YUNIS GURBANOV
NEW YORK CITY
Summary
Seasoned professional with expertise in international security, digital technology, and geopolitical analysis, complemented by academic achievements and hands-on experience in research, policy development, and humanitarian missions. Proficient in advancing technological solutions, fostering data-driven decision-making, and implementing security measures in complex environments. Adept at leveraging multidisciplinary insights to address global challenges and promote sustainable development goals.
Knowledgeable [Desired Position] with proven background in consulting, delivering strategic insights and effective solutions to clients. Successfully led multiple projects, enhancing operational efficiency and driving business growth. Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving and client relationship management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
United Nations
01.2025 - Current
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Enhanced communication among team members to foster collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex industry challenges with strategic recommendations.
- Identified areas of improvement for clients'' operations, implementing targeted solutions to increase productivity.
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
Intern in Digital Transformation Team of DCO
United Nations
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Tested and evaluated cutting-edge AI and digital tools within the DCO's AI Lab to enhance digital system performance, successfully identifying solutions that were shared with RCOs to bolster operational efficiency and data-driven insights across the UN network
- Spearheaded AI-driven decision support system implementation, enhancing data utilization and strategic alignment across multiple Regional Coordination Offices
- Helped to expand the capabilities of the UNINFO platform's digital capabilities, establishing it as a central data repository for the DCO system, standardizing data structures, and optimizing user interface to support data-driven decision-making
- Facilitated a 25% increase in decision-making accuracy across 20 RCOs by implementing an AI-driven decision support system, significantly enhancing data utilization, predictive analytics, and strategic alignment with strategic goals of the UN 2.0
- Participated in advancing UN 2.0 goals by promoting interoperability within digital systems, fostering a collaborative environment that connected over 50 country offices, and elevating technological infrastructure in alignment with UN SDG priorities
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
Security Officer
INSECO
01.2021 - 08.2024
- Saved $2 million annually in government expenditures by implementing 35+ security policies aligned with international security standards, ensuring the protection of sensitive information and assets across various humanitarian projects
- Strengthened response capabilities by 30% and secured $6 million in additional funding by managing 15 long-term and 25 short-term security initiatives, incorporating compliance with international humanitarian law and best practices in conflict zones
- Enhanced operational efficiency and safeguarded $4.7 million in resources over five years by developing strategic frameworks focused on security, risk mitigation, and the protection of vulnerable populations in high-risk areas
- Led the development and implementation of security protocols across 10+ international humanitarian missions, ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets in volatile regions, resulting in zero security breaches over three years
- Facilitated cross-border coordination with UN agencies and local authorities, enhancing security measures in conflict zones, which improved the safety of over 20,000 displaced persons and ensured the secure delivery of critical humanitarian aid
- Greeted guests professionally and courteously to cultivate welcoming atmosphere while making safety top priority.
- Acted quickly during emergency situations to reduce opportunity for damage and injury.
Research Scholar
Harvard University
02.2019 - 07.2021
- Evaluated statistical models for validity and reliability, ensuring accurate interpretation of research outcomes.
- Authored analytical reports on EU digital privacy and cybersecurity policies, supporting
peer-reviewed research. - Organized and analysed over 100 datasets annually to facilitate strategic decision-
making. - Enhanced understanding of complex phenomena through advanced quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques.
- Mentored junior researchers, providing guidance on study design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation for successful submissions to journals.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to identify gaps in existing knowledge and inform future research directions.
