Job Description

Do you have passion for transforming healthcare in the emerging markets? Would you like to join an industry-leading corporate affairs team to lead and unlock the power of communications to make a difference for people, society and planet? Then AstraZeneca might be the place for you!

About AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you\xe2\x80\x99re our kind of person!

What you\xe2\x80\x99ll do

The Director, Asia Area Communications will be a leader and strategic partner for the Asia Area commercial cluster, which comprises Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and India. They will work with the Asia Area Vice President, Country Presidents, cross-functional teams, in-market communicators and across International and Global Corporate Affairs to develop, drive and deliver integrated communications strategies that advance the corporate reputation of AstraZeneca. This position will report to the Senior Director, Corporate Affairs, Asia Area with a dotted reporting line to the Senior Director, International Communications.

A critical part of this role will be to drive an integrated Asia Area Communications strategy in support of the Asia Area business priorities. The role requires someone who can understand public health issues, the needs across multiple audiences including Government, HCPs, business partners, patients, employees and the general public and develop communications that influences them. External communications initiatives will predominantly focus on promoting and protecting the reputation of the company, through proactive digital-first corporate communication and issues management. You will also work with therapy area leads to drive communications around major milestones.

There is a focus on digital communications, simplification, and standardisation. Internal communications initiatives will predominantly focus on enhancing employee engagement, by equipping leaders to engage their teams, inspiring employees in our mission and building employee advocacy. It will also include channel management and development. Close partnership with the Government Affairs, Policy and Media colleagues will be critical to ensure an integrated Corporate Affairs strategy.

The position will play a functional and strategic leadership role across the region, helping to raise capabilities and driving the network of Asia Area in-market communicators to optimise alignment, efficiencies and best practice.

Key Accountabilities:

Partner with Asia Area Vice President, their leadership team and the International Corporate Affairs teams to build and drive successful implementation of integrated communications strategies that support delivery of strategic priorities for the Asia Area. This demands a strategic approach as well as strong execution skills.

Provide strategic counsel, leadership and coaching to projects/team leaders to drive communication decisions and actions.

Support the development of a regional digital strategy, including enhancing AstraZeneca\xe2\x80\x99s Asia digital and social footprint and partnering closely with markets to implement.

Working with colleagues across Global, International and Area Corporate Affairs to ensure alignment of narrative/messaging and editorial priorities, pull through of global campaigns and visibility of key regional and market events/announcements.

Actively identify and pursue opportunities for Asia Area VP and selected members of their Leadership Team on their internal/external engagements, supporting delivery of prioritised communications activities e.g. speeches, presentations, etc.

Represent Asia Area on global groups, ensuring regional perspective and needs are reflected appropriately in plans and aligning with markets regarding planning, implementation and feedback

Influence and lead (dotted reporting line) the Asia Area communicators\xe2\x80\x99 network, achieving optimum alignment, consistency and efficiency across the region. Help to raise capabilities and sharing of best practice between markets. Share solutions to challenges facing communicators regarding delivery of business priorities.

In partnership with global and international internal communications, develop regional employee engagement strategies and effective employee communication channels to inspire change and deepen understanding of company strategy and its application in the region

Provide communications expertise for regional issues or in support of key markets.

Acting as Asia Communications lead as defined in the AZ Group Crisis Plan;

Supporting significant organisational change programmes, reputation management activity.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential for the role:

Strong track record in delivering impactful strategic, integrated external and internal communications strategies

Knowledge and experience of digital communication strategy, development and implementation

Strong business acumen and proven success in connecting critical communications to business outcomes

Ability to influence the business and communication decisions of senior level management and to mentor senior leaders on their effectiveness

Understanding of key public health issues and multiple stakeholder needs

Experience of crisis and/or issues management

Proven track record of effectively managing many projects and resources

Highly-developed cultural sensitivity & ability to work in virtual teams

Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communications skills and experience and expertise in a variety of media (speeches, fact sheets, briefings, executive presentations, news releases, etc.)

Ability to travel as required

Desirable for the role:

Experience working in/with any of the countries in AstraZeneca\xe2\x80\x99s Asia Area

Knowledge of relevant Asian languages

Commercial/medical experience

Experience with sustainability, patient advocacy, media relations and other relevant subjects

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we\xe2\x80\x99re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There\xe2\x80\x99s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We\xe2\x80\x99re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

Hybrid Working

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working give us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That\xe2\x80\x99s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn\xe2\x80\x99t mean we\xe2\x80\x99re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

So, what\xe2\x80\x99s next...

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can\xe2\x80\x99t wait to hear from you!

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.

Where can I find out more...

Our Social Media,

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Date Posted 24-Oct-2023

Closing Date 24-Nov-2023

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca