Job DescriptionReady to shape healthcare beyond the traditional boundaries? Join and help influence policies and partnerships that improve patient access and truly make an impact.Purpose of the PositionIn this role, you will help shape the healthcare environment in Bulgaria by building strong external partnerships and influencing policy to enable patient access to innovative solutions. You will play a key role in driving our vaccination agenda, especially HPV and contributing to future launches by preparing the ecosystem for change.Welcome to Our TeamYou will join an innovative, high-performing team that works at the intersection of internal communications, external communications, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), and external affairs. Together, the team plays an important role in how the organisation engages with employees, stakeholders, and society. We bring together diverse backgrounds and perspectives and work closely across functions while maintaining a strong sense of autonomy and ownership.We are a social, supportive, and energetic team that enjoys working hard and celebrating success together. Everyone is encouraged to bring fresh ideas, challenge the status quo, and help shape the future of healthcare.Main ResponsibilitiesBuild and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government bodies, and regulatory authoritiesDrive public affairs and policy initiatives to support patient access, with a strong focus on vaccines (e.g., HPV)Develop and manage stakeholder engagement strategies to strengthen our position in the healthcare ecosystemRepresent our organisation in interactions with external stakeholders, industry associations, and public forumsContribute to shaping healthcare policy and the external environment in collaboration with internal and external partnersSupport the development and implementation of policy-related strategies aligned with business prioritiesIdentify opportunities to influence healthcare policies and improve access to innovative solutionsCollaborate with regional and European colleagues on policy topics and external affairs initiativesYour ProfileA Bachelor’s degree is the minimum preferred educational backgroundExperience in public affairs, policy, healthcare, government, or relevant external-facing rolesStrong stakeholder network or ability to build relationships with policymakers and decision-makersInterest in healthcare systems, access, and policy shapingStrong communication and influencing skills, including in an international contextA collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within a teamProactive, curious, and open to new ideas and perspectivesComfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environmentFluency in English and BulgarianWhat We Offer We offer a competitive remuneration packageA role within a globally recognized healthcare leader. The opportunity to directly impact patient outcomes in a high-growth therapeutic area. A collaborative, cross-functional team culture that values diverse perspectives and bold ideas. A company culture rooted in ethics, integrity, and a genuine commitment to patients. Required Skills: Communications Strategy, Community Interaction, External Communication, External Relations, Healthcare Policies, Prioritization, Program Implementation, Strategic Thinking, Task ManagementPreferred 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:VISA Sponsorship:Travel Requirements:Flexible Work Arrangements:HybridShift:Valid Driving License:Hazardous Material(s):Job Posting End Date:09/4/2026*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.