Job Description

Position: Medical Advisor (Sr. Specialist, Medical Affairs) - Vaccines

Department: Global Medical & Scientific Affairs

Reports to: Country Medical Director

Are you passionate about advancing public health and making a meaningful difference in the field of vaccines? Join our dynamic team as a Medical Advisor for Vaccines in South Africa, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of vaccine access and uptake. In this strategic position, you are a valued co-strategist on cross-functional country teams and will collaborate closely with market access, policy, regulatory, and marketing counterparts, as well as Vaccines medical advisors across EEMEA markets, to ensure that immunization efforts are optimized in South Africa.

The role reports directly to the Country Medical Director and will be responsible for the Vaccines portfolio.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Activities: Develop and execute a comprehensive Vaccines Country Medical Affairs Plan (CMAP) and tactics for South Africa that align with global & regional vaccine strategies. Identify key activities and strategies related to vaccine pipeline priorities, disease epidemiology, and National Immunization Programs (NIPs).

Engagement with Scientific Community: Identify and cultivate relationships with scientific leaders and decision-makers. Conduct sustained dialogue within the South African scientific community, fostering the exchange of unbiased scientific knowledge for improved clinical practices, at the same time, consolidate actionable medical insights from the country that can help inform company strategies.

Education and Insight Generation: Assess local education and data gaps and lead medical education initiatives. Execute real-world evidence (RWE) studies and support Investigator-initiated study proposals as relevant.

Cross-functional collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams to share critical scientific insights and provide medical expertise for key meetings with governmental and health authorities and during educational symposia and congresses.

Expertise Development: Maintain a high level of expertise in the vaccines therapy area, becoming a recognized scientific leader both internally and externally. Provide balanced, updated education to partners and stakeholders.

Lead country advisory boards and expert input forums to inform company strategy.

Provide therapeutic/functional training to assigned teams and affiliate functions.

Act with ethics & integrity; provide non-promotional, balanced, reliable and scientific information, follow strictly company compliance processes, standards and local regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

MBBCh (preferred) or PhD/PharmD is the minimum requirement for this position, linked with at least 1-year appropriate experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

A person with a post-graduate qualification in any discipline of medicine or management will be strongly preferred.

Pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred.

 SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Experience in pharmaceutical, medical aid, clinical research or public health sector.

Strategic thinking, specifically related to asset value proposition, clinical and value evidence.

Developing a network of scientific leaders and successful interactions with other key stakeholders (public groups, government officials, medical professional organizations) in therapy areas.

Proven ability to effectively communicate information at country management level, with public groups and to scientific leaders.

Excellent interpersonal, analytical, communication (written as well as oral) and results-oriented project management skills.

Strong prioritization skills and ability to understand how decisions fit into the broader context of corporate strategies.

In a matrix environment, able to effectively collaborate across functions.

Business acumen.

Computer literacy.

Valid driver's license.

Must be willing to travel.

High work ethic.

Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to influence public health in South Africa and collaborate with experts in the field. You’ll be part of a committed team striving to enhance the uptake of vaccines and ultimately improve community health outcomes. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you!

Our company is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Location

ZAF - South Africa - Midrand

Details - Job Classifications

Employee Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Location Weekly Hours

40

Default Weekly Hours

40

FTE

100%

Job Category

Professional

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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:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

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Requisition ID:R331960