Job Description

Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an award-winning, independently owned global communication and business strategy firm with offices in major cities throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. APCO combines a global perspective with local expertise to help clients around the world manage challenges, opportunities, perceptions and reputations. APCO clients include corporations and governments; industry associations and nonprofit organizations; and six of the top 10 companies on the Fortune 500. The firm is a majority women-owned business. The Role: To develop and execute communication plans, initiatives and activities for the corporate functions at the client's side and provide counsel to Leadership and Heads functions on all communication matters in order to increase awareness on internal engagement programs and initiatives. Key Accountabilities Communication Planning Collaborate with the Corporate Functions Leadership to develop internal communication plans, timelines, and communication platforms / campaigns for key corporate and internal communications programs and initiatives in order to ensure that objectives, benefits and outcomes are communicated. Communications Support Work with the Corporate Functions Leadership in creating and updating relevant content, ensuring alignment with communication guidelines and tone of voice, developing visually attractive material, and ensuring tools and templates are displayed and accessible in an easy manner. Facilitate discussions amongst the Corporate Functions Leadership in order to prioritise projects, categorise workstreams, and identify areas for collaboration with other units. Execute all communication initiatives by working closely with internal stakeholders within the corporate to support in engaging employees and target audiences, supporting change communications initiatives, and facilitating best practices in terms of communications outputs and best practices. Relationship Management Act as a central point of contact to facilitate the dialogue between the corporate function project leads and with the Group Communications centres of excellence, and provide adequate support on all corporate function requirements such as planning and delivering events, launching internal projects, and designing and marketing key programs. Strengthen the relationship between the corporate functions and Group Communications functions through pro-active planning and information sharing, joint presentations and co-created content and initiatives, as well as working with key members in the Group Communications team to take the lead on specific initiatives. Technical Support Provide technical support and counsel to the corporate functions Leadership on operational communication matters, communication issues and risks, and improvements on existing communication practices. Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures Contribute to the identification of opportunities for the continuous improvement of functional systems, policies, processes and practices taking into account best practices, in order to improve business processes, productivity and operational efficiency. Provide critical input to support the development of functional systems, policies, processes, and procedures in order to meet business requirements. Reporting Prepare project management tools and reports in a timely and accurate manner in order to meet Clients' requirements, and functional requirements, policies and standards. Related Assignments Perform other related duties or assignments as directed. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in communications or equivalent. Experience: Minimum of 6 years of experience in progressive and more senior-level roles in internal communications. Preferably, experience in a large-scale organisation with complex business operations or working in various industries, or as an Account Manager in a strategic communications agency. Additional relevant experience in technology or investment industries is an advantage. Knowledge: Good knowledge of communication and influencing techniques and ability to deal with people across a wide range of functions. Excellent business partnership and client relationships skills - with the ability to manage key stakeholders. Good knowledge of internal communications practices in order to enhance internal communication efforts. Strong knowledge of internal communications channels, platforms, processes and tools. Strong project management capabilities and ability to manage multiple projects and provide delivery assurance. Excellent written and verbal communications and inter-personal relations skills. Ability to develop and maintain successful relationships. Authority and Decision Making The jobholder is expected to plan and execute the corporate functions communication plan and initiatives in line with overall internal communications strategy and guidelines, and the specific requirements of the corporate function. Key decisions having significant impact on the function are referred to the Head - Corporate Function Communications for approval before implementation. About APCO in the Middle East and North Africa Home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world, the Middle East and North Africa region has a pivotal role to play in driving global conversations - from environmental policies to religion and pop culture. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are clear leaders in this equation, although the wave of innovation continues to transcend borders. APCO launched its regional operations in 2006 in Dubai. Growing from a team of less than 10 consultants, APCO today has over 200 people from 26 countries working in teams across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Manama and Kuwait and our projects take us to countries across the region and the Levant. APCO was awarded Best Agency in the Middle East by PRWeek in 2019 and Best Agency to Work for: EMEA Network by PRovoke Media in 2017 and 2019. With a portfolio of over 100 clients, APCO's MENA offices deliver public relations and digital communication support across health, food, consumer & retail, finance, technology, real estate & hospitality, non-profit and public affairs practices. The region also offers specialized services, created for the Middle East, such as our Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model and our Compass and License to Operate offerings. In addition, APCO's global AI Comms Lab, a first-of-its-kind innovation center which utilizes artificial intelligence to build and protect the reputations of major global brands, governments and organizations is driven from the Dubai office. From helping governments connect with the private sector and civil society, to supporting the Pope's historic visit to the region and launching iconic brands and destinations, we understand the nuances of the MENA region and pride ourselves on making an impact.