ROLE SUMMARY

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines, having more than 20 brands for the treatment of diseases in different therapeutic areas like Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Cardiovascular, Diabetes and Oncology. AZ is living a total transformation worldwide through a science-led innovation strategy.
The Regional Assurance Lead - Middle East and Africa("MEA") is the primary strategic compliance risk assurance executive to the MEA business team on design of second line compliance assurance monitoring strategy and preventive &detective risk management. The role manages a team of 6+ Compliance Assurance Partners to deliver efficient and consistent support across the region at the global assurance standard. This position reports to the Head of Global Assurance and serves as a key member of the Global Assurance Leadership Team and Middle East and Africa Area Leadership Team.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As the Regional Assurance Lead, your key responsibility will be to drive the development, implementation, and management of an effective compliance monitoring program (including monitoring, auditing, investigations, assurance reporting etc.). In this role, you will partner with senior MEA Area leaders to set the strategic assurance program and align the tactical direction for the organization in line with applicable local regulations and industry codes.

You will:

• Partner with MEA area leadership to identify, evaluate, and mitigate healthcare compliance-related legal and reputational risks.
• Partner with Enterprise Enabling Compliance leadership to develop specialised monitoring programs (e.g. sanction & trade control etc.)
• Develop, implement, and manage of an effective compliance monitoring program (including monitoring, auditing, investigations, assurance reporting etc.)
• Lead and supervise an efficient and effective MEA regional assurance team. Manage performance of direct reports, ensure development and succession planning. Provide coaching and feedback to foster professional development while also supporting business goals
• Development of responsive data programs by using internal data and technology tools to address compliance-related risks, deliver compliance program key messages, and build a culture of ethics and integrity
• Coordinate and lead the international compliance assurance reporting and MEA Quarterly Compliance Review (QCR) meeting
• Lead and/or serve as a major contributor to key strategic compliance projects implemented across the extended AstraZeneca Ethics & Compliance team
• Provide change management and cultural leadership through the continued implementation and maturation of the compliance program
• Analyze internal and external ethics and compliance developments and implement responses to these developments as appropriate
• Manage local/area oversight of all aspects of governance, including working with counterparts in other SET areas in areas of overlapping accountability
• Serve as a subject matter expert for compliance training programs of development of formal and informal training programs and other internal communications to address compliance-related risks, deliver compliance program key messages, and build a culture of ethics and integrity

ESSENTIAL FOR THE ROLE

• 10+ years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience (compliance, law, accountancy or own specialist profession), with the majority of that experience in healthcare compliance-related roles
• Significant leadership experience, whether from managing high profile projects, serving as a matrix manager, or leading a team of direct reports
• Substantial experience applying healthcare compliance principles to pharmaceutical industry practices and interpreting relevant industry codes
• The highest ethical standards, as well as an ability to operate with absolute discretion and objectivity
• Excellent analytical skill and storytelling skill
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High learning agility and adaptability
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to influence across all levels with a solution-oriented mindset, including the ability to constructively challenge management when appropriate
• A demonstrated track record of driving results as an effective a team member and leader in a highly matrixed organization
• The ability to operate independently with limited management oversight
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment. As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours in adherence with applicable in-office work policies

DESIRED FOR THE ROLE

• 6+ years of prior in-house experience in a compliance, legal, finance, risk management or regulatory function at a pharmaceutical company
• 2+ years of prior experience managing a team
• A post-graduate degree (master’s or higher) and/or professional licensure in a relevant field, such as a post-graduate legal, business, or scientific degree, or professional licensure as an accountant (CPA)
• Primary fluency in English, business proficient in Arabic, French is plus.