Director, External Affairs

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 Chinas 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 Chinas 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 companys 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:

• Bachelors degree required preferably in Life Sciences Public Health Public Policy Law or a related field. An advanced degree (e.g. Masters 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:

Preferred Skills:

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