Head of External Affairs - South Africa

About Sanofi:

We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.

About the job

the Head of External Affairs is a strategic leadership position that support the business leading (i) Public Affairs activities including Patient Advocacy Group management in order to ensure adequation of Sanofi strategy with Country health agenda, and contributing to policy discussion particularly in the field of innovation to support access of patients, (ii) Communication (internal & external) to support affiliate narrative and support internal share of voice to sustain / improve South Africa image and strategic importance in the continent and beyond, (iii) BBEEE to align as needed Sanofi strategy with country BBEEE strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Country Level External Affairs strategy on yearly basis encompassing the 3 components Public Affairs, Communication & BBEEE aligned with Sanofi’s business objective, therapeutic area priorities and global public affairs framework.

• Provide strategic counsel to the Country Lead, Country Council and senior management on political, policy and regulatory developments that may impact Sanofi’s operations.

• Anticipate and assess healthcare policy trends, legislative changes and political developments to inform Sanofi business Strategy.

• Lead scenario planning and risk assessment for policy and regulatory changes.

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key government officials including at Minister of Health, Presidency office, Minister of Trade, Minister of Science & Innovation, Treasury.

• Serve as a primary representative in interactions with national and regional heatlh authorities.

• Unlock / co-ordinate high level meetings briefings and visits for government officials and key decision makers with respect of the internal Government Engagement policy.

• Work closely with Market Access, Medical Affairs and Commercial teams to support product launches and lifecycle management through policy engagement and patient groups.

• Chamption patient-centered policies that improve health outcomes and healthcare system efficiency.

• Participate actively in industry associations and multistakeholders platforms to advance shared policy objectives.

• Represent Sanofi in relevant industry working troups, task forces and advisory committees.

• Oversee Corporate communications strategy

• Manage Sanofi’s corporate reputation with Government and policy stakeholders.

• Lead comprehensive media relations strategy including proactive and reactive communications.

• Serve as a primary media spokesperson and manage executive media training

• Manage press office operations media inquiries and press release distribution.

• Coordinate media events, press conferences and journalist briefings

• Develop and execute internal communications strategy to drive employee engagement and alignment in coordination with key departments (e.g. People & Culture)

• Manage executive communications including town halls, leadership messages and change communications.

• Oversee digital communications strategy including website content, social media and online reputation.

• Manage socia media presence and engagement across relevant platforms

• Coordinate digtal campgins and content marketing initiatives

• Develop targeted communications strtategies for key stakeholders groups including patients, HCPs, government officials and industry partners.

• Lead the BBEEE strategy of the affiliate to remain in adequation with Country BBEEE vision and ambition.

• Ability to learn, develop and be a change catalyst to support Sanofi transformation

About you

Education: 

Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) preferably in public policy, political science, international relations public health’s or other related fields.

Experience:

• At least 10-15 years Experience in pharma / biotechnology or healthcare industry Experience in risk management is advantageous

Essential Competencies

• Ability to work transversally with consistent team player spirit

• English proficiency

• Mastery of computer tools and software

• Ability to act with a high level of integrity and confidentiality

• Able to handle tasks with little direction (autonomy)

• Effective planning and organization skills

• Attention to details and excellent follow-up skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Ability to manage high volumes of work in a fast paced environment

• Developed problem solving skills

Take the Lead Values

• Aim Higher: Focus on what matters, set high standards and move with urgency, learning from setbacks as we go to achieve higher performance.

• Act for Patients: Never compromise on integrity, eliminate barriers and partner with others to go faster and further for patients.

• Be Bold: Take thoughtful risks, seize opportunities and think beyond what's possible to accelerate our science and drive compelling growth.

• Lead Together: Build trust and collaborate openly on our shared goals, celebrate collective wins and foster a sense of belonging.

Why choose us?

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? Join Sanofi in one of our corporate functions and you can play a vital part in the performance of our entire business while helping to make an impact on millions around the world.

• Make your work count by supporting a company that brings life-changing treatments to millions — and is committed to doing right by patients, communities, and the planet.

• Drive progress from within by helping simplify, scale, and modernize how a global biopharma business delivers smarter, faster, and more sustainably.

• Support teams across science, medicine, and operations by building better systems, shaping bold strategies, and enabling innovation at speed.

• Make an impact across borders and functions, collaborating with leaders to turn complex challenges into real-world solutions.

• Advance your career through stretch roles, cross-functional moves, and development opportunities designed to match your ambition.

• Thrive in inclusive, high-performing teams where every role matters and every voice helps shape what’s next.