track delivery and report on outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal functions (e.g., Communications, Finance, HR, Legal and Compliance, etc) to ensure aligned external engagement and advocacy efforts.
• Issue and Crisis Management: Serve as the primary liaison with government authorities during issue and crisis management situations. Coordinate a rapid, effective, and compliant response in partnership with cross-functional teams, leveraging government relations to protect the company's reputation and license to operate.
• Executive Engagement Support: Orchestrate and manage high-level government engagements for visiting senior Company executives and scientists, ensuring productive interactions that advance strategic priorities in China.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Life Sciences, Public Health, Public Policy, Law, or a related field. An advanced degree (e.g., Master's, PhD) is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in external affairs, public policy, or external relations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity.
• Deep, nuanced understanding of the Chinese government structure, policymaking processes.
• Engagement experience with key agencies relevant to pharmaceutical R&D (e.g., National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), National Health Commission (NHC) would be a plus.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences R&D sector in China is preferred. Proven track record of advising senior executives and successfully navigating a complex, matrixed corporate environment.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic Mindset: Ability to analyze complex policy issues, anticipate future trends, and translate them into strategic business recommendations and actionable plans.
• Influence and Negotiation: Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills with a demonstrated ability to build trust and influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Communication Excellence: Superior communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal) in Mandarin and English are essential. Capable of crafting clear, compelling narratives and position statements. Leadership and Agility: A proactive and results-oriented leader who can operate effectively in an ambiguous and rapidly changing environment. Integrity and Compliance: Unquestionable personal integrity and a strong commitment to operating with the highest ethical and compliance standards.

Required Skills:

Accountability, Accountability, Adaptability, Animal Health Care, Business Decisions, Business Intelligence (BI), Communication, Communication Coordination, Compliance Support, Crisis Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, EU Policy Making, Healthcare Policies, Leadership, Multilateral Organizations, Noncommunicable Diseases, Patient Advocacy, Personal Initiative, Policy Development, Political Forums, Public Health, Public Health Research, Public Policies, Regulatory Affairs Compliance, Regulatory Compliance {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

no

Job Posting End Date:

05/31/2026

*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.