About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is committed to transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do, for people, society and the planet. We are looking for an exceptional communicator to lead our internal communications strategy for AstraZeneca\xe2\x80\x99s MEA area (spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey). If you are a seasoned communications professional with a passion for working at the centre of the world\xe2\x80\x99s most pressing healthcare challenges and opportunities, we would love to hear from you.

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.

What you\xe2\x80\x99ll do

The role of Internal Communications Lead, MEA is a critical role in engaging our +2000 employees in the Area to build belief and understanding in the AstraZeneca strategy and the organisation\xe2\x80\x99s role in delivering it, instilling pride in being part of AstraZeneca and building advocacy among employees in support of our company. Specifically, the role partners closely with senior leaders to advance priority initiatives that support organisational transformation, and equips leaders to effectively engage and communicate with employees in the MEA Area and International region.

The successful candidate must be able to gain the trust and respect of senior internal stakeholders who will rely on their strategic advice and guidance on communications matters. Excellent English-language writing, project management, planning and multi-channel communications experience (particularly digital communications) is also essential, with a pharmaceutical industry or health sector background preferred.

Responsibilities:

Partner with the MEA Area Vice President, Area Leadership Team, and the MEA Corporate Affairs team, to build and drive internal communications strategies and plans that support key business and Corporate Affairs priorities.

Design and manage a communications calendar for MEA, ensuring a regular drumbeat of communications aligned with corporate affairs strategy and priority milestones. This includes, but is not limited to, planning and delivering key internal communications activities such as quarterly performance updates, leadership meetings and townhalls, and employee award programmes..

Work collaboratively with the MEA HR team to provide strategic advice and support to MEA wide initiatives that drive employee engagement and support the Area Vice President with their role on the AstraZeneca and International Inclusion & Diversity Councils.

Adapt and execute flagship global and regional employee engagement campaigns, pulling through to the Area level and ensuring adoption by MEA markets.

Be an ambassador for the AstraZeneca brand, working with colleagues across Global, International and MEA Corporate Affairs to ensure alignment of narrative/messaging and design with corporate brand guidelines.

Actively identify and pursue opportunities to proactively position and promote the MEA Area Vice President and selected members of the Area Leadership Team and support delivery of associated materials, e.g., briefing documents, speaker notes, and presentations.

Advise, coach and counsel internal stakeholders, including MEA Area Leadership Team members, on events and issues that need to be communicated internally.

Fully realise the engagement potential of AstraZeneca\xe2\x80\x99s internal digital channels (I.e Nucleus, Workplace) and strive to build their effectiveness, including delivery of improvements, rationalisation, and simplification. Support the MEA Corporate Affairs team with external digital communications, primarily supporting LinkedIn postings from AstraZeneca\xe2\x80\x99s corporate account and supporting leaders with ambassador posts.

Enhance the measurement and tracking of internal communications, ensuring high impact and value to the organisation.

Support the management of the MEA communications network and collaborate with the MEA team to support the delivery of the corporate affairs priorities, including platforms for knowledge and best practices exchange e.g. monthly MEA Corporate Affairs meeting.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential for the role:

Significant experience of working in a fast-paced communications team or similar corporate communications environment.

Experience of working in a highly matrixed organisation.

Extensive experience of strategic employee and leader communications campaigns, digital and change communication, and event management.

Significant experience of managing different internal stakeholder relationships and confident at forging trusted relationships at a senior level.

Experience of working in a highly regulated sector.

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

Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communications skills.

Proactive with high levels of self-motivation and personal accountability, bringing enthusiasm and energy to the MEA Corporate Affairs team.

Ability to instil confidence in others when in high-pressure situations.

Influence without authority, build relationships, collaborate, demonstrate expertise, embrace accountability, adapt to change, and lead by example.

Desirable for the role:

Experience in the healthcare sector.

Local/regional experience in MEA.

Fluency in Arabic.

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.

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 31-Oct-2023

Closing Date 10-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