Unraveling the complex world of political consulting requires deep comprehension and careful navigation. Before one embarks on the journey of hiring a political consultant, certain crucial insights emerge as essential to grasp. These insights stem from understanding the extensive role of a political consultant, the imperative aspect of timing, the criticality of the consultant’s location, and finally, the art and science that underlies the methodologies they employ.

Political consultants are, in essence, strategic architects who chart out an effective electoral roadmap for political candidates or parties. In order to appreciate their value, one must delve into the myriad roles they play. The consultant is often the primary architect of the campaign strategy, honing the candidate's image and message to be engaging and evocative. Simultaneously, they mastermind the campaign logistics, from coordinating ground operations to managing media interactions, thereby integrating all facets of the campaign into a cohesive whole.

Adding a layer of complexity to their role, political consultants also serve as the candidate’s primary liaison with various stakeholders including party officials, potential donors, and the media. Consequentially, their influence extends beyond strategy and logistics, bleeding into the spheres of public relations and fundraising.

Understanding the multi-faceted nature of a political consultant's role is pivotal before initiating the hiring process, as it affords a realistic perspective on the comprehensive support they offer, and the multifaceted skill set a competent consultant ought to possess.

Moving onto the dimension of time, it emerges as a critical factor in the equation. The timing of hiring a consultant can significantly impact the effectiveness of a campaign. Political campaign cycles have their own rhythm, and consultants must be hired when they can be most effective. Typically, this is well before the campaign begins, allowing ample time for strategizing and implementing the campaign plan.

However, nuances exist. For instance, should the consultant be involved from the inception of the idea, shaping the candidate's platform from the ground up? Or should they be brought in later, refining a pre-established strategy? The answer largely hinges on the specific needs of the candidate or party. Yet, the key takeaway remains - timing is cardinal, and its mismanagement can lead to suboptimal outcomes.

Equally consequential is the location of the consultant. The political landscape varies substantially across regions, and a consultant with intimate knowledge of the local context can provide invaluable insights. Local political consultants can leverage their understanding of the region's political history, socio-economic dynamics, and prevailing public sentiment, thereby shaping campaign strategies that resonate deeply with the local electorate.

On the other hand, a consultant based in a different region or country may bring a fresh perspective to the campaign, drawing on strategies that have proven successful in other contexts. This is a delicate balancing act and necessitates careful consideration.

Finally, understanding the methodologies employed by political consultants is crucial. Political consulting is both an art and a science, combining instinct and intuition with data and analytics. A consultant must master both dimensions to be effective.

On the artistic front, they must be adept at crafting compelling narratives, shaping public perception, and humanising the candidate. This involves a deep understanding of psychology, sociology, and communication theory.

On the scientific front, consultants must be proficient in leveraging data and analytics to guide decision-making. This includes everything from polling data to demographic analysis, using insights gleaned from these to refine campaign strategies. The rise of digital media adds another layer, with social media analytics and online sentiment analysis playing increasingly prominent roles.

The interplay between these two dimensions is what makes political consulting a particularly complex field. A discerning understanding of the same prior to hiring a consultant can prove immensely beneficial.

In conclusion, understanding the nuanced role of a political consultant, the importance of timing in the hiring process, the relevance of the consultant’s location, and the art and science underpinning their methodologies, are all indispensable insights. These form the bedrock upon which a successful engagement with a political consultant can be built. A deep understanding of these parameters will not only streamline the hiring process but also enhance the effectiveness of the resultant political campaign.