Government Affairs & Patient Advocacy Manager

Introduction to role:Are you ready to shape public policy so more patients can access innovative medicines sooner? Can you see yourself influencing decision-makers and patient leaders to turn insight into tangible change for health systems and communities? 

In this role, you will lead the charge on external engagement that directly affects how therapies reach patients. You will connect our scientific progress to policy realities, ensuring policymakers, regulators, and patient organizations understand the value of innovation and the urgent needs of those we serve. Your work will help align national and regional frameworks with patient access, while positioning AstraZeneca as a credible, solutions-focused partner. 

You will join a trusted community of specialists that works across the enterprise and beyond, combining rigorous policy expertise with entrepreneurial thinking. You will collaborate closely with Market Access, Medical, Regulatory, Communications, and Commercial teams to craft strategies that anticipate change and drive outcomes that matter for patients and the business.Accountabilities:

• Policy Intelligence and Analysis: Continuously monitor, analyze, and translate healthcare policy and legislative developments into clear recommendations that inform business decisions and access strategies.

• Stakeholder Strategy and Engagement: Build and sustain influential relationships with government bodies, health ministries, regulatory authorities, and policy influencers to advocate for patient access and innovation, aligning engagement to priority therapeutic areas.

• Strategic Advocacy Planning: Design and execute integrated government affairs plans that position the company as a credible industry voice, proactively shaping policy agendas and timelines.

• External Representation: Represent the company in industry associations, working groups, and public policy forums, articulating evidence-based positions and contributing to sector-wide solutions.

• Patient Advocacy Leadership: Develop and implement patient advocacy strategies that elevate patient voice, enhance support and awareness, and advance equitable access to innovative medicines.

• Partnerships and Alliances: Work closely with patient associations and groups, NGOs, and healthcare professionals to identify unmet needs and co-create initiatives that strengthen the healthcare ecosystem.

• Access and Education Programs: Support the development and delivery of programs that improve access, disease awareness, and adherence in collaboration with cross-functional teams, measuring outcomes and iterating for impact.

• Ethical and Compliance Stewardship: Ensure all advocacy and engagement activities adhere to laws, codes, and internal policies, modeling ethical conduct and governance.

• Cross-functional Integration: Align government affairs and patient advocacy efforts with Market Access, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Communications, and Commercial to create coherent strategies and unified external messages.

• Insight Reporting and Advisory: Prepare concise briefs, reports, and leadership updates on policy trends, advocacy activities, and stakeholder outcomes, enabling timely decisions and organizational readiness.

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify policy and advocacy risks early and partner with Legal and Compliance to develop mitigation strategies that protect reputation and delivery.

• Budget Stewardship: Manage assigned budgets responsibly to maximize advocacy impact and efficiency.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Public Health, Communication or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant experience in government affairs, public policy, health policy, or patient advocacy within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices, or healthcare sector.
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, health authorities, regulatory bodies, and patient organizations.
• Proven track record of developing and executing policy and advocacy strategies, preferably in a regulated industry.
• Experience in navigating complex healthcare systems, reimbursement pathways, and policy environments is essential.
• Prior involvement in multi-stakeholder engagement, including industry associations, NGOs, and external advocacy groups.
• Experience managing other employees and leading project teams; Knowledge and experience of managed markets.
• Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Health Economics, Business Administration (MBA), Communication or a related discipline is strongly preferred.

Why AstraZeneca: Here, policy shapers, scientists, and market access experts sit in the same room to unlock bold thinking that accelerates patient access. We combine creativity with rigor, operating in a fast-paced environment while navigating structured government processes. You will be trusted to take ownership, supported by a global, inclusive network that values kindness alongside ambition, and energized by work that directly influences national and international frameworks. Your expertise will make a visible difference—to our business, to health systems, and to patients waiting for breakthrough treatments.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.