Shape healthcare policy. Influence patient access. Help transform lives.

At AbbVie, our mission is simple: deliver innovative medicines and solutions that have a remarkable impact on people's lives.

We are seeking an experienced and highly connected External Affairs Lead, New Zealand to lead our government affairs, communications, public policy and patient advocacy strategy. Based in Auckland, this is a unique opportunity to influence healthcare policy, strengthen partnerships across the health ecosystem and help ensure Kiwi patients gain timely and equitable access to innovative medicines.

This is one of the most visible leadership roles within AbbVie New Zealand, partnering closely with affiliate leadership, regional stakeholders, patient organisations, industry bodies and government decision-makers to shape the external environment and elevate AbbVie's reputation as a trusted healthcare partner.

You will help influence the future healthcare landscape while ensuring patient voices, evidence-based policy and meaningful stakeholder partnerships remain at the forefront of decision-making.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and execution of the New Zealand external affairs strategy and annual operating plan, aligned to affiliate priorities, therapy area plans and regional/global external affairs direction.
• Identify and prioritise policy, access, reputation and stakeholder opportunities and risks that may impact AbbVie’s business, patients and the broader healthcare environment in New Zealand.
• Translate business objectives and external environment insights into clear external affairs priorities, measurable plans and high-quality execution.
• Provide strategic external affairs counsel to New Zealand leadership and cross-functional teams, including on policy developments, stakeholder engagement, issues management and communications approach.
• Develop and maintain trusted, compliant relationships with government, political, public sector, patient advocacy groups, industry and other healthcare stakeholders relevant to AbbVie’s New Zealand priorities.
• Monitor, interpret and communicate policy, legislative and political developments affecting medicines access, health system reform, innovation and the pharmaceutical sector in New Zealand.
• Plan and execute government affairs engagement programs, briefings, submissions and advocacy initiatives that support AbbVie’s policy objectives and patient access priorities.
• Represent AbbVie, where appropriate, in industry forums and stakeholder discussions, ensuring positions are clear, credible, evidence-based and compliant.
• Lead corporate and brand communications activity for New Zealand, including external messaging, media engagement, issues preparedness, executive communications and internal stakeholder alignment.
• Develop clear, compelling and compliant materials that communicate AbbVie’s contribution, priorities and positions to external and internal audiences.
• Manage external communications agencies and vendors to deliver high-quality work on time, on budget and in line with AbbVie standards.
• Support reputation and issues management by identifying emerging risks, preparing mitigation plans and coordinating timely responses with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain compliant partnerships with patient advocacy groups and community stakeholders to ensure patient insights inform AbbVie’s external affairs, policy and access priorities.
• Lead patient advocacy initiatives and partnerships that support disease awareness, patient education, capability building and broader health system understanding, consistent with applicable codes and AbbVie policies.
• Work closely with cross functional colleagues to ensure integrated planning, aligned execution and appropriate governance.
• Track performance against external affairs objectives, budgets and milestones, and provide regular updates, insights and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
• Report any adverse event within 24 hours as per AbbVie’s policies and procedures.
• Proactively participate in AbbVie’s WHS programs, adhere to policies and promote a safe work environment at all times.
• Adhere to AbbVie’s internal codes of conduct and compliance processes.
• Other ad hoc duties such as administrative duties, as requested.