Job Description

APCO is seeking a Project Assistant for our Shanghai office who will collaborate with colleagues and clients at all levels, playing a key role in supporting project execution and daily operations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support 3–4 concurrent projects by executing a wide range of tasks, including policy and industry research, media monitoring, stakeholder mapping and engagement, media outreach coordination, report drafting, and presentation development.
• Conduct in‑depth research, prepare meeting minutes, and draft client deliverables in collaboration with project teams under the guidance of project managers.
• Actively contribute to internal and client meetings by synthesizing research insights and offering strategic ideas and creative solutions.
• Assist senior managers with business development initiatives by conducting background research, preparing credential materials, and supporting proposal development.
• Maintain strong curiosity about client issues, market developments, and industry trends; participate in networking activities and proactively alert team leads to potential business opportunities.
• Provide high‑quality English‑language support, including proofreading, editing, and enhancing the clarity, tone, and structure of written materials such as reports, proposals, presentations, and client communications—leveraging language skills to ensure linguistic accuracy and professional polish.
  

Requirements & Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Law, Economics, Communications, or other related fields. Experience or academic focus related to China studies, Asian studies, or public affairs is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of six months of internship in a consulting firm, multinational corporation, trade/industry association, or diplomatic posting.

Core Skills:

• Strong understanding and interest in China’s political and economic development, with knowledge of APCO’s key sectors (such as ICT, healthcare, retail, and education) being a plus.
• Excellent time management and a proactive approach to learning.
• Self-motivated, efficient, responsible, flexible, and adaptable to various tasks.

Languages:

• Mother‑tongue level English is required. Fluency in Chinese is a plus.

Candidates must meet one of the following China work‑visa eligibility requirements:

• Fresh graduates from universities ranked within the global Top 10 according to QS, THE, or ARWU.
• Fresh graduates or candidates with less than two years of work experience who have graduated from universities ranked within the global Top 200 (QS / THE / ARWU) and have demonstrated strong academic performance.

• Bachelor’s degree holders with more than two years of full‑time professional work experience.

Office Environment:

This role is based in APCO’s Shanghai office, where the Project Assistant will collaborate closely with over 25 Chinese and international colleagues, as well as a larger team of over 50 professionals across Greater China.

APCO in Greater China

Having entered the China market as one of the first consultancies in 1989, APCO has helped a wide range of organizations succeed in this complex but rewarding environment. We are keenly sensitive to changes in the political, regulatory and business landscape across China and advise business, government and non-profit organizations on issues critical to their success through our offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

We provide our clients with business advisory and public affairs offerings ranging from market entry strategy and government relations to risk assessment. Our strategic communications expertise in crisis management, media engagement and digital communications help our clients protect and enhance their reputation in this fast-moving market.

Our multilingual, cross-cultural team of more than 50 is made up of professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds, including business, government, journalism, academia and non-profit. This breadth of experience and perspective allows us to provide integrated solutions tailored to the specific goals of our clients.

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.

About APCO

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.

Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact.

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.