Head of Communications, Egypt

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head of Communications, Egypt

🔹 Company: AstraZeneca

🔹 Location: Cairo, Egypt

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 6, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing external and internal communication strategies
• Collaborating with senior leaders and stakeholders to provide strategic counsel
• Managing communication initiatives across various channels and platforms
• Ensuring consistent messaging and branding across all communications
• Contributing to regional and MEA projects to develop new communication campaigns

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong project management skills, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the formulation and execution of a robust external communications strategy aligned with Egypt’s business priorities

✅ Oversee all external communication initiatives across geographic areas within Egypt MC

✅ Lead Therapy Area communication for main priority TA aligned with Regional CA team

✅ Offer expert public relations guidance on request to brand teams and other relevant stakeholders

✅ Collaborate with government affairs teams to drive GA and Policy agenda by advising on and executing an integrated communications strategy

✅ Establish an external engagement framework by creating country fact sheets and stakeholder biographies, mapping the media landscape, and devising an engagement plan to position the organization as a leader in healthcare

✅ Communicate key Corporate Responsibility initiatives for inclusion in annual reports, ensuring visibility within AstraZeneca and to major external stakeholders

✅ Champion employee advocacy by equipping sales colleagues to effectively communicate AstraZeneca’s impact on society and the environment

✅ Develop and execute the Internal Communications Plan to inform, educate, align, and engage employees in support of business strategies and priorities

✅ Partner with HR to implement internal communication initiatives that strengthen employee engagement with both local and broader AstraZeneca strategic objectives

✅ Manage internal communication channels and services in alignment with AstraZeneca's global requirements and standards

✅ Integrate innovative communication tools, particularly in digital and social media, into the internal communication strategy

✅ Collaborate with the Egypt leadership team to formulate comprehensive and integrated communications plans addressing key business priorities

✅ Provide counsel and coaching to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on internal communications offerings, integrating opportunities across the business and advising on messaging, sequencing, and overall communication strategy

✅ Ensure all internal communications maintain a consistent and on-brand aesthetic that aligns with the company's strategic objectives, ensuring continuous and tailored distribution through appropriate channels

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills to effectively manage both external and internal communication initiatives.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Advanced degree in communications, journalism, or a related field

Experience: Significant experience in internal and external communications, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role managing communications strategy

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of providing strategic counsel to senior leaders, developing effective communication strategies, and implementing integrated communication plans
• Ability to operate in a global context, with a keen understanding of cultural nuances
• Excellent project management and change management capabilities
• Exceptional coordination, collaboration, organization, and multitasking skills
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities
• Proficient in digital and social media methodologies

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in national and global communications
• Familiarity with the global pharmaceutical market and a background in healthcare communications

ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates should have a strong academic background in communications and substantial experience in developing and executing communication strategies.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between EGP 500,000 and EGP 800,000 per year, based on industry standards for a Head of Communications role in Egypt with 5-10 years of experience. This range may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal equity.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Dynamic work environment with a global team

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal equity.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: AstraZeneca operates in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, focusing on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for a wide range of diseases.

Company Size: AstraZeneca is a large, global organization with over 76,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects.

Founded: AstraZeneca was founded in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc.

Company Description:

• AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for a wide range of diseases
• The company is committed to making a meaningful impact on patients' lives by unlocking the power of science to address some of the most serious diseases facing humanity
• AstraZeneca fosters an inclusive and diverse work environment, valuing the unique perspectives and experiences of its employees

Company Specialties:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Biopharmaceutical research and development
• Innovation and global business

Company Website: http://www.astrazeneca.com

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's focus on innovation and global business provides opportunities for employees to work on diverse projects and contribute to the company's mission of improving patient lives.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Egypt Market Cluster Lead and working closely with various stakeholders across the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Communications will report directly to the Egypt Market Cluster Lead and collaborate with senior leaders, brand teams, and other relevant stakeholders.

Work Arrangement: This role is primarily on-site, with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to contribute to regional and MEA projects, expanding the candidate's impact and visibility within the organization
• Opportunities to develop and grow within the communications function or explore other areas of interest within the company
• Chance to work with and learn from senior leaders and industry experts

ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role and AstraZeneca's global presence, there are ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: AstraZeneca's office in Cairo is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and productivity.

Office Location(s): Cairo, Egypt

Geographic Context:

• Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, with a population of over 20 million people
• The city is a major economic and cultural hub in the Middle East and North Africa region
• Cairo offers a rich history, diverse culture, and numerous attractions, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum

Work Schedule: Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed.

ASSUMPTION: Working in Cairo offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern culture, providing employees with a rich and diverse work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• In-depth interviews with senior leaders and stakeholders
• Final interview with the Egypt Market Cluster Lead

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and strategic thinking
• Project management and change management capabilities
• Cultural understanding and adaptability
• Alignment with AstraZeneca's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of AstraZeneca's mission and values in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills

ATS Keywords: communications, public relations, project management, change management, digital media, social media, strategic thinking, collaboration, organization, multitasking, business acumen, cultural understanding, employee engagement, internal communications, external communications, corporate responsibility

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's application process is designed to assess candidates' communication skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit for the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for communications professionals and can be easily adapted based on the candidate's existing skillset.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Patient-centricity
• Science-driven
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Performance

Work Style:

• Collaborative and inclusive
• Data-driven and evidence-based
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Focused on delivering results and driving impact

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate patient-centricity in your communication strategies?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication approach to accommodate cultural nuances?
• How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines to ensure successful outcomes?

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's values and work style emphasize collaboration, innovation, and a focus on delivering results, making it an attractive environment for strategic and adaptable communications professionals.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders with competing priorities and expectations
• Navigating a complex and global organization with diverse teams and cultures
• Adapting to changes in business priorities and communication strategies
• Balancing the demands of external and internal communication initiatives

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome through strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills, as well as a strategic and adaptable mindset.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other communications roles, this position requires a strong focus on both external and internal communications, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• In the pharmaceutical industry, effective communication is critical for building and maintaining relationships with patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders
• This role offers the opportunity to work on both local and regional projects, providing exposure to diverse teams and experiences

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its requirement for both external and internal communications expertise, providing a broad scope of responsibilities and opportunities for growth.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive communication strategy for a new product launch in the Egypt market
• Managing a crisis communication plan in response to a media inquiry or negative publicity
• Creating and implementing an internal communication campaign to improve employee engagement and alignment with business objectives

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the breadth of responsibilities and the strategic nature of the Head of Communications role within AstraZeneca.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for AstraZeneca in the Middle East and Africa region?
• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Egypt Market Cluster?
• How does AstraZeneca support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications function?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does AstraZeneca foster a culture of innovation and adaptability within its communications teams?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's strategic context, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills, as well as your cultural understanding and adaptability
• Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.