Senior Specialist - Policy & Government Relations

Job Description:

Within the Policy & Communications Department, we are seeking a proactive, dynamic, and results-oriented professional to support the Associate Director, Policy & Government Relations in advancing the company's policy priorities and institutional engagement agenda, as defined by the Italian Leadership Team.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development, management, and strengthening of relationships with key public and institutional stakeholders at both national and European levels. Working closely with the Associate Director, Policy & Government Relations, the individual will help communicate the company's strategic vision, public policy priorities, and institutional projects to relevant stakeholders, supporting advocacy initiatives that promote a favorable environment for innovation and healthcare advancement.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor the political, policy, and institutional landscape at national and European levels, identifying potential opportunities and risks for the organization.
• Support institutional relations activities with key stakeholders involved in legislative, regulatory, and policy-making processes.
• Contribute to the planning, organization, and coordination of meetings with government officials, policymakers, regulators, and institutional stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and execution of public affairs and advocacy strategies aligned with corporate priorities.
• Support the organization of institutional communication initiatives, including workshops, conferences, roundtables, and stakeholder events.
• Draft strategic policy documents, position papers, briefing materials, and institutional communications.
• Analyze legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences sectors.
• Contribute to legislative drafting activities and the preparation of policy proposals and consultation responses.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with relevant external organizations, trade associations, and institutional partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Political Science, Law, Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field.
• Proven experience in Public Affairs, Government Relations, Advocacy, and Stakeholder Engagement.
• Strong understanding of the Italian and European political, institutional, and regulatory environments.
• Solid knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with institutional stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Established network of stakeholders across government, healthcare, industry associations, and policy communities.
• Experience drafting position papers, policy analyses, briefing documents, and advocacy materials.
• Strong presentation development and institutional communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Italian and English.

Core Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration capabilities.
• Results-oriented mindset with a high level of accountability.
• Proactive approach, initiative, and problem-solving attitude.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Good understanding of digital communication channels and social media platforms.

What Success Looks Like

• Effective support in advancing the company’s policy and advocacy priorities.
• Strong and trusted relationships with key institutional stakeholders.
• High-quality policy analysis and strategic recommendations.
• Successful execution of institutional engagement initiatives and events.
• Contribution to a positive external policy environment supporting innovation, healthcare sustainability, and patient access.

The applicable NCBA is CCNL Chimico-Farmaceutico, Classification ‘Quadro’, Level A3.

The Primary Location for this position is

ITA - Lazio - Roma

The salary range for this position is

€49,900.00 - €84,800.00

This is the lowest and highest salary we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. It is based on the applicable NCBA, as well as an individual’s experience, skills, organizational needs, and compensation levels within their peer group. If applicable, employees may also be eligible for an annual bonus, long-term incentives, or other benefits. Our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information if needed.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Business Decisions, Communication Coordination, Community Relations, Corporate Decision Making, Data Analysis, Engagement Programs, Engagement Strategies, Healthcare Policies, Health Economics, Impact Analysis, Legislative Issues, Policy Development, Policy Documentation, Policy Implementation, Policy Interpretation, Policy Reviews, Policy Revisions, Political Forums, Position Statements, Public Affairs, Public Policy Writing, Regulatory Awareness, Regulatory Development {+ 8 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Secondary Language(s) Job Description:

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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:

Regular

Relocation:

Visa Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving LIcense:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

10/1/2026

*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.