Associate Director, Consulting

Job Description

We are currently looking for a senior project manager for our client in public sector for a period of 6 months. This person needs to be a Senior Project Manager to lead and coordinate the strategic planning, messaging alignment, and execution of Abu Dhabi Government’s unified presence at a leading technology event. This pivotal role will serve as the central coordination point across 52 Government entities, working closely with senior communications advisors, entity communications directors, the Abu Dhabi Media Office, and event agencies.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record managing complex, high-profile government or national pavilions at major events. They must bring deep expertise in stakeholder coordination, strategic communications planning, narrative integration, and on-ground activation, along with a strong understanding of reputation management and media dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the cross-government coordination and delivery of Abu Dhabi’s presence at a technology event in collaboration with client's leadership.
• Serve as the liaison between the client and communications leads from all 52 Abu Dhabi Government entities to ensure narrative alignment, messaging consistency, and coordinated announcements.
• Develop and manage an integrated project timeline covering strategy, messaging development, event activation, media outreach, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee planning and execution of announcement moments, activations, and pavilions—ensuring they reflect Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead as the world’s first AI-native government.
• Coordinate closely with Abu Dhabi Media Office on shared communications, editorial approvals, and potential media risks.
• Work hand-in-hand with event management agencies, creative partners, and protocol teams to ensure smooth operational delivery.
• Anticipate and address reputation and communications risks with a crisis-sensitive mindset.
• Provide weekly updates and strategic insight to clients' leadership and senior advisors on project progress, risks, and opportunities.
  
  

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in strategic communications, project management, or large-scale government events.
• Prior experience coordinating with senior government stakeholders and communications leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-pressure, high-visibility initiatives with complex stakeholder landscapes.
• Strong understanding of strategic positioning, public sector branding, and media engagement.
• Attention to detail, diplomatic communication style, and ability to manage multiple streams simultaneously.
• Candidate must be based in Abu Dhabi or able to commute for at least 2 days/ week to Abu Dhabi.
  
  

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.