The Role 

The Account Director, Sustainability will work closely with and report to the Senior Director, Climate and Sustainability. We are seeking someone who is a builder and collaborator with a deep commitment to urgent action on climate change, driving towards Net Zero by 2050 or sooner. This person has deep experience working with clients and has content experience and knowledge in some of the key cross cutting areas – climate finance, nature-based solutions, ESG metrics and reporting, infrastructure, policy, renewables, water, transportation, supply chain, oceans, circular economy, sustainable food production, and/or the SDGs. Experience with Race to Zero, SBTi, CA100+ Net Zero Company benchmark, ISSB/TCFD, scenario development and disclosure a huge plus but not required.

Main Responsibilities:

• Project leadership: Lead and manage client projects, building trusted relationships with clients and APCO colleagues, providing guidance on topical climate strategies for clients across a range of projects and topics
• Manage and supervise large/complex consulting mandates throughout their entire project cycle: initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling and closure
• Plan and implement projects to ensure the most efficient and highest-quality implementation
• Interact and build relationships with our international clients and manage the timely delivery of mandates
• Provide guidance on and technical leadership in the development of proposals for the corporate sector on topic corporate climate strategies, climate change mitigation solutions and implementation of advisory projects
• Communication: Provide clear direction and feedback on how best to communicate strategic thinking across different contexts, authoritatively presents and facilitates across all project workstreams internally and externally; and can manage diverse stakeholder input and the project’s strategic perspective in real-time
• Management: Manage and supervise direct line-reports, delegating responsibilities and supporting the work of consultants by providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance and their own development

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or Equivalent
• Culture & conduct: Professional, constructive and collaborative across all aspects of work
• Equity, diversity, & inclusion: Demonstrate through your behaviour and decisions a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and integrate and prioritize equity in project work, including research and strategy recommendations in deliverables and client/partner conversations
• Productivity & accountability: Set a high bar for your work product, proactively own your workstreams and deliverables, flag challenges where required, and deliver on time and on budget
• Content Leadership: Have a strong grasp on climate and sustainability content and can develop and structure effective projects that deliver climate action plans
•  6 to 10  years plus of full-time work experience, ideally with a strong strategy background from an agency, consultancy, business, non-profit or government with a focus on climate change and/or sustainability issues. You have a demonstrated track record and/or commitment to climate change and client-facing experience.
• Experience on sustainability / ESG communications (in particular campaigning and potentially reporting) and being familiar with sustainability issues (more on the environment than social side, e.g. plastics, waste, circular economy, water, biodiversity, carbon emission) is required for the role.

You Are a Team Player Who

• Has a solid content background in climate and sustainability
• Enjoys solving complex problems in developing opportunities, ideas, and solutions
• Communicates your argument and perspective clearly and convincingly, verbally and in writing

About APCO In MENA
APCO Worldwide is an advisory and advocacy consultancy helping leading public and private sector organizations be catalysts for progress by navigating the challenges of today, acting with agility, anticipating social risk and building organizational reputations, relationships and solutions to succeed. APCO is proudly an independent and majority women-owned business.

In a rapidly evolving global context, rising expectations for organizations and a time of transformational change, APCO strives to add value to our clients’ enterprises and benefit society. We enable clients to achieve their objectives through insightful counsel, compelling narratives and creative solutions. The values we share reflect our commitment to our people and our clients and we aspire to meet the highest business standards in our industry.