Internal Communications Manager - Secondment

About the role

APCO is seeking a mid-level Internal Communications candidate to join on secondment with a government client in Abu Dhabi. The role combines internal communications delivery with hands-on project management: planning workstreams, coordinating stakeholders, managing timelines and dependencies, tracking progress and delivering high-quality results on time. It suits a strong writer and organised project manager who can handle several priorities while keeping quality and confidentiality.

Key responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of internal communication plans aligned with the client's priorities and organisational objectives.
• Draft, edit and proofread employee communications such as announcements, leadership messages, newsletters, intranet content, briefing notes, presentations and talking points.
• Translate complex information into clear, concise and audience-appropriate content.
• Coordinate internal communication campaigns and initiatives across channels, keeping message, tone and timing consistent.
• Own project plans, scopes, timelines, milestones, actions, dependencies and deliverables, and escalate risks or delays proactively.
• Coordinate workstreams and inputs across client stakeholders, manage review and approval cycles, and keep accurate trackers, status reports and documentation.
• Prepare meeting agendas, capture decisions and action items, and follow up with stakeholders.
• Support the organisation of internal events, town halls, leadership engagements and employee communication activities.
• Monitor communication performance and employee feedback and report with practical recommendations.
• Build trusted relationships with client teams and ensure all communications comply with client protocols, approval processes and confidentiality requirements.

Required profile

• 3+ years of experience in internal communications, corporate communications, employee engagement, public relations or a related field.
• Previous experience in a government, public-sector, consulting or agency environment is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, business or a related discipline.
• Fluency in English and Arabic; based in Abu Dhabi or able to commute daily.

Required skills

• Demonstrated project management experience: planning, workstreams, deadlines, stakeholder coordination and risk handling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong editing and proofreading.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel; familiarity with internal communication platforms is an advantage.