Public Affairs Director
Posted on: 29/04/2026
Mexico City Mexico
Permanent
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare
Role Overview
The Public Affairs Director will lead the development and execution of the company’s public affairs strategy in Mexico, shaping the external environment to support sustainable access to innovation and strengthen the organization’s reputation among policymakers, institutions, and key opinion leaders. This role requires a deep understanding of the national health policy landscape, strong stakeholder engagement capabilities, and the ability to anticipate and influence policy trends that impact the pharmaceutical sector.
The position reports directly to the Country General Manager and collaborates closely with Market Access, Medical Affairs, Communications, and Regional/Global Public Affairs teams.
Key Responsibilities
Public Affairs Strategy & Policy Shaping: Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategy aligned with business priorities and long‑term corporate objectives. Monitor and analyze policy, regulatory, and legislative developments affecting the healthcare and pharmaceutical environment. Anticipate risks and opportunities, providing strategic guidance to senior leadership. Contribute to shaping health policies that support patient access, innovation, and system sustainability.
Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government agencies, health authorities, legislative bodies, and relevant public institutions. Engage with scientific societies, patient associations, think tanks, and industry groups to support constructive dialogue on healthcare priorities. Represent the company in industry associations and working groups, ensuring alignment with broader sector positions while protecting company interests.
Reputation & External Communications: Strengthen the company’s external reputation through proactive engagement and thought leadership in public health and policy discussions. Collaborate with Communications to ensure consistent messaging and positioning across external channels. Support crisis preparedness and response related to policy or regulatory issues.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Market Access, Medical, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment between policy strategy and business needs. Provide insights on policy trends to support product launches, access strategies, and lifecycle management. Contribute to internal capability‑building on policy, advocacy, and external engagement.
Government Relations & Institutional Affairs: Lead engagement with federal and state authorities to support constructive, transparent, and ethical relationships.
Support initiatives that strengthen the healthcare ecosystem, including public‑private partnerships, disease awareness programs, and health system strengthening efforts. Ensure all interactions comply with local regulations, industry codes, and company ethical standards.
Qualifications
The Public Affairs Director will lead the development and execution of the company’s public affairs strategy in Mexico, shaping the external environment to support sustainable access to innovation and strengthen the organization’s reputation among policymakers, institutions, and key opinion leaders. This role requires a deep understanding of the national health policy landscape, strong stakeholder engagement capabilities, and the ability to anticipate and influence policy trends that impact the pharmaceutical sector.
The position reports directly to the Country General Manager and collaborates closely with Market Access, Medical Affairs, Communications, and Regional/Global Public Affairs teams.
Key Responsibilities
Public Affairs Strategy & Policy Shaping: Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategy aligned with business priorities and long‑term corporate objectives. Monitor and analyze policy, regulatory, and legislative developments affecting the healthcare and pharmaceutical environment. Anticipate risks and opportunities, providing strategic guidance to senior leadership. Contribute to shaping health policies that support patient access, innovation, and system sustainability.
Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government agencies, health authorities, legislative bodies, and relevant public institutions. Engage with scientific societies, patient associations, think tanks, and industry groups to support constructive dialogue on healthcare priorities. Represent the company in industry associations and working groups, ensuring alignment with broader sector positions while protecting company interests.
Reputation & External Communications: Strengthen the company’s external reputation through proactive engagement and thought leadership in public health and policy discussions. Collaborate with Communications to ensure consistent messaging and positioning across external channels. Support crisis preparedness and response related to policy or regulatory issues.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Market Access, Medical, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment between policy strategy and business needs. Provide insights on policy trends to support product launches, access strategies, and lifecycle management. Contribute to internal capability‑building on policy, advocacy, and external engagement.
Government Relations & Institutional Affairs: Lead engagement with federal and state authorities to support constructive, transparent, and ethical relationships.
Support initiatives that strengthen the healthcare ecosystem, including public‑private partnerships, disease awareness programs, and health system strengthening efforts. Ensure all interactions comply with local regulations, industry codes, and company ethical standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Economics, Life Sciences, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in Public Affairs, Government Relations, Policy, or related roles within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, or regulated industries.
- Strong understanding of the Mexican healthcare system, policy‑making processes, and institutional landscape.
- Proven experience engaging with senior government officials, policymakers, and external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic influencing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex, ambiguous environments with high ethical standards.
- Experience leading teams and cross‑functional initiatives.