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.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in public policy, communications, business, health economics, public health or a related field.
• Strong strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, written communication and issues management skills.
• Understanding of New Zealand medicines policy, reimbursement and health system stakeholders, including PHARMAC and relevant government agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in external affairs, government affairs, communications, patient advocacy, public affairs or a related role, ideally within healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, government, industry association or consultancy.
• Experience developing and executing stakeholder engagement plans, communications materials and/or advocacy initiatives.
• Experience working with patient organisations, government stakeholders, media, industry groups or health system decision-makers in New Zealand.
• Experience managing agencies, consultants, budgets and cross-functional projects.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment and influence without direct authority.
• Sound judgement, political awareness, high attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.

Additional information

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer, and dedicated to fostering an inclusive, flexible, and supportive workplace that values and respects every individual. We are committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, and embracing diversity and inclusion. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability. We ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process without discrimination against any employee or applicant because of, and not limited to, race, religion, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or marital status. Our hiring process is flexible and accessible, so if you have any specific requests or accessibility requirement, please feel comfortable to let our team know by emailing CareersANZ@abbvie.com or speaking with your Recruiter and we'll make any necessary adjustments to accommodate your needs.

WAYS WE WORK

• All For One Abbvie; We weigh all decisions against the common good. We inspire, share and create as a team. We solve problems for all rather than serving our immediate team.
• Decide Smart & Sure; We make intelligent decisions to create the best outcomes. We act quickly, embrace experimentation, and learn what doesn’t work and get on to what does.
• Agile & Accountable; We streamline and eliminate unnecessary obstacles. We plan but adapt as we go. We delegate and make tough decisions to ensure focus on results, staying keenly aware of the urgency in all we do.
• Clear & Courageous; Open, honest, candid dialogue is core to our work and how we act with each other. We share information freely and continuously to find solutions. We admit mistakes. We grow stronger by putting the courage of our conviction to the test.
• Make Possibilities Real; We question with endless curiosity. We’re never satisfied with good enough—patients depend on us to deliver more. We challenge ourselves to find creative, constructive solutions to turn possibilities into reality.

CODE OF CONDUCT & BUSINESS INTEGRITY STATEMENT

• AbbVie is committed to observing high integrity and ethical standards in all its business dealings with our customers, with each other, business partners and suppliers. 
• AbbVie as a responsible corporate citizen will adhere to these standards, as well as to local, national and international laws. 
• All AbbVie employees are responsible for maintaining the Company’s reputation for conduct in accordance with the highest level of business integrity, ethics and compliance with the law.  Soliciting and/or accepting/attempting/offering bribes or any illegal gratification is therefore cause for immediate dismissal. 
• AbbVie is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community, and embracing diversity and inclusion. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.