Director, Head of Government Affairs – Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Gilead Sciences · Riyadh
At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description
The Director, Government Affairs – Saudi Arabia and GCC, reports to the Executive Director, Head of Government Affairs, Intercontinental Region.
The role serves as a member of both the Middle East Leadership Team and the Intercontinental Region Government Affairs Leadership Team.
The Director is responsible for developing and executing Government Affairs strategies across Saudi Arabia and selected GCC markets, aligned with Gilead's business priorities and public health objectives.
Working closely with Commercial, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Public Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Legal and Compliance, the position will shape the external policy environment to support value recognition, patient access and sustainable uptake of Gilead's current and future innovations.
The role will serve as a strategic advisor to the Saudi General Manager and Middle East leadership team, providing insight into healthcare policy, political, regulatory and market developments that impact Gilead's business.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
Serve as a member of the Middle East Leadership Team and contribute actively to the business strategy and performance.
Serve as a member of the Intercontinental Region Government Affairs Leadership Team and contribute to regional Government Affairs priorities and initiatives.
Provide strategic counsel to Middle East leadership on policy developments, stakeholder engagement and emerging external risks and opportunities.
Champion Gilead's culture, values and leadership commitments.
Government Affairs Strategy and Policy Shaping
Develop and execute Government Affairs strategies that support business priorities across Saudi Arabia and GCC markets.
Shape policy discussions related to healthcare reform, pharmaceutical innovation, access, reimbursement and public health priorities.
Support policy initiatives that improve value recognition and sustainable access to Gilead's current and future portfolio.
Identify opportunities to position Gilead as a trusted partner supporting national healthcare transformation agendas, including Saudi Vision 2030.
Support policy environments that enable innovation in areas such as HIV, oncology, liver disease and cell therapy.
Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain trusted relationships with government officials, policymakers, healthcare authorities, industry associations and other key stakeholders.
Develop strategic engagement plans for ministries, procurement agencies, investment authorities and public health institutions.
Represent Gilead in external forums and industry platforms.
Support senior leadership engagement by providing strategic guidance, messaging and briefing materials.
Establish partnerships that advance public health priorities and improve patient access to innovation.
Access and Business Partnership
Partner closely with Market Access, Medical Affairs, Commercial, Regulatory Affairs and Public Affairs teams.
Support launch readiness and lifecycle management through proactive policy engagement.
Contribute to the development of policy environments that facilitate access to innovative medicines and advanced therapies.
Support initiatives related to economic participation, localization, healthcare transformation and long-term health system partnerships.
Ensure Government Affairs priorities are aligned with affiliate the business objectives and patient needs.
Strategic Intelligence and Environmental Monitoring
Monitor healthcare, political and policy developments across Saudi Arabia and GCC markets.
Assess risks and opportunities and translate them into actionable business recommendations.
Provide regular policy intelligence and environmental insights to affiliate and regional leadership.
Support business planning through proactive identification of emerging trends and policy developments.
Project Leadership
Lead complex Government Affairs projects and cross-functional workstreams.
Manage external consultants, agencies and strategic partnerships where applicable.
Support execution of regional Government Affairs initiatives across GCC markets.
Drive implementation of policy-related initiatives that support both business priorities and public health impact.
Qualifications and Experience
Experience
Minimum of 10 years of experience in Government Affairs, Public Policy, Market Access, Public Affairs or related healthcare disciplines.
Strong understanding of the healthcare and pharmaceutical policy environment in Saudi Arabia.
Experience engaging with government stakeholders and healthcare authorities across Saudi Arabia and, ideally, the broader GCC region.
Experience within the innovative biopharmaceutical industry preferred.
Experience in virology, oncology, cell therapy or specialty medicines is desirable.
Government Affairs Expertise
Proven track record of developing and executing successful Government Affairs and policy-shaping strategies.
Experience influencing policy discussions related to healthcare access, innovation and public health.
Understanding of healthcare transformation, localization strategies and economic participation frameworks is desirable.
Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and deliver measurable outcomes.
Leadership and Collaboration
Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
Ability to influence senior leaders internally and externally.
Ability to work effectively across multiple countries and cultures.
Strong executive presence and strategic mindset.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects and initiatives through influence rather than direct authority.
Strategic and Business Acumen
Strong business judgement and strategic thinking.
Ability to connect policy developments to business priorities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proven ability to drive strategy through execution.
Communication
Excellent communication, influencing and presentation skills.
Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and effectively.
Fluency in English required.
Arabic language skills desirable.
Education
Bachelor's degree required.
Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Economics, Law or Business Administration preferred.
For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:
Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.