Head Government Affairs

Position Summary

The role would be to support Abbott Speciality Care (ASC), plan and execute the strategic initiatives across all affiliates of Abbott in India.

For ASC, the Head GA&SI would proactively assess trends, policies and emerging issues related to price controls, NLEM, localization, taxation etc. Will work with National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Department pf Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare etc to develop and implement strategies, policies and actions to effectively address issues that impact all Abbott businesses in India.

The person will be responsible for identifying, developing and executing strategic initiatives across Abbott affiliates to improve market access, engagement with important stakeholders etc.

Key Interfaces

The role will require close engagement across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders ecosystem in order to shape policy, develop strategy, support business priorities and strengthen Abbott standing with regulators, government and state government departments, government procurement agencies (AIIMS, DGAFMS, Railways, CGHS etc), trade associations, foreign missions, think tanks, patient advocacy groups etc in India.

The role will require close engagement across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders ecosystem in order to shape policy, develop strategy, support business priorities and strengthen Abbott standing with regulators, government and state government departments, government procurement agencies (AIIMS, DGAFMS, Railways, CGHS etc), trade associations, foreign missions, think tanks, patient advocacy groups etc in India.

Internal Stakeholders :

• Pricing & Finance
• Regulatory Affairs
• Commercial leaders
• Medical Affairs
• Institution Business
• Indian Legal Office (ILO)
  
  

External Network : Government stakeholders, industry bodies and policy influencers relevant to pharmaceuticals and life Sciences.

Government Stakeholders (not limited to) : National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, NITI Aayog, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Director General Of Health Services (DGHS), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Dept. of Biotechnology, DGAFMS, Railways etc

Trade Associations : Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Associated Chamber of Commerce (ASSOCHAM) and bi lateral bodies

Various other Government departments and associations working in the healthcare sector in India.

Core Responsibilities

• Monitor, assess and communicate legislative, regulatory and policy developments affecting operations, business continuity, supply chain and growth opportunities, translating external developments into clear business implications, risks and actions.
• Proactively develop and execute an integrated government affairs strategy to shape the expected policy and regulatory changes
• Represents Abbott's business for, and works extensively with assigned industry groups and associations, including providing input and direction to proactive/reactive responses by associations to industry issues, policy development, etc.
• Build policy positions, advocacy plans, briefing materials and executive recommendations for senior internal stakeholders and external engagement. Collaborating with other internal colleagues, and industry experts, write policy papers to strategically and positively influence the Abbott operations
• Develop and manage senior relationships with priority government authorities, regulators, policy influencers and public-sector institutions relevant to Abbott businesses in India, and represent Abbott in the identified policy dialogues, association working groups and external forums.
• Maintain an effective stakeholder map across central ministries, state governments, pollution control boards, investment-promotion authorities, industry associations, chambers, think tanks and academic institutions relevant to healthcare sector in India
• Partner closely with business and functional leaders to unlock opportunities that support commercial growth through strategic initiatives, operational continuity, market access, incentives, investment projects and expansion plans, while strengthening relationships with various stakeholders.
• Support risk prevention, issue management and crisis response planning when policy, regulatory or public-affairs developments may affect business operations, manufacturing continuity and brand equity.
  
  

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in humanities, public policy, international relations, law, business, communications or a related field

Pivotal Experience & Expertise

• 7-8 years of total experience including experience in government affairs, public policy, corporate external affairs within India, with a demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex regulatory environments
• Proven ability to build and execute government affairs and public policy programs that support business operations and growth
• Demonstrated strength in engaging government agencies, state-level authorities, industry associations and cross-functional internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, writing and executive communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, high value briefings and recommendations for senior leaders.
• Experience in a multinational corporation operating in India and navigating both local and global stakeholder expectations.
• Team player who seeks to become an integral part of an industry-leading government affairs group.
• Strong organizational skills, adept at managing complex array of projects/issues