Professional Portfolio 2026
Irada Valiyeva
Close Protection Officer | Executive Protection | Security Management | Protective Driver
Career record • Qualifications • References • Photographic evidence
Baku, Azerbaijan | +994 50 385 32 32 | irada.valiyeva.aze@gmail.com
1Profile at a Glance
Female Close Protection Officer and security management professional with more than twenty years of service, including nearly seventeen years in the Diplomatic Security Program of the U.S. Embassy in Baku (2003 to 2020), where she progressed from Security Guard to Ambassador's Bodyguard and Bodyguard Driver, providing armed close protection and armoured transportation. Former Assistant Manager Security at Hyatt Regency Baku, leading 45 security personnel, and a Black Belt karate champion who now teaches Physical Education in international schools. Disciplined, discreet and calm under pressure, with 2026 close protection, firearms, FREC 3, emergency care and fire safety qualifications, and available for international deployment.
20+
years in security (2003 to 2023)
17
years, U.S. Embassy Baku (May 2003 to Jan 2020)
3
U.S. Ambassadors protected
45
security personnel led: 40 staff + 5 Team Leaders
OT-801
U.S. Dept. of State bodyguard training, 2017
1st Dan
Black Belt, Karate; national champion
Key facts
- Nationality
- Azerbaijani
- Date of Birth
- 9 August 1983
- Height
- 175 cm
- Based in
- Baku, Azerbaijan
- Availability
- Immediate relocation: UAE, Saudi Arabia, GCC, wider Middle East & North Africa (incl. Iraq and Libya); open to projects in Europe and America
- Languages
- Azerbaijani (native) • Russian (native / C2) • Turkish (fluent / B2) • English (B1, EF SET 42/100, April 2026)
- Driving
- Licence categories A1, A, B1, B, C1, C • Smith System certified • Armoured vehicle (B6) • Expert in defensive, offensive and evasive driving, securing VIPs, diplomatic and military motorcades
- Firearms
- Glock 17/19 • AR-15/M4 • AK-47 (qualification certificates, June 2026); firearms qualification every two months in Baku during embassy service (4 hour sessions of training and shooting exercises)
- Sport
- 1st Dan Black Belt, Karate (World Shotokan Karate-do Federation, 2002); 3 time Republic of Azerbaijan champion, champion of Kazakhstan (once), 2 time Baku champion
- Education
- Bachelor's Degree, Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sport (2003)