Senior Consultant

Location: Dhahran or Bahrain Role Overview The Senior Consultant will serve as a senior strategic adviser embedded with the client’s corporate media and communications team. The role guides communications strategy and provides independent counsel to the Chair, Board members, the CEO and senior management. It also leads executive and international media initiatives. This is a senior advisory and leadership appointment rather than a writing or administrative role. The consultant will lead priorities, shape recommendations and oversee specialist delivery through Istabraq colleagues. Key Responsibilities • Advise C-suite and Board members on executive positioning, media interviews, speaking opportunities and sensitive matters • Lead strategic narratives and messaging for executive media engagement and major international events • Oversee executive speeches, presentations, briefing materials and spokesperson coaching • Lead and refine the annual Media and Executive Communications Strategy, with monthly and quarterly adjustments • Lead international media relations across global business, financial, technology and energy media • Provide decision-ready advice on emerging issues, reputational risks and media intelligence • Provide senior crisis communications counsel during incidents, working with Istabraq’s 24/7 crisis team • Coordinate multidisciplinary Istabraq resources to deliver against agreed timelines and KPIs Requirements • 10+ years of progressive strategic communications experience, including substantial senior-level responsibility • Director-level experience leading complex assignments in a consultancy or in-house team • Proven ability to advise and influence C-suite executives and Board members • Strong international media experience, particularly with business, financial and energy outlets • Significant experience in energy, oil and gas, or another complex, high-profile industry • Strong crisis advisory, executive coaching and reputation counsel capabilities • Fluent written and spoken English • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject Preferred • Fluent Arabic • Crisis communications experience with a major global energy organization • Established relationships with international energy and business journalists • Master’s degree or professional accreditation in communications or PR Work Pattern Eight-hour regular shift on site, with availability after hours, at weekends and on public holidays when required, including during incidents. Appointment is subject to client review and approval. About Istabraq • Istabraq is a Riyadh-based PR, communications and strategic consultancy.