Associate Director Public Affairs📣 Job Ad

About the Role

APCO is seeking an Associate Director of Public Affairs to join its Public Affairs practice in Riyadh. This full-time position requires a professional with over 10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, and strategic communications, with a strong understanding of Saudi Arabia's policy and regulatory landscape.

Role Context and Objectives

The Associate Director will play a key role in designing and leading strategic public affairs programs that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and other national priorities. This professional will operate as a leader and team player, building trusted relationships with government stakeholders, clients, and partners, and navigating complex policy environments to deliver high-impact results.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead strategic public affairs programs to shape policy conversations and advance organizational priorities.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret regulatory and policy developments in Saudi Arabia, providing actionable insights.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with government entities, industry stakeholders, and partners.
• Develop integrated communication strategies across traditional media, digital platforms, and stakeholder channels.
• Provide strategic counsel on emerging issues, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-regional teams to ensure alignment of public affairs priorities.
• Prepare and oversee the development of briefing materials, policy positions, and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Support multi-stakeholder initiatives, events, and advocacy efforts.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy advocacy, or strategic communications.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, International Relations, or a related field.
• Full professional fluency in both Arabic and English (written and spoken).
• Deep understanding of Saudi Arabia’s political ecosystem, policymaking processes, government stakeholders, and national initiatives like Vision 2030.
• Strong ability to craft policy positions, briefing notes, and advocacy messaging, supported by sharp analytical skills.
• Proven track record of leading public affairs teams and managing stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Experience engaging with government ministries, regulators, industry bodies, and media.
• Ability to manage fast-moving policy files and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.
• Experience working across sectors such as healthcare, technology, energy, transportation, or government is considered a plus.

Work Environment and Location

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh. The role requires a proactive professional who can operate confidently as both a leader and a team player, contributing to high-profile campaigns within a growing practice.