Job Description

General Summary: The International Patient Engagement Director is responsible for developing and supporting the company's patient engagement strategy across several functional areas, including market access, communications, policy, and medical affairs within designated countries in the GCC region. This role helps lead the company's ongoing efforts to build and sustain meaningful relationships and collaborate to support the needs of patients and advance our company's goals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: Partners to help develop the company's patient advocacy strategy and lead tactical implementation Serves as liaison between the patient community and Vertex; developing and leveraging high-level relationships with patient advocacy groups at Supra-National, national and local levels in the allocated geography or therapy area, bring value to patients and enhance the company's standing and reputation Takes an active leadership role, driving and informing strategic and tactical thinking in relevant Leadership Teams (e.g., GCT, RLTs, Country LTs) Collaborates with Market Access, Communications and GAPP to identify and remove barriers to access for our portfolio; represents the perspective of the patient community in this work Develops and leads relevant programs in partnership with the patient community on the patient community's agenda Builds long-term, sustainable relationships with patient groups but also the broader rare diseases community Provides insight for new product planning; at relevant stage-gate, develops and oversees advocacy plans for pipeline products as they mature Seamlessly navigates the matrixed environment, influencing and informing the company with the patient community agenda, and strongly and clearly representing the company's agenda into the patient community In partnership with GAPP, Market Access and other relevant colleagues, develops policy position papers on key areas relevant to patient community and Vertex's aims Ensures timely, appropriate and legally approved communication with the patient community Acts as an appropriate partner to both the patient community and the Grants and Donations committee in effective and compliant management of the grants and donations process Ensures there is accurate financial management of allocated budgets Appoints and leads patient engagement consultants to deliver on business objectives while maintaining compliance with Vertex's policies Closely collaborates with communications team, where appropriate Provides strategic input into the development and resource prioritization for the company's annual patient advocacy plan and the business plan for countries and/or pipeline therapy area Identifies threats and opportunities that may impact the business and patient community

Knowledge and Skills required: Working knowledge of rare diseases including cell and gene therapy Highly skilled at presentation, written and oral communication skills Ability to navigate seamlessly and negotiate and influence within complex matrixed organization Working knowledge and appreciation of the complexities of the development process of ATMPs and regulatory requirements Understanding of the patient and caregiver experience in Haemoglobinopathies/rare diseases to include, diagnosis, treatment, and treatment options preferences Knowledge of guidelines and policies affecting interactions with patient organizations Strong track record of experience in implementing projects with defined outcomes in a public affairs, advocacy or policy role Experience and insight into the advocacy environment in assigned countries; working understanding of local HTA systems and policy environment Pharmaceutical sector or non-profit sector and therapeutic area experience required Experience in patient advocacy, government affairs, communications, market access or public policy. A deep understanding of the HTA/pricing/access systems relevant to the geography and therapy area Deep knowledge and appreciation of the complexities of the drug development process and regulatory requirements Excellent strategic thinker with ability to formulate, develop and execute on agreed strategies Skilled at managing budgets Fluency in oral and written Arabic and English

Ability to travel as required.

Flex Designation:Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select 2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at

REQ-22372