Project Manager, Public Affairs & Global Engagement Job at APCO Worldwide Dubai

Job Purpose
We are looking for an experienced international practitioner, with proven track-record in planning, project-managing and implementing global public affairs activation programmes to support the team in the build up to and during the event.
As project manager for public affairs and global engagement, you would be responsible for the development and maintenance of a robust project & delivery plan, coordinating across a number of key internal functions, including business units, communications, partnerships, sustainability, decarbonisation, government & public affairs, agency partners and others as needed. You will also lead the development of thematic programmes designed to advance advocacy and public affairs priorities, deepening the client’s engagement with priority stakeholder groups on critical issues bridging business and societal impact.
The ideal candidate will have excellent project management and organisation, communications and interpersonal skills, agility and ability to effectively multitask to deliver a role which will rapidly evolve from a planning function to operational delivery. Passion and interest in business impact on society, sustainability and climate transition are a must.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning
Develop and manage a robust project plan for each global engagement process, with inputs from key internal departments and holistic oversight to ensure effective planning, resource management and information sharing.
Create project plans and schedules with inputs from the wider project working group, holding each function accountable to their deliverables.
Collaborate with the client’s leaders’ teams to gather strategic input and ensure that the project framework is aligned with key priorities and meets the overall strategy objectives.
Oversee budget & cash flow management, to ensure all projects are delivered within budget.

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Implementation
Lead on overall project management and coordination across functions, focusing on processes & systems, detailing objectives, key activities, budgets, timelines, and collaborative responsibilities/accountabilities framework (RACI).
Lead on department and agency meetings to ensure constant and effective circulation of information and ensure time-sensitive decisions.
Deployment and management of appropriate internal and external resources.
Lead on the development of materials to brief C-Suite leaders and contribute to Steering Committee coordination meetings.
Proactively identify and resolve issues and anticipate risks; inform the development of crisis management protocols.

Advocacy and stakeholder engagement programmes
Develop comprehensive external programmes for the events, grounded in public affairs and advocacy priorities to inform stakeholder engagement, events and thought
leadership initiatives in support of DP World business and sustainability objectives.
Leverage the client’s ongoing engagement with international policy, multilateral, business and civil society stakeholders to inform the development of shared-value initiatives and partnerships.
Support relationship management with key DP World partners, with an eye for immediate delivery at the events, as well as longer term strategic partnership opportunities.
Manage input from cross-functional teams, including regional leads, government relations and public affairs teams, communication leads, partnerships & events and agency partners.

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Qualifications, Experience and Skills
Bachelor’s degree and minimum 8 years’ experience in managing comprehensive projects/programmes in international public affairs, policy, communications or closely related fields.
Proven track-record as an experienced practitioner in planning, project-managing and implementing global public affairs activation programmes, with particular emphasis on building strategic engagement with international policy, multilateral, business and civil society stakeholders.
Experience with large international events.
A process-driven individual and proven project manager with a proactive mindset and outstanding attention to detail, both in processes and substance.
Self-starter who thrives under pressure, can prioritise multiple projects, take initiative and is driven to achieving results in a dynamic environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments and teams.
A strong written and oral communicator with a passion for stakeholder engagement and cross sectoral impact partnerships focused on advancing climate and sustainability agendas.
Strong inter-personal skills, ability to work effectively in cross-cultural and diverse stakeholder environments and ability to manage and motivate a team to drive results.
Uncompromising standards of personal integrity and maturity of judgement.
Good knowledge of governance and business control frameworks.
Evidence of strong analytical skills.
Flexibility with working hours – some opportunities may be outside of standard office working hours