Job Description

Position Overview

The Communications Lead is a role that will build internal and external communication strategy and drive its execution in the GCC. She/he will work in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders. The Communications Lead will drive internal and external communications via different channels to enable employee engagement and develop a strong reputation for our company and products externally with our partners and community.

Primary activities include, but are not limited to:

External communication strategy

Understand external landscape and key stakeholders across GCC countries and build external communication strategy aligned with company priorities.Partners with company leadership team and key internal stakeholders to build communications plan and ensure its execution via different channelsEnsure appropriate use of corporate branding, GCC messaging and narrative in all communications and branding materials and activities.Build a strong network with media outlets in the GCC along with external stakeholders such as media government office, trade associations and NGOs.

Therapeutic Area Communications

Lead in developing and implementing communications plans to raise awareness and understanding of the value, impact and promise of our medicines, vaccines, discovery science and pipeline in line with the business objectives and product prioritiesSupport therapeutic area cross functional teams in executing franchise communication plans; and partnering with the government media office on joint awareness campaigns.

Media Management

Create opportunities and drive positive media coverage of our company, its priority disease areas and key brands by developing and implementing an effective media relations strategy.Manage and foster media relationships across the GCC clusterManage GCC social media channels and leverage platforms to raise awareness and understanding of the value, impact and promise of our medicines, vaccines, discovery science and pipeline in line with the business objectives and product prioritiesEnsures media monitoring on topics related to pharmaceutical industry, company and company portfolio, manages media issues and risk mitigation strategies across the GCC cluster.

Internal Communications

Lead development of a comprehensive strategy for continuous, effective and relevant communications to employees focused on business priority, corporate reputation strategy, change management and employee engagement, best practices sharingPartner with relevant internal departments, coordinate and support in content creation for internal communications, ensure content and the design are in line with the corporate brand guideline and provide support to key internal communications activities.Serve as the point of contact liaison to regional and global stakeholders for executing and communicating global and regional programs/campaigns/initiatives in the GCC cluster.

Leadership Communications:

Support GCC Managing Director and other Cluster leaders with internal and external communications, development of briefing notes, town halls, email communications and scripting of videosSupports GCC MD with external media interviews, speeches and talking points for external events.

Event Organization / Participation

Help design and organize internal employee events and activities (Town Halls, Employee Networking / Employees Business Related Groups, Groups events etc.) in collaboration with relevant teams & stakeholders;Design and organize external PR events to raise the Company profile aligned with Company priorities in collaboration with different partners.Gathering insights and intelligence on external activities to prioritize company participation among associations and society.

Project Management & Administration 

Analyze and report effectiveness of communications activities;Decease awareness campaigns KPIs tracking;Coordinate work with vendors and external partners ;Ensure collaboration and alignment with relevant communication teams on a regional and global level;Organize approval process for the communication materials according to the company policies and procedures.

Required Experience and Skills:

At least 7 years’ experience in corporate multinational companies or PR & Media agencies, 4 solid years of experience in communications and/or public affairs coupled with strong business acumen and relationships with the GCC healthcare ecosystem (must).Proven track record of successful communication strategy execution, experience interacting with senior executives and key external stakeholders including government officials and media.Excellent writing, editing and verbal communications skills in English and Arabic (must).Exhibits initiative, creative thinking and problem solving in response to the communications challenges and opportunities.Organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects and meet short deadlines.Strong experience with social media and digital formats.Highly motivated and able to effectively communicate and collaborate in cross-functional teams, across multiple languages and cultures.Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Business Influence, Communication, Communication Management, Communication Strategy Development, Corporate Branding, Crisis Communication Management, Event Management, External Communication, Internal Communications, Management Process, Media Relations, Organizational Communications, Project Management, Public Affairs, Public Speaking, Social Media, Strategic Communication Planning, Strategic Counseling, Trade Associations

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

05/30/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R349545