Rare Disease Medical Partner, Neurology, Gulf

ABOUT ASTRAZENECAAstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.ROLE SUMMARYAstraZeneca is accelerating the expansion of our geographical footprint in rare diseases following the acquisition of Alexion in 2021. Rare diseases is a high-growth therapy area with rapid innovation and significant unmet medical need. Over 7,000 rare diseases are known today – yet less than 1% of them have an approved treatment.The Rare Disease Medical Partner (RDMP) is a senior field-based scientific and strategic leader responsible for driving medical excellence and shaping the rare disease ecosystem in alignment with AstraZeneca’s vision of pioneering innovation for patients with high unmet needs. Building on the foundations of the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role, the RDMP extends beyond scientific exchange to deliver integrated medical impact and transforming patient care – spanning early diagnosis initiatives, real-world evidence generation, medical education leadership, strategic stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional decision support.You will partner with healthcare professionals, academic centers, policy makers, patient groups, and payers, ensuring science translates into meaningful patient outcomes across the Gulf region. You will report to the Medical Manager, Neurology, Gulf and act as a trusted medical leader within the cross-functional brand team.What you’ll doMedical Leadership & StrategyServe as the strategic medical partner to the cross-functional brand and launch teams, co-shaping regional medical strategies and evidence plans.Translate global medical strategies into actionable local implementation roadmaps across diagnosis, treatment, and patient pathways.Identify and lead medical opportunities that support disease awareness, early identification, and optimized care pathways in collaboration with key centers and national stakeholders.Advanced Stakeholder EngagementBuild and sustain deep, scientifically credible partnerships with Key External Experts (KEEs), academic networks, and regional Centers of Excellence.Partner with national societies, government bodies, and advocacy organizations to shape rare disease policy and education frameworks.Lead or co-create multi-stakeholder programs (registries, referral networks, etc.) that drive measurable patient impact.Evidence Generation & Insight LeadershipDrive real-world data (RWD) and investigator-initiated research opportunities aligned with medical strategy.Lead local data-to-insight translation, synthesizing field intelligence, disease trends, and competitor developments to inform strategic decision-making.Ensure medical input into value dossiers, health-economics projects, and access narratives where scientifically appropriate.Medical Education & Scientific ExchangeLead the design and execution of disease-state and scientific education programs, ensuring evidence-based, non-promotional delivery.Support thought-leader development through train-the-trainer, speaker development, and expert-led roundtables.Launch & Lifecycle ExcellenceAct as medical launch lead in assigned indications, coordinating readiness, training, and data-driven engagement across the field team.Co-create and implement diagnostic and care-pathway initiatives with hospitals and diagnostic labs to reduce time to diagnosis.Partner with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Market Access, Patient Experience, and Corporate Affairs) to ensure medical integrity in all initiatives.Internal LeadershipProvide strategic medical input in cross-functional planning and governance forums.Lead internal capability-building sessions, driving a culture of evidence, insight, and ethics.Act as medical owner for key regional projects, dashboards, and medical KPIs.Essential for the roleAdvanced degree (MD, PharmD, or PhD preferred; MSc in Medical or Biological Sciences considered with strong experience).3+ years of experience in Medical Affairs or equivalent, with at least 2 years in rare disease or specialty therapeutic areas.Proven track record of scientific leadership, medical project ownership, and cross-functional influence.Deep understanding of clinical practice patterns, diagnostic algorithms, and referral dynamics within rare diseases.Demonstrated excellence in real-world evidence generation, stakeholder mapping, and insight synthesis.Strong analytical, project management, and presentation skills.Fluency in English (Arabic an advantage).Willingness to travel regionally across Gulf (50-70%).Desirable for the roleExperience in launch-phase or early-access programs within a rare disease environment.Active involvement in registries, early diagnosis campaigns, or medical education networks.Understanding of Gulf health-policy and reimbursement landscapes.Recognized leaders