Director, Head of Government Affairs – Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Gilead Sciences
- Location
- Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Staff
- H-1B history
- 75 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Sep 14, 2026
About this role
At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference. Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description
The Director, Government Affairs – Saudi Arabia and GCC, reports to the Executive Director, Head of Government Affairs, Intercontinental Region. The role serves as a member of both the Middle East Leadership Team and the Intercontinental Region Government Affairs Leadership Team. The Director is responsible for developing and executing Government Affairs strategies across Saudi Arabia and selected GCC markets, aligned with Gilead's business priorities and public health objectives. Working closely with Commercial, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Public Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Legal and Compliance, the position will shape the external policy environment to support value recognition, patient access and sustainable uptake of Gilead's current and future innovations. The role will serve as a strategic advisor to the Saudi General Manager and Middle East leadership team, providing insight into healthcare policy, political, regulatory and market developments that impact Gilead's business.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership Serve as a member of the Middle East Leadership Team and contribute actively to the business strategy and performance. Serve as a member of the Intercontinental Region Government Affairs Leadership Team and contribute to regional Government Affairs priorities and initiatives. Provide strategic counsel to Middle East leadership on policy developments, stakeholder engagement and emerging external risks and opportunities. Champion Gilead's culture, values and leadership commitments. Government Affairs Strategy and Policy Shaping Develop and execute Government Affairs strategies that support business priorities across Saudi Arabia and GCC markets. Shape policy discussions related to healthcare reform, pharmaceutical innovation, access, reimbursement and public health priorities. Support policy initiatives that improve value recognition and sustainable access to Gilead's current and future portfolio. Identify opportunities to position Gilead as a trusted partner supporting national healthcare transformation agendas, including Saudi Vision 2030. Support policy environments that enable innovation in areas such as HIV, oncology, liver disease and cell therapy. Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain trusted relationships with government officials, policymakers, healthcare authorities, industry associations and other key stakeholders. Develop strategic engagement plans for ministries, procurement agencies, investment authorities and public health institutions. Represent Gilead in external forums and industry platforms. Support senior leadership engagement by providing strategic guidance, messaging and briefing materials. Establish partnerships that advance public health priorities and improve patient access to innovation. Access and Business