Job DescriptionThe External Affairs Manager will support the development of a favorable external environment for China R&D through strategic stakeholder engagement, external collaboration, and effective external positioning of key R&D initiatives and achievements. This role will work closely with internal R&D teams, China Communications, Legal, Compliance and other relevant functions to support the execution of the China R&D 2030 strategy and enhance the organization’s external presence and reputation.Key ResponsibilitiesBuild and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, and key experts, to support the advancement of China R&D prioritiesMonitor policy developments relevant to the company’s R&D areas; assess potential impacts on R&D activities and stakeholder landscape, and provide timely insights and recommendationsTranslate China R&D priorities into structured external affairs plans, ensuring alignment with global strategy and the local stakeholder environment, while enhancing external visibility and positioningIdentify leadership external engagement needs and support the development of materials for external interactions; translate complex scientific and technical information into clear, accurate and audience-appropriate messagingDrive the planning and execution of key external collaboration initiatives; identify appropriate platforms and partners to enhance China R&D’s visibility, credibility and stakeholder engagementCollaborate with the Communications team to ensure consistency in messaging, appropriate use of channels, and effective external representation of R&D initiatives and achievementsWork closely with Legal, Compliance and relevant functions to review external content and ensure alignment with applicable regulations, company policies and data confidentiality requirementsPartner with Communications and other relevant functions to monitor policy, industry, and public sentiment trends; identify emerging risks and key issues, proactively assess their potential impact on R&D activities, project execution, and company reputation, and recommend mitigation strategiesRequired Skills: Adaptability, Adaptability, Communication Coordination, Data Analysis, Emerging Risks, Engaging Leadership, Global Strategy, Government Agencies, Healthcare Policies, Health Economics, Impact Analysis, Legislative Issues, Mitigation, Platform Selection, Policy Development, Policy Interpretation, Policy Monitoring, Political Forums, Public Affairs, R&D Engineering, Regulatory Awareness, Regulatory Compliance Consulting, Regulatory Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Relationship Management {+ 2 more}Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERECurrent Contingent Workers apply HERESearch Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status: RegularRelocation:No relocationVISA Sponsorship:NoTravel Requirements:No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:Not IndicatedValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):noJob Posting End Date:10/31/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.