Yahya Alazzawi

Safety and Security Manager with over 10 years of experience protecting people and assets for USAID, UN, and EU projects in Iraq. I specialize in building safety and security plans from the ground up, managing emergency evacuations, and handling complex logistics in high-risk areas. With a background in Computer Science and a range of international safety certifications (NEBOSH, OSHA, IOSH), I combine technical skills with field experience to keep operations running safely.

I am a native Arabic speaker and professionally certified in English, with a strong record of working with government officials and international teams.

Health, Safety and Compliance Manager - Black Wolf Eyes (BWE) For Guarding & Security Services

(2025-01)

• Led the successful transition of the company's health and safety management system from OHSAS 18001 to the international ISO 45001:2018 standard.
• Manage all Health and Safety operations for high-profile locations, including the American University in Iraq, ensuring full compliance with international safety rules.
• Oversee safety for a fleet of over 86 vehicles, including regular mechanical audits, IVMS and driver competency testing.
• Run detailed Fire Risk Assessments (FRA) and created emergency evacuation plans for site offices, security towers, and K9 units.
• Lead safety tours, conduct "Tool Box Talks" for staff, and provide safety briefings for all new hires.
• Established weapon handling safety and range safety procedures to prevent accidental discharges among security personnel.

Security & Logistics Manager - Counterpart International – USAID Project

(2024-03 - 2025-05)

• Conducted risk assessments and established mitigation strategies.
• Liaised with security providers, government entities, and stakeholders.
• Monitored HSSE and fire awareness of Counterpart offices.
• Managed private security contracts and coordinated national transportation and logistics operations.
• Delivered pre-travel security briefings and drafted regular security reports.
• Managed procurement processes, procurement committees and events coordination.
• Managed supply chains, negotiated contracts, issued purchase orders, and monitored inventory.

Safety and Security Advisor (Part-Time) - DAI Belgium – EU-Funded Project (IQTAF)

(2023-06 - 2024-03)

Developed, updated, and implemented security plans, procedures, and travel guidelines, while conducting location and route risk assessments to provide travel security advice and approvals for national and international staff.

Project Security Manager - DAI / USAID – IGPA Takamul Project

(2018-03 - 2023-06)

• Oversaw national project safety and security across Iraq in liaison with regional advisors.
• Developed, updated and revised safety and security policies and plans.
• Assessed location-based and travel-related risks and Designed DAI offices Safety and Security plan.
• Managed Private Security Contracts.
• Delivered country-wide security briefings to DAI staff.
• Provided real-time political and security updates.
• Managed Expats travel, hotel arrangements and managed visa processes.
• Handled emergency medical cases and provided appropriate support.
• Promoted to Regional Security Advisor in July 2020 and Promoted to Project Security Manager in June 2022.

Security Officer - Blumont International – UNHCR CCCM Program

(2016-12 - 2018-03)

• Premises & Systems Security: Designed physical security plans, conducted site assessments, and maintained CCTV operations.
• Safety & Fire Safety: Developed safety protocols and implemented building safety and fire risk mitigation procedures.
• Operations & Guard Management: Supervised security guards, managed journey tracking systems, and coordinated government movement permissions.
• Logistics Support: Provided cross-functional support for logistics and procurement operations as required.

Military Linguist - ABM Linc

(2015-06 - 2016-11)

Provided English-Arabic translation and live mission support for US/NATO training missions, translated technical content for Iraqi Special Forces (including JTAC, IEDs, and urban warfare), and actively participated in live urban warfare field training exercises.

Operations Manager - Al Adasa for Media Services

(2014-04 - 2015-06)

Managed procurement, supply chains, events, team schedules, and financial documentation, while supervising drivers and cameramen and supporting IT and broadcast operations.

Operations Manager - ANB Channel

(2012-01 - 2014-03)

Started as an SNG broadcast operator and later promoted to operations manager, overseeing procurement and subscriptions while supervising the cameramen team and driver scheduling.

Military Linguist - Global Linguistic Solutions

(2010-09 - 2011-11)

Provided interpretation for tactical, civil, and logistical meetings while translating for US Forces during military operations (OIF) and supporting humanitarian aid missions and Iraq Security Forces (ISF) coordination.

BSc. - Computer Science - Al Ma'arif University Anbar, Iraq