Soraya Basaran
Riyadh,KSA
Summary
Internationally experienced consultant with a strong foundation in research, project management and stakeholder engagement. I have led initiatives in complex institutional settings, consistently coordinating cross-functional teams, preparing high-level meetings, and managing time-sensitive deliverables.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Consultant
Beyond Group Consulting
Riyadh, UAE
11.2024 - 06.2025
- Led coordination for key ministry initiatives, including stakeholder engagement and strategic communications
- Oversaw PMO operations including reporting and tracking
Freelance Consultant
Various
05.2024 - 10.2024
- Supported Affinity in Business Development and strategic partnership formation
- Provided strategic and operational support to establish Elite Equities Real Estate
- Conducted market research and developed an entry strategy to successfully position DataBrain in a new regional market
Government Advisor
Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
Dubai, UAE
12.2022 - 03.2024
- Enhanced strategic communication capabilities for a GCC government by performing comprehensive media sentiment analysis, crafting influential meta-narratives, and meticulously preparing for high-level diplomatic engagements
- Devised and implemented sophisticated strategies for international country prioritization, focusing on maximizing the impact and efficacy of strategic engagement efforts for a GCC government
- Conducted in-depth research on geo-political developments, providing critical insights that shaped policy recommendations for a government in the GCC
- Examples of projects:
- Evaluated and identified key African nations for investment opportunities and collaborative engagements, effectively guiding a GCC government's foreign investment strategy and international partnership initiatives
- Conducted comprehensive analytical studies across 50+ countries, providing pivotal insights and strategic guidance to support policy and decision-making for a GCC government
- Facilitated the preparation for a high-profile interview with an international media outlet for a prominent government official, and conducted a detailed analysis post-interview to assess impact and inform future media strategies
- Monitored evolving media-sentiment regarding a GCC country
Management Consultant
Roland Berger
Dubai, UAE
03.2020 - 11.2022
- Participated in consulting projects for 10+ clients, spanning diverse sectors such as infrastructure, automotive, entertainment, investments, governance, and manufacturing, with an overall focus on the public sector
- Spearheaded the development of comprehensive business strategies by conducting in-depth market research and aligning strategic objectives with evolving industry trends
- Generated market assessments and developed financial models, providing a concise view of market size and share
- Oversaw the Project Management Office for a range of projects, successfully managing cross-functional teams and ensuring project deliverables were achieved on time and within budget
- Examples of projects:
- Developed a comprehensive strategy for a pioneering GCC entertainment company
- Played a pivotal role in assisting a Saudi Arabian Ministry, facilitating the coordination and preparation for high-profile meetings with international delegations
- Defined the strategy and developed the financial model for a new company and ensured alignment with regulatory authorities, securing SAR 1 Bn in funding
- Defined the 50-year strategy for the manufacturing sector of a GCC country for the Ministry of Industry
- Played a critical role in the Project Management Office for the creation of an innovative digital platform, and pioneered the development of a Digital Maturity Index, significantly advancing the digital capabilities of a health insurance regulator in the GCC
Graduate Assistant
American University of Beirut
Beirut
09.2017 - 12.2020
- Supported the department of Political Science & Public Policy with administrative, research and academic assistance
- Developed a range of class presentations and new course materials, aligning with professorial directives and enhancing the educational experience
Research Intern
Al-Marsad, Arab Human Rights Centre
Brussels
03.2017 - 06.2017
- Produced comprehensive research reports on critical issues, including natural resource management and human rights violations
Facilitator
Soliya
09.2015 - 06.2016
- Maintained impartiality when serving as facilitator in intercultural dialogues between international students, effectively bridging the cultural divides and fostering mutual understanding between Western and Middle Eastern perspectives
Education
Master of Arts - Political Studies
American University of Beirut
Bachelor of Science - Political Science, International Relations
University of Amsterdam
Skills
- Stakeholder & Partner Coordination
- Project & Operations Management
- Strategic Communications
- Strategic Planning
- Public Speaking & Presentation
- Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Languages
English
Fluent
Dutch
Native
Arabic
Beginner
German
Elementary
Turkish
Beginner
French
Elementary
Certification
- Flawless Consulting
- Basic and Advanced Facilitation
- Elementary Accounting
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Consultant
Beyond Group Consulting
11.2024 - 06.2025
Freelance Consultant
Various
05.2024 - 10.2024
Government Advisor
Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
12.2022 - 03.2024
Management Consultant
Roland Berger
03.2020 - 11.2022
Graduate Assistant
American University of Beirut
09.2017 - 12.2020
Research Intern
Al-Marsad, Arab Human Rights Centre
03.2017 - 06.2017
Facilitator
Soliya
09.2015 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Science - Political Science, International Relations
University of Amsterdam
Master of Arts - Political Studies
American University of Beirut
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