Account Executive (PR, Political Science Background)

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 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 many of the top companies on the Fortune 500. The firm is a majority women-owned business.

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.

The Account Executive is primarily responsible for day-to-day client work under the daily supervision of an Account Manager. Covering the basics of PR, communications and social, crisis management, political security; the Account Executive plays a key role in coordination of account activity and will perform a variety of tasks including research and analysis, media monitoring, preparing summary reports to support the client engagement

Account Executive Duties

• Conduct thorough research that reflects an understanding of the clients’ issues focusing crisis management and political security
• Prepare summary reports which synthesize information from various sources
• Participate actively in internal and client meetings, offering knowledgeable observations and suggestions
• Proactively identify external meetings and trainings to attend to build skill set or sector knowledge and contacts
• Demonstrate awareness of utilization and expectations, coordinating with project leaders to manage them
• Develop firm understanding of traditional and digital media tools and metrics

Professional Development

• Demonstrate commitment to the professional growth and development
• Acquire knowledge about industry and practices
• Open to learning new things, responds positively to feedback from others
• Identify and follow industry or sector of interest
• Seek feedback on performance; identifies internal or external mentor
• Take initiative to participate in training when available
• Readily adapt and show enthusiasm for learning new systems

AD-Hocks Assignment/reports

• As per the Direct Manager’s requests

Competencies

• Excellent communication skills written and verbally
• Excellent writing skills
• Analytical skills
• Presentation skills
• Research skills
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organization and time management skills, strong attention to detail
• Initiative skills
• Teamwork skills
• Ability to be flexible, resilient, solution oriented and creative
• Service-orientated attitude, proactive thinker, information seeker

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Risk Management or Equivalent
• 0-2 years of experience

Work Conditions

The physical abilities needed to perform the duties of this position, in addition to the office climate:

• Office environment is general office setting
• Some travel may be required
• Must reside in Dubai or be willing to relocate
• Willing to work additional or irregular hours as needed and allowed by local regulations