Senior Consultant, Public Affairs and Policy

Overview

APCO Worldwide is seeking a driven and strategic Senior Consultant to join our fast-growing Public Affairs and Policy practice in Singapore. This role offers the opportunity to advise high-profile clients across Southeast Asia on policy advocacy, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate brings proven experience navigating complex geopolitical environments, particularly in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, sustainability, or international trade.

This is a hands-on, client-facing role that requires deep regional knowledge, including a nuanced understanding of government institutions, policy processes and the individuals who shape them. The ideal candidate has strong relationship-building capabilities and a talent for translating policy insights into actionable counsel. You will lead high-impact engagements, shape thought leadership and play an active role in mentoring junior colleagues and supporting business development.

What You'll Do

• Lead development and implementation of integrated public affairs and public policy strategies tailored to Southeast Asian markets.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, delivering high-level counsel on geopolitical trends, policy risks, and regulatory developments.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, government agencies, industry associations, and key influencers across the region.
• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and geopolitical trends that impact client priorities.
• Translate complex policy and regulatory content into concise, compelling messaging for stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee preparation of high-quality deliverables such as geopolitical policy briefings, stakeholder maps, advocacy materials, and strategic plans.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align public affairs strategies with broader communications and business objectives.
• Support and lead business development initiatives, including proposal writing and pitch presentations.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the growth of APCO's government relations and policy capabilities in Southeast Asia.

What We're Looking For

• 6-9 years of experience in public policy, public affairs, government relations, or strategic communications, with a demonstrated focus on Southeast Asia.
• Proven success designing and implementing policy advocacy strategies across diverse political systems and regulatory environments.
• Strong expertise or interest in sectors such as healthcare, sustainability, trade, or technology. Experience in life sciences, pharmaceuticals or healthcare industry preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex client projects, oversee multiple workstreams, and deliver measurable results.
• Excellent writing, messaging, and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize technical content for executive audiences.
• Strong network of government and policy stakeholders across the region or the capability to rapidly cultivate such relationships.
• Confident and collaborative team player, with experience mentoring and developing junior talent.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Political Science, Health Policy or related field.
• Native or equivalent proficiency of English.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, multicultural environments with a high degree of autonomy.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work at the intersection of policy, business, and communications on high-impact issues.
• A regional platform to shape policy outcomes for industry-leading clients.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with access to APCO's global network of policy, health, and strategic communications experts.
• Career development through hands-on client work, thought leadership, and tailored professional growth opportunities.

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 behaviours, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

APCO in Southeast Asia

The Future of Advisory Starts Here.

The traditional advisory model no longer works. The world's most ambitious leaders need more than insights-they need intelligence, influence, innovation, and impact to navigate the most complex challenges of our time.

At APCO, we build uncommon ground where business, policy, and technology converge to shape the future. From geopolitical intelligence to issues-based campaigning and smart market entry strategies, our Singapore hub is redefining what advisory means in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Operating at the heart of one of the world's most dynamic regions, we are a global centre of excellence for integrated advisory and advocacy-where industries are diverse, opportunities are vast, and the potential is unlimited.

From change management to crisis response, digital transformation to CEO transitions, we help organisations not just navigate, but master complexity. Whether shaping policy, guiding Southeast Asia's next-generation business leaders, or building coalitions for societal impact, we are the partner that leaders trust when the stakes are high and the rules have yet to be written.

At APCO Southeast Asia, we help clients make the decisions that matter. Powered by a cutting-edge tech stack and led by the region's top talent, we provide intelligence, shape influence, drive behavioural and regulatory outcomes, and create lasting impact across industries and society.