APCO Worldwide—a global advisory and advocacy firm - is looking for a dynamic public affairs professional to drive APCO's Japan business with a broad range of international Technology/healthcare clients. The role will be based in Tokyo with some domestic travel and occasional travel to other markets. The Associate Director (AD) / Senior Associate Director (SAD) is a team leader responsible for the management of large client relationships and/or multiple client relationships. The AD/SAD is responsible for defining a strategy that supports the client's objectives, developing communications and other tactical plans, and managing work activities and resources within agreed budgets and timelines. The AD/SAD also identifies and pursues business development opportunities and drafts key components of proposals, including proper scope and pricing estimation, to support APCO's business goals.

The AD/SAD should possess a deep knowledge of healthcare/technology policy and the related regulatory environment in Japan (mandatory) and in the wider Asia region (preferred). They will be expected to clearly articulate the risks, opportunities, and implications of industry/government initiatives that may impact businesses or organizations operating in the sector and have a strong track record in shaping the external environment in Japan (and Asia).

In addition, the AD/SAD should show demonstrated strategic abilities, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and be able to mentor and develop consulting skills in others. The AD/SAD will provide direction and supervision to all levels of staff internally, participate in management meetings, serve as the primary client contact, and manage large client relationships to build confidence in APCO as a trusted business partner while preserving APCO's strategic and financial interests. From time to time, they will also help to resolve client issues on smaller accounts managed by Consultants.

Extensive experience is expected in formulating and leading issues management and government relations projects and in monitoring the internal and external environment to ensure integrity is established and fostered consistently across the culture, products and services, leadership, and all operational aspects of clients' business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops plans and manages resources to achieve team goals effectively to increase likelihood for success
• Achieves established business and professional objectives
• Organizes teams around business development opportunities and manages proposal process ensuring accurate scoping/budgeting of opportunity
• Confidently leads internal and client meetings, offering knowledgeable observations and suggestions; establishing credibility by insights shared; encouraging and motivating others to communicate ideas
• Serves as principal client contact; knows when to leverage senior level relationships within APCO to further build the relationship within the client organization
• Demonstrates an understanding of effective project management, can effectively address issues, and understands how account engagements tie to APCO's business management
• Actively participates in external committees, boards, chambers to increase visibility of APCO
• Has positive reputation internally across the APCO network and has visibility in the market as a thought leader
• Actively networks to identify new business prospects as routine activity
• Proactively identifies and participates in external meetings and trainings to enhance sector knowledge and contacts
• Takes ownership and actively engages in team member development; demonstrating thoughtful planning to increase individual skill sets by setting smart objectives
• Maintains awareness of company initiatives and actively promotes them within their project teams
• Demonstrates performance in growing clients organically and new prospects 
• Shares opportunities across the network looking for the best resources to service the account(s)
• Actively networks internally to promote cross-regional networking
• Establishes strong cross-regional network and engages in productive exchanges with colleagues to promote knowledge sharing and business opportunities; promoting the skills of others

QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS 

EDUCATION: University Degree

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 10 years related business/government facing experience particularly in advocacy and policy making in tech, health, or Geo-commerce, preferably in a consulting firm. 

Proficient knowledge of the legislative process in Japan.

Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population community groups, lawmakers, and the business community.

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  ​

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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. ​

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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.