Mid Level Consultant, Public Affairs, Consulting

APCO - a global advisory and advocacy firm - is looking for a dynamic public affairs / communications professional to drive APCO’s Japan business with a broad range of international clients. The role will be based in Tokyo with some domestic travel and occasional travel to other markets.

A Senior Consultant manages large and small client projects, prepares client-ready materials, reviews junior team members' work, and oversees tasks and workflow. They conduct research on macro business issues impacting clients, coordinate client meetings and events, and complete deliverables under supervision. Senior Consultants demonstrate an understanding of APCO's business practices and processes, possess strong communication skills, and interface with all levels of staff and client organizations. They are also involved in new business proposal development and the management of junior staff and teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and lead customized credential packages for prospective clients, highlighting APCO capabilities, relevant case studies, and high-level industry notes and observations (requiring little to no revisions by managers)
• Able to approve complete proposals for client work showing strategic thought, scope or work and pricing. Works with an understanding of APCO’s tools, business model, and structure
• Identify ways to expand client engagement and take initiative with appropriate contacts to pursue expansion of work
• Participate actively in internal and client meetings, sometimes leading them, offering knowledgeable observations and suggestions; maintain awareness of “air time” and foster participation of other colleagues
• Lead effective brainstorming sessions
• Be able to maintain independent contact with client in providing service; maintain email/telephone contacts with clients as needed, without requiring a supervisor to intervene
• Demonstrates confidence and projects the presence of a consultant in client engagements (on phone, in person, with prospects)
• Prepare comprehensive reports and deliverables required in the specific functional capacity (e.g., perception audits, market studies, provincial reports, etc.) with minimal guidance and review by managers
• Proactively identify external meetings and trainings to attend to build sector knowledge and contacts.
• Meets or exceeds assigned utilization targets
• Manages on a macro level and oversees the work of more junior colleagues, providing feedback and ensuring the quality of work

QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS 

EDUCATION: University Degree

EXPERIENCE:  7-9 years relevant experience in a consulting firm, corporation, diplomatic posting or media role

LANGUAGES: Full proficiency in both English (TOEIC 900+) and Japanese language (JPLT-N1 for non-native speakers

APCO IN TOKYO

APCO’s Tokyo-based team prides itself on a proven record of advising multinational companies to realize strategic advantage and achieve their top- and bottom-line business goals by:​

• Aligning with societal and government priorities​
• Anticipating potential issues and mitigating negative risks​
• Navigating regulatory scrutiny and using regulation to call out others​
• Responding rapidly to crises to maintain and rebuild reputation ​
• Identifying and engaging key local stakeholders and third-parties​
• Advocating for policies that create or expand their market ​

Our clients—a majority of whom draw from the health and tech industries–choose APCO for our unique combination of global mindset and local market knowledge and relationships. They trust that our insights and ideas will properly balance what's needed in Japan with the increasingly complex geopolitics of their business and with the uncertainties wrought by climate change, pandemic threats, rising prices, growing inequality, disinformation and various forms of ethnic and political tribalism. ​

Delivering on that promise is our diverse team of consultants, who have studied or worked in a dozen countries and who speak at least a half-dozen languages. Their international experience and perspectives enable us to deliver unmatched, world-class counsel and service that sets our clients apart and sets them up for continued success in Japan and beyond.

Careers at APCO

Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams to bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.