Health Policy Internship

Job Description

Working in a professional and collaborative health policy environment, you will gain practical experience within the External Affairs team at our Red Oak Campus in Dublin. As part of the team, you will support policy development, stakeholder engagement, advocacy initiatives and strategic projects across the Irish and European healthcare landscape.

Working alongside colleagues from across the business and engaging with a wide range of external stakeholders, you will contribute to initiatives that help improve patient outcomes, inform healthcare policy and strengthen healthcare systems.The team operates at the intersection of healthcare policy, government affairs, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications. We help shape the environment in which patients access innovative medicines and vaccines, while supporting healthcare innovation, public health, research and Ireland's life sciences sector.

The successful candidate will work across a diverse portfolio of healthcare, industrial, economic and EU policy issues, contributing to projects that impact patients, healthcare systems and the wider life sciences ecosystem. The role involves close collaboration with internal stakeholders as well as engagement with government departments, healthcare organisations, patient groups, professional bodies, industry associations and other external stakeholders.

During your 9-month placement, you will gain first-hand insight into how policy, government affairs and external affairs supports the objectives of a global healthcare organisation operating in Ireland. You will work alongside experienced policy, communications and public affairs professionals, gaining exposure to senior business leaders, policymakers, healthcare stakeholders and industry representatives while developing practical skills in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of the Irish healthcare system, public policy environment and pharmaceutical industry.
• Support the planning, coordination and delivery of policy, government affairs and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Assist with preparing briefing materials, agendas, background notes, stakeholder summaries and key messages for internal and external engagements.
• Help coordinate policy events, conferences, roundtables, stakeholder meetings and site visits, including logistics, attendee tracking and follow-up actions.
• Maintain trackers for policy developments, stakeholder engagements, consultation opportunities and key strategic priorities.
• Monitor political, legislative and healthcare policy developments relevant to patients, healthcare systems and the life sciences sector.
• Conduct research and analysis on healthcare, public health, industrial, economic and EU policy topics.
• Support the development of policy submissions, consultation responses, position papers and stakeholder engagement materials.
• Liaise with colleagues across business to support strategic projects and ensure alignment.
• Support participation in industry associations, policy forums and stakeholder initiatives at both national and European level.
• Prepare appealing PowerPoint presentations, reports and briefing documents for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support compliance with all relevant statutory requirements, industry codes and company policies.

Technical Specifications

• Working towards a degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Health, Health Policy, Communications, Law, European Studies, or a related discipline.

• Demonstrated interest in healthcare policy, public affairs, government affairs, health systems, public health, politics or the life sciences sector.

• Experience conducting research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, communications or project work would be advantageous.

This Role Is Well Suited To Someone Who:

• Is organised, driven, proactive and can work on own initiative.
• Has an interest in healthcare, public policy, Irish politics, public affairs or communications.
• Wants exposure to healthcare policy, government affairs and stakeholder engagement within a global healthcare company.
• Is curious about how business, government, healthcare and policy intersect.
• Enjoys research, problem-solving and working on projects that have real-world impact for patients and healthcare systems.

Qualities We Look For

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong research, analytical and critical-thinking skills.

• Demonstrates initiative, curiosity and a desire to learn.

• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a cross-functional team.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality written materials.

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

• Operates with a high level of integrity, transparency and accountability.

• Demonstrates problem-solving capabilities and a willingness to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Team player who actively supports colleagues and contributes to a positive working environment.

• Aligns with and fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion.

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Demonstrates a desire to continuously learn, develop and improve through feedback.

Length of Programme: 9 Months

Start Date: January 2027

PQ20

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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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. 

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