Therapeutic Area Policy Advocacy Lead

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key accountabilities include:

• Policy-shaping objectives aligned with business priorities and patient needs
• Compelling policy narratives, position papers, and integrated advocacy strategies
• Evidence-generating partnerships with policy stakeholders
• Prioritized stakeholder mapping and targeted government engagement
• Cross-functional alignment to maximize policy impact

Specific Requirements:

Policy Strategy and Policy Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and execute integrated policy advocacy strategies that translate business and patient needs into clear, evidence-based policy objectives, messages, and engagement plans.

• Map and prioritize policymakers and policy influencers across relevant central and local government bodies, legislative and advisory institutions, industry associations, think tanks, and patient organizations.

• Lead the development of policy briefs, position papers, executive talking points, and policy recommendations tailored to decision-makers.

• Monitor policy developments, political priorities, and decision-making processes; identify policy windows, assess implications, and recommend timely engagement actions.

• Define advocacy milestones and impact measures, track progress, and adapt strategies to support policy adoption, implementation, and sustainable business and patient outcomes.

Policy Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish partnerships with external think tanks and policy researchers to generate evidence.
• Engage targeted policymakers and policy stakeholders in partnership with government affairs teams.
• Mobilize and partner with industry associations and business groups to build consensus and advance shared policy priorities through constructive, compliant advocacy.

Internal Collaboration:

• Partner closely with the Business Unit to stay abreast of portfolio and pipeline developments and build a deep understanding of product profiles, disease areas, and patient journeys.
• Collaborate with Global, Medical Affairs, Marketing, and Market Access teams to integrate policy perspectives and develop comprehensive access solutions for products across the therapeutic area.
• Cooperate with colleagues within Corporate Affairs team in China and at the global level across Government Affairs, Communications, Sustainability and Policy to advance goals and accelerate deliverables

QUALIFICATIONS

Academic / Professional qualification:

• A master's degree or above is required, with a focus on public health policy, strategic communications, pharmaceutical economics, pharmaceutical management, law, or other related fields.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in policy advocacy, strategic consulting, government affairs or a related function, preferably within multinational companies or the pharmaceutical sector.
• Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industry.

Technical Skills and Competency Requirements:

• Strategic thinking, problem solving and influence/impact skills.
• Familiar with public heath policies and regulations, as well as China's pharmaceutical regulatory system. Possesses analytical and judgment skills, strong logical thinking, and the ability to summarize and synthesize information.
• Deep understanding of healthcare policy and the pharmaceutical industry; experience in multinational pharmaceutical companies is preferred.
• Excellent overall analysis, negotiation, and high-level communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to convert policy analysis into persuasive advocacy strategies, stakeholder-specific narratives, and actionable engagement plans.
• Strong understanding of policymaking processes and proven experience engaging senior policymakers and policy influencers at central and local levels.
• Possesses a network of contacts in the healthcare industry (government, associations, experts).

Working experience:

• Over 8 years of work experience, with at least 5 years in pharmaceutical industry policy research.
• Strong track record in hiring, developing and retaining talented individuals, and in establishing high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of the local healthcare environment.
• High ethical standards, strong compliance mindset, and a commitment to upholding integrity in all business activities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across functions and with external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills in Mandarin and English.

Date Posted

13-Oct-2026

Closing Date

24-Jan-2027

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.