International Advocacy Director

Company: United States Pharmacopeia
Location: Rockville
Posted on: March 11, 2026

Job Description:

Description Who is USP? The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the worlds leading health and science experts to develop rigorous quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. At USP, we believe that scientific excellence is driven by a commitment to fairness, integrity, and global collaboration. This belief is embedded in our core value of Passion for Quality and is demonstrated through the contributions of more than 1,300 professionals across twenty global locations, working to strengthen the supply of safe, high-quality medicines worldwide. At USP, we value inclusive scientific collaboration and recognize that attracting diverse expertise strengthens our ability to develop trusted public health standards. We foster an organizational culture that supports equitable access to mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Our partnerships, standards, and research reflect our belief that ensuring broad participation in scientific leadership results in stronger, more impactful outcomes for global health. USP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer (EEOE) and is committed to ensuring fair, merit-based selection processes that enable the best scientific mindsregardless of backgroundto contribute to advancing public health solutions worldwide. We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and uphold policies that create an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Brief Job Overview The International Advocacy Director works with the public policy and regulatory affairs leadership and across the USPs global organization to advance medicine quality initiatives through multilateral organizations, other relevant international forums, and bilaterals outside the United States. The incumbent of this role identifies and advances policy-shaping opportunities to promote quality in medicines, serves as USPs primary point of contact with these organizations, and builds relations with stakeholders that engage with them. The incumbent will also contribute to institutional strategic planning, regulatory policy formulation and the execution of key strategies. How will YOU create impact here at USP? The key responsibilities and deliverables of the International Advocacy Director are: Develop and execute USPs international regulatory policy advocacy strategy with a focus on multi-lateral organizations, coalitions, international regulator platforms and strategic bilaterals. Lead and coordinate USPs engagements with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and other multi-sectoral, multi-regional bodies. Drive the inclusion of regulatory policies that promote the availability of and access to quality medicines into the agendas and programming of these bodies. Serve as the primary liaison with leading global and multi-lateral organizations relevant to USPs mission, including the the World Health Organization (WHO) and managing USPs Non-State Actor (NSA) relationship. Collaborate and coordinate effectively with other USP functions to ensure USP is appropriately represented in key policy and technical workstreams and that insights gained are effectively disseminated within USP. Contribute to developing and executing USPs strategy for engagement in international regulatory harmonization platforms, such as the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). Develop and execute USPs advocacy strategy for global coalitions and engagement with the U.S. Government on relevant international policies and bilateral agreements. This includes Embassy engagements, as appropriate. Who USP is Looking For? The successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of our mission, commitment to excellence through inclusive and equitable behaviors and practices, ability to quickly build credibility with stakeholders, along with the following competencies and experience: Bachelors degree in medicines regulatory policy, public health, public policy, or relevant area of health care. Minimum of (10) years of experience in international relations or in public health working internationally. At least five (5) years professional experience building relationships with key stakeholders, in an external affairs function in a science-based organization (governmental, industry or NGO/non-profit). Experience with and knowledge of multilateral organizations and policy making processes including WHO, PAHO, APEC, and others. Demonstrated leadership in developing and executing advocacy programs. Additional Desired Preferences Advanced degree in public health, public policy, medicines regulatory policy, or other relevant area of health care. Knowledge of the life sciences industry especially in areas of regulatory affairs, public policy and product quality. Knowledge of global regulatory and policy environments; understanding of multilateral organizations, regulatory cooperation initiatives, health ministries, government agencies, pharmacopeias, and relevant stakeholders. Strong policy analysis skills. Linguistic and cultural skills; excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and reporting skills. Proven aptitude for building relationships, credibility and trust with stakeholders, and creating a collaborative work environment. Demonstrated success working in a global, matrixed organization. Solution-oriented and innovative; can identify creative options for resolving issues that respond to multiple stakeholder interests and needs. Self-motivated and proactive with a sense of urgency. Ability to influence others without direct authority. Advanced knowledge of general management and leadership principles. Availability to travel 10-15% of the time internationally. Supervisory Responsibilities None, this is an individual contributor role. Benefits USP provides the benefits to protect yourself and your family today and tomorrow. From company-paid time off and comprehensive healthcare options to retirement savings, you can have peace of mind that your personal and financial well-being is protected. Compensation Base Salary Range: USD $153,500.00 $203,250.00 annually. Target Annual Bonus: % Varies based on level of role. Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidates skill set, experience, qualifications, equity, and other job-related reasons. Note: USP does not accept unsolicited resumes from 3rd party recruitment agencies and is not responsible for fees from recruiters or other agencies except under specific written agreement with USP. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor. Job Category Ext. Affairs, Regulatory, & Communications Job Type Full-Time

Keywords: United States Pharmacopeia, Centreville , International Advocacy Director, Science, Research & Development , Rockville, Virginia