Policy Lead Diagnostics Africa at Roche

Job Description

• Responsible for creating and leading the policy strategy for Roche Diagnostics Africa including environment shaping activities on matters impacting Roche, developing positions to African regional institutions and governments in support of Roche Diagnostics and aligning to regional business objectives. Monitors, analyses and communicates key health policy matters relevant to Roche Diagnostics in Africa, and serves as a central resource and advocate for public policy changes. Works closely with colleagues as a thought partner and contributor across the Roche policy ecosystem to develop, build and manage relationships from African perspective and interests to key institutional, non-profit organizations and as well as global health stakeholders to enable a coordinated policy strategy including prioritization and policy positions
• Works in collaboration with local experts in affiliates to drive maximum impact of initiatives and reinforce the value of diagnostics for patient care and health outcomes. Co-lead with Roche Pharma Africa policy, access and partnership teams to align as One Roche with critical stakeholders and initiatives that cross both businesses with responsibility for connecting health-economic and public health policies.
• This is a newly created role, reporting to the Director, Access & Partnerships and will include the opportunity to co-shape the remit of the team as it evolves, in collaboration with stakeholders and customers.
• The Policy Lead, Diagnostics Africa delivers value to Roche Diagnostics in Africa by taking the lead in the Roche policy and government affairs for Africa, including:
• Defining and implementing policy, advocacy and engagement priorities for Diagnostics within the African Network and in collaboration with Access & Policy EMEA-LATAM Regional functions and Global Access & Policy functions including Health Policy Leads (Geneva and U.S.). This would include collaboration with Roche Pharma Africa where applicable
• Articulating a bold, shared Pan-African diagnostic vision for policy and government affairs aligned within the broader Africa Diagnostics Strategy that is centered on the patient and delivering towards the realization of UHC
• Identifying opportunities for policy ecosystem shaping to facilitate patient / people access to innovative diagnostics, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders with a Pan-African approach
• Develop and maintain relationships with key African stakeholders ensuring appropriate company participation in regional forums, conference and key policy meetings including preparation of policy briefings
• Working closely with access teams to link policy activities to and in support of implementation of access priorities for diagnostics in Africa such as reimbursement pathways, health technology assessment, value based procurement and other funding pathways and supporting the commercial organization in this regard
• Ensuring that the value of IVD and its funding & reimbursement is in the agenda of governments and health authorities across Africa
• Engaging with healthcare organizations across Africa in order to shape public policy for diagnostics as part of a broader healthsystem ecosystem shaping and with Roche Pharma as applicable
• Engaging as a player in the Roche Africa network to shape structures, processes and behaviors; engages externally side by side with GM/CMs and other business functions to advance healthcare and continuously improve the patient journey

Requirements for the position/ Candidate profile:

Professional and Technical Requirements:

• University degree level qualification in a relevant discipline, typically 5-10 years experience in a Policy & Gov. Affairs environment
• Strong line-leadership experience, preferably with extensive experience of creating and leading diverse, regional teams, and/or matrix leadership
• Broad business acumen of the diagnostics / healthcare market and its activities
• Experience in policy and governmental affairs (eg public policy background, agency experience)
• A relevant post-graduate qualification (e.g. MSc; MBA; or higher degree qualification in a relevant area would be desirable

Experience, Skills, Knowledge:

• Experience working in an international, multi-cultural and matrix environment
• Strategic and system thinking skills and proven track record of developing and delivering business strategies
• Solid experience of leading change, negotiating and managing conflict
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience in building, leading and coaching teams, and an ability to communicate complex topics simply and articulately to various audiences
• Fluency in English and (ideally also other languages) is a must
• Strong organizational, communication, and networking skills, along with excellent relationships with policy makers and self-government
• Solid understanding of the industry’s complex policy, regulatory, market access requirements with an absolute commitment to competing on the highest ethical level are essential
• Proven track record of developing and implementing programs that delivered strong and identifiable business impact
• Proven ability to integrate their work in the context of wider strategic frameworks and in the context of a fast-moving and agile environment