Business Practice Specialist

We partner with the business to ensure we maintain our company’s values and high ethical standards, comply with the law, protect our people, and enhance our reputation. We strive to foster an environment that is inspiring, supportive, and diverse

As the Business Practice Specialist, you will focus on supporting the execution of Compliance programs in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa with focus on data privacy and procurement governance. You will also support the Legal and Compliance Lead in various areas.
The role requires an individual with experience In Policy and Compliance Simplification, Policy and Compliance Task Force, Enterprise Risk Management; and Patient Program process management (including data and/or systems). The individual will also need to have a broad commercial overview and understand the legal and regulatory requirements applicable for the legal elements of this role

In close partnership with the Business Practice Manager, leadership team and above market stakeholders, the Business Practice Specialist is required to develop innovative, simplified solutions that make compliance monitoring more effective. You will be responsible for identifying opportunities for process improvement, innovation and systems enhancements or upgrades.

Accountabilities
Key Responsibilities Include (but not limited to):

Help support efforts to drive high level awareness, understanding and implementation of our Company’s Values and Standards, Corporate and Compliance Policies, Standard Operating Procedures and Guidance in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
In collaboration with the above market compliance team and local leadership team, help coordinate, and oversee implementation of new and evolving compliance frameworks affecting the commercial business and other support functions.
Serve as custodian of all business-related policies and procedures that include compliance controls, in close collaboration with the cross-functional teams and above market stakeholders.
Help support consistent and effective compliance standards in the organization.
Support the effective implementation and operation of tracking / monitoring systems and compliance programs (for instance, Pulse, Hiperos, certifications, others).
Help facilitate/manage implementation of internal control enhancements, conduct review sessions with stakeholders, communicate and train (or support training by subject matter experts) on new and revised policies, processes and procedures affecting the organisation
Facilitate or participate in cross-divisional governance meetings (as needed) to help ensure alignment.
Act as a compliance liaison for the alliance partners operating in Sub-Saharan Africa markets where our company has a commercial footprint, by communicating and sharing best practices and standards.
Successfully partner with the Business Practice Manager and leadership team to make effective execution decisions, help solve complex compliance challenges with input from all appropriate stakeholders and escalating risks/issues as needed.
Support the implantation of processes utilizing improvement methodologies


System Administration

Partner with internal Business Operations to oversee system design and configurations to enable proper and effective recording and controls.
Maintain appropriate documentation in accordance with standards.
Understand the business process and objectives to enable configuration decisions.
Engage cross-functionally to develop, test and implement plans, drive results and resolve issues; using ability to assess and course correct when necessary
Accountable for systems governance such as access management.
Partner with internal Business Owners, Customer Solutions and Learning & Development (where needed) to assist in the development of compliance training materials and execution resources.
Supports local CRM with implementation of compliance facing system upgrades


Data and REPORTING

Works with country leadership team, Country Compliance Committee and above market stakeholders on key compliance metrics,
Ensures that the organisation (“Scorecard”) metrics are communicated and tracked.
Drives implementation of the scorecard objectives.
May facilitate, coordinate, train key stakeholders on compliance monitoring activities (e.g. small meetings spot check, Aggregate Spend Tracking, adherence with annual certifications, Third Party due diligence, etc.);
Present metrics and monitoring reports to the Country Leadership team.
Provide monthly country compliance update to the above market Compliance team.
Will be responsible for conducting market self-assessments and expected to participate in market audits.
Monitors, tracks and evaluates all scientific activities managed by the Commercial team and Medical Affairs.
Works with commercial operations to develop data products providing insights for data-driven business decisions.
Forms part of a cross-functional team focused on improving digital capabilities within the market.


RISK ASSESSMENT

Will support the facilitation of the Market ethics and compliance risk assessment process under the direction of the Local and Regional Leadership Team,
Reports out results to the Local and Regional Leadership Team
Follows up on defined actions to ensure timely completion and mitigation of identified risks.


Country Compliance Committee (CCC) and Other Local Committees

Will co-chair the country compliance committee meeting
Required to actively identify and address compliance issues
Develop/assist with local Compliance Committee Charter and facilitation/coordination of regular (monthly or quarterly) meetings
Helps business collect data and prepare documents needed
Follow-up on meeting action steps
Escalates potential risks to the Compliance Committee
Sets agenda for review meetings usually in collaboration with Medical and Legal
Assists owners on how to develop initiatives and review current requirements
May assist the business to ensure that implemented programs adhere to the guidance.


Privacy Steward

will support the network and the implementation of all globally initiated privacy programs
ensure that global programs are aligned with local privacy requirements
required to support conduct privacy impact assessments and ensure that the organisation is prepared for privacy audits
will manage the reporting and tracking of data breaches in collaboration with the global privacy office
will be required to prepare quarterly privacy updates and share observations with the local leadership team.


Legal and compliance

Be an advocate for intelligent risk-based decisions Conduct ongoing research and keeping abreast with legislative changes and to facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices
Assist with implementation of new SOP’s and any other changes as a result of changes in Legislation
Maintain the legal agreements register
Conduct privacy impact assessments bi-annually and train privacy stewards on all privacy related matters
Advise on privacy compliance requirements
Understand general procurement principles
Ensure compliance with both the Source to Settle policy and Policy 6
To manage below the threshold activities
To coordinate and support/represent business for above the threshold activities
Ensure we use the correct agreement template for the services procured
Work very closely with Global Procurement, Legal and Compliance to ensure alignment with global SOP’s
To seek opportunities for innovation and process improvement to improve efficiencies
Support with special projects and cross functional teams when required


Qualifications
Required Education and Background:

Commercial Bachelor’s degree in law, audit, business ,science or related
minimum 3 years pharmaceutical industry experience will be a bonus


Required Experience and Skills:

High ethical standards, being a role model of business compliance and integrity
Experience in project and change management
Experience in partnering with business stakeholders across geographies, therapy areas, and functions to inform process design and execution
Expertise to lead process and systems workshops, interviews, and other methodologies to inform effective and efficient processes and systems
Attention to detail and the ability to work independently, escalating risks and issues as appropriate
Proficient in MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and MS Word.
Project management skills
Legal Drafting
Report writing Skills
Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint & Excel)
Prior audit/finance/data analytics experience in compliance areas
Strong business acumen to be able to judge whether ideas can really lead to compliant and value adding customer solutions
Strong leadership skills and proven ability to influence without authority
Strong analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, organizational and time management skills


Required Skills: Accountability, Adaptability, Compliance Monitoring, Compliance Reporting, Compliance Risk Management, Compliance Support, Detail-Oriented, Policy Implementation, Privacy Impact Assessments, Problem Solving, Project Risk Assessments, Regulatory Affairs Management, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Compliance Audits

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search 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: Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date: 03/16/2026

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.

Requisition ID:R385032