Director, External Affairs, Intercontinental - Asia

Role Summary

The External Affairs Director, Intercontinental - Asia is a strategic partner to the Commercial and functional leadership, providing critical guidance and support to priority affiliates in China, Japan and the broader Asia region. Responsible for developing policy, advocacy and communication capabilities and executing environment-shaping strategies to support AbbVie’s International Growth Strategy, accelerate access, contribute to business goals, and protect the company’s reputation. Co-create and support comprehensive advocacy and communication strategies for corporate and therapeutic area priorities, including direct engagements with key external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Ensures affiliates in Asia are fully equipped with global resources, policy positions, narratives/messaging, research, evidence, and communication tools to support their engagement.
• Supports local implementation of integrated therapeutic area advocacy strategies, identifies international advocacy opportunities (including with the US government, trade associations, global patient organizations, multilaterals and other international/regional bodies) to advance affiliate priorities, and proactively drives AbbVie‚Äôs agenda through external engagements where appropriate.
• Builds capabilities of affiliates to develop and execute policy, advocacy, media and multi-stakeholder strategies to address key access priorities and reputational issues; shares best practices across markets to inspire innovative solutions; encourages effective collaboration to ensure integrated, high-impact strategies.
• Identifies environmental, legislative and regulatory opportunities and threats to AbbVie in existing and new markets. Analyzes impact and develops strategies to advocate for desired results.
• This position requires 25% international travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master‚Äôs Degree in Public Relations, Political Science, International Relations, Integrated Marketing, Communications, Journalism or equivalent.
• 10+ years of relevant experience with a proven track record in government or public affairs, corporate reputations, citizenship, crisis planning and company values.
• Multi-year experience in working in Asia or with Asian stakeholders/customers.
• Must have a valid passport to travel internationally.
• Experience in the healthcare/bio-pharma industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with knowledge of emerging communications trends and technologies.

Skills

• Strategic policy advocacy
• Stakeholder engagement
• Crisis management and corporate reputation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• International travel readiness

Education

• As listed in Qualifications