Current opportunities

Freelance PR and media professional

We are seeking experienced freelance PR and media professionals to support our communications and stakeholder engagement in three key regions:

• Middle East and North Africa (MENA), in particular the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar
• Asia, in particular Japan and South East Asia 
• United States

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Role Description – Freelance PR & Media Relations Specialist (Regional: MENA / Asia / United States)

Contract Type

Freelance/Consultant/ project basis

Key Objectives
Support OHE in amplifying our research impact and engaging policy influencers in your designated region through strategic media relations, stakeholder engagement, and communications planning.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Media Relations & Amplification

• Identify and cultivate relationships with key journalists, editors, and media outlets specialising in healthcare, life sciences, and health policy in your region
• Proactively pitch OHE research findings and expert commentary to appropriate media outlets
• Coordinate media interviews and speaking opportunities for OHE experts
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and briefing materials tailored to regional audiences
• Monitor media coverage and provide reports on reach and impact
  

2. Policy Landscape Intelligence

• Map the policy environment in your region, identifying key policy moments, legislative developments, and health-related debates relevant to OHE’s research areas
• Provide advance notice of significant policy events, consultations, parliamentary sessions, regulatory changes, and health conferences
• Recommend strategic timing for OHE report releases and communications to maximise policy impact
• Identify emerging health economics topics and policy priorities that OHE should address
  

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify and build relationships with policy makers, policy advisers, think tanks, health ministries, regulatory bodies, and influential health policy organisations
• Facilitate introductions between OHE experts and key decision-makers
• Advise on appropriate channels and approaches for engaging different stakeholder groups in your region
• Support the organisation of regional events, roundtables, or webinars when appropriate
  

4. Strategic Communications Planning

• Develop regional media and communications strategies aligned with OHE’s research priorities
• Create tailored messaging that resonates with regional audiences while maintaining OHE’s evidence-based, independent positioning
• Provide cultural and political context to ensure communications are appropriate and effective
• Advise on regional sensitivities and optimal communication approaches

5. Content and Platform Advice

• Recommend regional media platforms, digital channels, and professional networks for disseminating OHE’s work
• Advise on content formats and communication styles that work best in your region
• Suggest partnerships or collaborative opportunities with regional organisations

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Essential Requirements

Expertise & Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of PR, media relations, or communications experience in your target region
• Proven track record of securing high-quality media coverage in national and specialist publications
• Deep knowledge of the healthcare, life sciences, or pharmaceutical sector media landscape
• Established network of media contacts in health policy, healthcare, and life sciences journalism
• Strong understanding of the policy-making environment and key institutions in your region
• Experience working with research organisations, think tanks, NGOs, or international health organisations (highly desirable)
  

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (additional regional languages are an asset)
• Strategic thinking with the ability to identify opportunities and anticipate challenges
• Strong relationship-building and networking capabilities
• Understanding of health economics concepts or willingness to develop this knowledge quickly
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible, compelling narratives for diverse audiences
• Results-oriented with the ability to demonstrate impact
• Cultural intelligence and sensitivity to regional nuances
  

Networks & Connections

• MENA candidates: Connections with media and policy circles in Gulf states, and/or Middle East countries; understanding of regional health systems and policy priorities
• Asia candidates: Media and policy networks in key Asian markets (e.g. Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asian nations); familiarity with diverse healthcare systems across the region
• US candidates: Strong connections with Washington DC policy circles, health policy media, and national healthcare publications; understanding of federal and state-level health policy dynamics

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Desirable Attributes

• Previous experience working with UK-based or international organisations
• Understanding of health technology assessment (HTA), pharmaceutical pricing, and reimbursement issues
• Familiarity with academic and scientific communications
• Experience managing relationships with government officials and policy advisers
• Track record of thought leadership development and expert positioning
• Experience in crisis communications or issues management in healthcare contexts
• Multilingual capabilities relevant to your region
  

To apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume, specifying your region of expertise, to info@ohe.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will commence on the week of March 16, 2026. Please read the full job description here.

Equal opportunities

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, OHE wholeheartedly supports the principle of equal opportunities and dignity at work. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success and we value the differences that a diverse workforce brings. We oppose all forms of discrimination against employees, members, customers,  stakeholders,  job applicants, suppliers and members of the public on the grounds of the following “protected characteristics”; gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital/civil partnership status, pregnancy/maternity, religion, religious belief, age, disability or race (which includes colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins).

Employees should not discriminate against, harass or victimise another colleague, customer, stakeholder, supplier, a job applicant, or any third party or any member of the public on the grounds of any of the protected characteristics listed above.

We believe that it is in the OHE’s best interest and that of all those who work for us to ensure that the working environment is fair and inclusive and  encourages all employees to fulfil their potential, based on performance and ability.

Every possible step will be taken therefore to ensure that individuals are treated equally and fairly and that decisions relating to recruitment, selection, appraisal, terms and conditions of employment, training, promotion, career management and employment termination are based solely on objective and job related criteria.

For further information please refer to our Equal Opportunities, Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

Safeguarding Policy

The OHE Safeguarding Policy outlines the commitment to provide a safe environment for all individuals associated with the organisation, including employees, workers, contractors, and visitors, particularly those who are vulnerable. The policy applies to all OHE employees and it is now a part of their employment contract, subject to periodic amendments. The policy aims to prevent harm, abuse, harassment, and bullying, complying with legal obligations outlined in relevant Acts.

For further information please refer to our Safeguarding Policy.