Job Description
This role is part of the External Affairs department.
As Public Policy Manager Oncology, you will lead our Company's external policy and public affairs strategy in the Oncology field in Belgium and Luxembourg. You will be responsible for contributing to the policy environment, advancing patient-centered solutions, and fostering strategic partnerships that improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and access to innovative healthcare solutions.
Key activities:
- Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the oncology ecosystem in Belgium and Luxembourg, including cancer policies, prevention and screening programmes, care pathways, reimbursement frameworks and emerging scientific developments, and translate these insights into strategic priorities.
- Help inform policy discussions on oncology innovation—including precision medicine, early detection, immuno-oncology and personalised therapies—to support timely, equitable and sustainable patient access.
- Design and lead policy and stakeholder engagement initiatives that demonstrate how innovation can improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient outcomes.
- Build trusted partnerships with policymakers, patient organisations, healthcare professionals, academia, industry associations and other stakeholders across the oncology community.
- Contribute to multi-stakeholder initiatives aimed at addressing unmet patient needs, reducing inequalities, improving care pathways and strengthening patient-centred cancer care.
- Represent our Company in relevant policy forums, industry associations and working groups, bringing forward evidence-based perspectives and the needs of patients and healthcare systems.
- Connect external stakeholder insights with internal cross-functional expertise to help develop policies and initiatives that deliver meaningful value for patients and society.
- Partner with colleagues across Medical Affairs, Market Access, External Affairs, and regional and global teams to ensure alignment.
Your profile:
University degree in science, pharmacy, medicine or (health) economics with strong interest in health care policy and the advocacy environment
A degree in law, political science, economics/finance is an asset.
At least 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, a health authority or governmental body
Proven track record of successfully advancing public policy initiatives delivering tangible outcomes through effective stakeholder management and advocacy.
Experience with cross-functional collaboration
A strong existing network
Skills:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in French, English and Dutch.
Team player
Strong collaborative mindset
Creative, positive minded
Robust storytelling and communication skills
Customer-oriented mindset
Good project management skills
Partnering and facilitating skills to build strong and sustainable relationships, both internally as well as external
Ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple projects
Interpersonal and negotiation skills
Trustworthy and accountable
Ability to generate innovative ideas/ solutions
Do you have a passion for healthcare, public policy, and improving patient outcomes? Are you motivated to contribute to the future of oncology through policy development, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration? At our Company, our commitment to oncology is driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for people living with cancer, supported by an expanding and exciting pipeline with the potential to transform cancer care and improve outcomes for patients.
Required Skills:
Accountability, Accountability, Adaptability, Advertising Communications, Benefits Strategy, Building Partnerships, Collaborative Leadership, Collaborative Networking, Communications Programs, Communication Strategy Development, Content Creation, Cross-Functional Project Management, Educational Materials Development, Global Coordination, Healthcare Delivery Systems, Health Policies, Liaison Work, Marketing Coordination, Pharmaceutical Policies, Pharmaceuticals Marketing, Policy Analysis, Policy Research, Project Leadership, Project Team Management, Public Health Research {+ 10 more}
Preferred Skills:
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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:
10/21/2026
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