Lecturer
Cologne University
09.2016 - 07.2017
- Developed and implemented over 150 sets of multimedia teaching aids and learning materials annually, contributing to a more dynamic and engaging classroom experience
- Created and administered approximately 50 quizzes, tests, and projects per academic year, which were crucial in measuring the comprehension and retention of key security and humanitarian aid concepts among students
- Fostered a collaborative classroom environment that led to a 30% increase in student-led discussions and debates, significantly enhancing critical thinking skills and practical understanding of international relations and security
- Mentored over 100 students during my tenure, guiding them through complex academic research projects and career planning, which resulted in 75% of mentored students pursuing advanced studies or careers in international relations and conflict resolution fields
- Implemented teaching methods that resulted in a 50% improvement in student participation rates and a 45% increase in student performance on assessments related to geopolitical strategies and peace operation
Lecturer
Baku State University
10.2011 - 07.2013
- Developed and delivered engaging lectures in International Relations, employing innovative teaching methods to enhance student comprehension and critical thinking skills
- Fostered a supportive learning environment, mentoring students and collaborating with faculty to improve curriculum and educational outcomes
- Implemented new assessment techniques, leading to improved student performance and higher course satisfaction rates
- Pioneered the integration of digital tools in lectures, significantly enhancing student engagement and facilitating interactive learning experiences
- Contributed to department-wide initiatives, shaping the future of education through curriculum development and implementation of best teaching practices
Consultant
Triton Consulting LLC
01.2008 - 10.2011
- Increased annual profits by $3 million by conducting in-depth financial risk assessments using statistical analysis, improving SOCAR's investment decision-making
- Enhanced regulatory compliance by 20% with the implementation of comprehensive manual monitoring systems, ensuring adherence to industry standards and saving $1.2 million in potential fines and legal fees annually
- Mitigated security risks and safeguarded $2.5 million in assets by conducting comprehensive risk assessments across multiple international operations, enhancing the strategic decision-making process for SOCAR's global investments
- Improved crisis response efficiency by 25% through the development and implementation of a risk management framework, which included detailed threat analysis and contingency planning, ensuring the protection of personnel and infrastructure in high-risk environments
Education
PHD - Political Science, Security and Geopolitics in the post-Soviet Region
University of Cologne
07.2024
MA - Public Administration, International Security Policy, Specialization in Digital Technology
Columbia University in the City of New York
05.2024
LLM - European Law
Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
03.2022
MA - Political Studies and Governance
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
08.2021
MA - International Relations
Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts
07.2011
BA - Art Manager
Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts
09.2006
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Team leadership & development
- Client relationships
- MS office
- Integrity and honesty
- Analytical thinking
- Strategic planning
- Project leadership
- Goal setting
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Time management
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Azerbaijani
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Turkish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Russian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
German
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
French
Elementary (A2)
Scholarships And Fellowships
- Azerbaijani State Scholarship, 09/01/22, 05/31/24, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship for PhD Students, 05/01/15, 10/31/21, Bonn, Germany
- Kölner Gymnasial- und Stiftungsfonds, 10/01/14, 05/31/15, Cologne, Germany
- Merit-based Government Scholarship of Azerbaijan, 09/01/02, 05/31/06, Baku, Azerbaijan
Conference Papers And Presentations
- Interpreting Energy Dependence in Eurasia, Spring 2019, Harvard University
- Emerging Technology and Security, Fall 2020, Harvard University
- Conference on Cyber Regulation and Harmonization, Fall 2024, Columbia University
- Cyberspace in Strategy and Grand Strategy, Fall 2024, Columbia University
- 2024 State-of-the-Field Conference on Cyber Risk to Financial Stability, Spring 2024, Columbia University
- Conference on COP29, Fall 2023, United Nations
- Framing AI Risk, Russia and Cyberwar, Spring 2023, Columbia University
- Russian invasion of Ukraine and its implications on International Energy Security, Spring 2023, Columbia University
- Russia's Cybersecurity Goals. Analyze of Russia's Military Doctrine, Fall 2023, Columbia University
- Energy Relations between the EU and Russia in the light of the Crisis in Ukraine, Fall 2024, Columbia University
Publications
- Book: Geopolitics and Energy Diplomacy in the Caspian Region. Developments after the Downfall of the Soviet Union, 11/29/24, Transkript, Germany
- Article: Azerbaijan is Serious About Going Green, 11/27/24, Eurasianet.org, https://eurasianet.org/perspectives-azerbaijan-is-serious-about-going-green
- Paper: Unraveling the Wagner Group and Yevgeny Prigozhin: The Enigma of Prigozhin's 'March of Justice, 09/15/23, European Scientific Journal, https://eujournal.org/index.php/esj/article/view/17191
- Article: Historical Congress of the CDU: Election of the Party's New Head. Women's Dominance in the Party, 01/08/19, Politicon, https://politicon.co/en/analytics/81/historical-congress-of-the-cdu-election-of-the-partys-new-head-womens-dominancein-the-party
- Article: The Incident in the Kerch Strait: Russia's Provocation or Petro Poroshenko's Strategic Maneuver?, 01/23/19, Topchubashov Center, https://www.academia.edu/43187228/The_incident_in_the_Kerch_Strait
- Article: The Foundation of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic, 05/25/17, Strategic Outlook Journal, http://www.strategicoutlook.org/caucasus/news-the-foundation-of-the-azerbaijani-democratic-republic.html
Timeline
Consultant
United Nations
01.2025 - Current
Intern in Digital Transformation Team of DCO
United Nations
08.2024 - 12.2024
Security Officer
INSECO
01.2021 - 08.2024
Research Scholar
Harvard University
02.2019 - 07.2021
Lecturer
Cologne University
09.2016 - 07.2017
Lecturer
Baku State University
10.2011 - 07.2013
Consultant
Triton Consulting LLC
01.2008 - 10.2011
MA - Public Administration, International Security Policy, Specialization in Digital Technology
Columbia University in the City of New York
LLM - European Law
Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
MA - Political Studies and Governance
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
MA - International Relations
Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts
BA - Art Manager
Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts
PHD - Political Science, Security and Geopolitics in the post-Soviet Region
University of Cologne
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