Umman Alizada
Glasgow
Summary
Investigative researcher with 2 years of professional experience in due diligence, open-source intelligence, and cross-border risk analysis. Skilled in analysing corporate structures, litigation, sanctions, and reputational risks to support compliance, dispute resolution, and asset tracing. Experience at KPMG producing 100+ due diligence reports across the CIS, Europe, and the US, and at the United Nations, conducting open-source monitoring and delivering strategic outputs for senior leadership. Holder of a Master’s in Security, Intelligence & Strategic Studies and fluent in English, Russian, Azerbaijani, and Turkish. Recognised for balancing independence with collaboration, maintaining strong attention to detail, and delivering accurate, client-ready findings under pressure while eager to grow within a highly professional environment.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
POLITICAL AFFAIRS INTERN
UNITED NATIONS
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Conducted open-source monitoring and social media analysis in conflict contexts to enhance situational awareness.
- Designed and facilitated a Digital Dialogue with Central Asian and Afghan youth, preparing materials and moderating sessions in both English and Russian.
- Drafted concise daily briefings for senior leadership.
- Assisted in preparing concept notes and proposals on the application of AI agents to the UN's peace and security efforts.
CONSULTANT
KPMG CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Prepared 100+ KYC and AML due diligence reports on Russian, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, and global entities, analysing ownership structures, beneficial owners, PEP affiliations, litigation, sanctions exposure, and reputational risks (e.g., bribery, money laundering, embezzlement).
- Conducted cross-jurisdictional investigations using Russian, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, and international corporate filings, government registries, media sources, and specialised AML databases (e.g., LexisNexis) in close collaboration with the KPMG Kazakhstan Forensics Team.
- Developed internal investigative templates and source guides to standardise due diligence processes.
- Established and managed an intelligence framework for risk assessments, integrating OSINT and proprietary databases.
- Maintained a secure SharePoint repository of client profiles to ensure compliance, traceability, and efficient retrieval.
MANAGEMENT CONSULTING TRAINEE
KPMG CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Conducted KYC checks and client due diligence using corporate filings, government registries, and specialised databases.
- Supported business development by drafting technical proposals and tender documents.
RESEARCH ANALYST
MINISTRY OF DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Contributed to the development of the national Smart City & Smart Village concept, researching best practices and local adaptation strategies.
- Researched and analysed legal and tax incentives to encourage private sector investment in science, technology, and innovation.
- Communicated Azerbaijan's digital policy updates and best practices to the EU4Digital Initiative, collaborating with EU and Eastern Partnership stakeholders.
- Monitored global trends in business, innovation, and industrial digitalisation to inform national policy recommendations.
INDUSTRY RESEARCH ASSISTANT
AZERCOSMOS OJSC
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Monitored and reported the latest innovations in the Space industry to the management.
- Prepared proposals on the application of business, management, and technological innovations at Azercosmos.
- Prepared research proposals for the Research and Development Center of Azercosmos.
Education
International MASTERS IN SECURITY, INTELLIGENCE AND STRATEGIC STUDIES -
University of Glasgow
Glasgow, United Kingdom09.2025
STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS CERTIFICATE -
OTH Regensburg
Regensburg, Germany08.2024
BACHELOR OF ARTS - INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
ADA University
Baku, Azerbaijan06.2022
EXCHANGE SEMESTER - International Relations
American University
Washington D. C., United States12.2019
Skills
- Open-Source Intelligence
- Research
- Analytical Writing
- Risk Assessment
- Communication
- Stress Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Research & Analysis
- Emerging Tech Policy
- AI Tools
- Policy Development
- Project Management
- Policy Research
- Digital Innovation
- Science & Tech Policy
- International Collaboration
- Project Support
Languages
Azerbaijani, Russian, English, Turkish
Honours And Awards
- Erasmus Mundus scholarship for a 2-year Joint Masters Degree, 09/23
- Magna Cum Laude Latin Honor, 06/22
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
POLITICAL AFFAIRS INTERN
UNITED NATIONS
04.2025 - 07.2025
CONSULTANT
KPMG CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA
09.2022 - 09.2023
MANAGEMENT CONSULTING TRAINEE
KPMG CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA
06.2022 - 08.2022
RESEARCH ANALYST
MINISTRY OF DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
08.2021 - 05.2022
INDUSTRY RESEARCH ASSISTANT
AZERCOSMOS OJSC
09.2020 - 06.2021
International MASTERS IN SECURITY, INTELLIGENCE AND STRATEGIC STUDIES -
University of Glasgow
STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS CERTIFICATE -
OTH Regensburg
BACHELOR OF ARTS - INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
ADA University
EXCHANGE SEMESTER - International Relations
American University
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