Director, Policy

Job Description Join this business critical niche role, bring your entrepreneurial curiosity and learning spirit into a career of purpose, personal growth, and leadership. Be an integral part of the Global Public Policy Team and advance company policy and business objectives. About the Team Our Policy & Government Affairs team partners with government and policy organizations at local and national levels to address legislative and regulatory issues that enable discovery and development of innovative medicines, vaccines, and animal health products, while improving and protecting patient access to care. Role Overview The Director, Global Public Policy, Asia Pacific develops and executes global and regional policy strategies and advocacy plans that support business priorities. The role coordinates across Corporate Affairs functions and strengthens regional and market-level policy and advocacy capabilities. Reporting to the Executive Director, Global Public Policy, Asia Pacific Hub, it coordinates with regional/global Communications, Therapeutic Policy, Social Impact & Sustainability, Patient Engagement, and Commercial teams. This role is based in Singapore. No relocation support provided. What You Will Do Develop and execute public policy strategies and mitigation plans with Global Public Policy teammates, Commercial leaders, and in‑market teams across AP. Integrate Policy, Communications, Social Impact & Sustainability, and Patient Engagement into external affairs for business‑critical priorities. Monitor and analyze the policy environment and regional political dynamics, including AP relationships with the U.S. and other key countries, and brief stakeholders on impacts to company’s regional and global objectives. Create and execute strategic stakeholder engagement plans to position the company as a thought leader with influencers and decision‑makers. Prepare clear, timely briefing materials and presentations for senior leader engagements. Represent company policy positions with government leaders and key influencers in regional and local forums. Develop cohesive narratives that convey the economic and societal benefits of our work, including strategies linking Ministries of Health with Finance, Economy, and Trade. Leverage networks and build partnerships with the U.S. government, think tanks, and external experts to amplify advocacy. Maximize impact of engagement with trade associations and multilateral platforms (e.g., APEC). Build regional and market‑level policy and advocacy capabilities; assess gaps and deliver capability‑building aligned to business objectives. Contribute to quarterly and annual strategic planning and evaluation for Global Public Policy. What Should You Have Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field; advanced degree (MPP, MPH/MSPH, MPA, MA/MS in Political Science, MBA) preferred. Minimum 10 years of international government affairs/advocacy experience with demonstrated success before U.S. and foreign governments and/or in international health policy and advocacy (industry, government, NGO). Knowledge of health systems across different market archetypes; direct AP experience preferred. Experience providing strategic thought leadership and issue management to industry associations, think tanks, and advocacy organizations to shape policy. Proven ability to work in diverse, matrixed teams; influence without authority; drive toward a common agenda with clear actions. Broad, deep external network and AP experience across public and private sectors in healthcare. Experience building capabilities, influencing and upskilling leaders, and engaging effectively with peers and senior executives. Strong verbal and written communication skills to influence internal/external audiences and senior stakeholders. Ability to master complex policy, regulatory, and legislative issues; develop creative, innovative strategies. Strong project management; ability to manage competing priorities under time pressure. High ethical standards; ability to build strong internal and external relationships. Success working across culturally diverse, matrixed teams with high collaboration. Growth mindset with balance of expertise, agility, and curiosity. Fluent English (verbal and written); additional regional languages a plus. We Are We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world. #J-18808-Ljbffr