Operations & Executive Support Specialist

Laylan Talabani

E-mail: *******@*****.***

Professional Summary

Seasoned Operations and Executive Support Professional and Bilingual Interpreter recognized for driving efficiency in fast-paced, multicultural environments. I excel at helping leaders stay organized and proactive, bringing structure to chaos and streamlining complex processes. I bring a blend of high level problem solving and cross cultural communication skills to every project, supported by recent certifications in Google Project Management and AI Essentials. My background as a Bilingual Interpreter enables me to collaborate effectively with global teams and bridge communication gaps. Professional Experience

Senior Operations Specialist 2024 – 2025

Management Sciences for Health - Arlington, VA

● Streamlined consultant engagement lifecycle as primary administrative liaison, ensuring seamless flow of agreements, invoicing, and coordination between consultants, HR, and Accounts Payable.

● Managed end to end logistics for staff retreats and high priority internal events, strategically coordinating international travel, accommodations, and catering.

● Proactively managed complex international travel for the VP, preparing detailed logistics (flights, visas, hotels), comprehensive briefing materials, and final expense reconciliations.

● Managed the VP’s complex calendar, strategically scheduling interviews, high priority meetings, and project reviews to optimize leadership effectiveness.

● Developed and maintained formal process guidance for travel, visa applications, timesheets, and conference registration, driving internal efficiency.

● Accelerated financial operations by processing purchase requisitions, tracking approvals, and maintaining accurate purchase order records in Costpoint.

● Partnered with Procurement to strengthen invoice processing and contract verification, improving cross departmental communication.

● Served as primary contact for staff inquiries and supported new hire onboarding, enhancing productivity through clear guidance on timesheet and expense submissions. Executive Assistant II to VP 2018–2023

Management Sciences for Health - Arlington, VA

● Provided high level executive support to C suite leaders, expertly managing complex calendars and coordinating international travel arrangements.

● Acted as liaison between executives and stakeholders, ensuring streamlined information flow and timely, professional communication.

● Drove efficiency by identifying and streamlining administrative workflows, including budgeting, invoice processing, and vendor coordination across departments.

● Coordinated and facilitated executive meetings, preparing structured agendas and formal minutes to ensure clear communication and follow through.

● Handled highly sensitive and confidential materials with discretion; conducted targeted research to support strategic decision making.

Executive Assistant to Vice President 2011–2017

Management Sciences for Health - Arlington, VA

● Held the same core responsibilities as in the Executive Assistant II role prior to promotion, consistently delivering strong performance and foundational support that led to promotion. Laylan Talabani Page 1

Manager, Owner/Operator 2006–2011

Blackberry Limousine, Inc. - Sterling, VA

● Managed all daily business operations and client services, successfully maintaining a high standard of service and operational efficiency.

● Maintained accurate financial control, overseeing cash flow, accounts payable/receivable, and processing monthly payroll.

● Conducted financial analysis to track sales performance, profit margins, and overall account health.

● Streamlined communication by prioritizing urgent correspondence and maintaining confidential filing systems.

● Handled client inquiries and transaction issues promptly, ensuring strong satisfaction and retention. Fellowship/Recruitment Liaison 2003–2006

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) - Washington, DC

● Managed personnel and financial processes, including consultancy agreements, payroll, allowances, and expense claims, ensuring full compliance with international standards.

● Coordinated complex, multi timezone scheduling to maintain seamless alignment between East Coast and Rome HQ executives.

● Compiled recruitment reports and served as liaison with FAO HQ, US officials, and academic institutions on fellowship and visa matters.

● Supported recruitment by serving on interview panels and overseeing work assignments for incoming interns.

● Prepared staff meeting minutes and diligently tracked action items to ensure completion.

● Oversaw office space for the UNFAO and UNWFP joint premises, ensuring efficient operations. Additional Experience

Bilingual Interpreter (English Arabic) — TransPerfect Jan–Apr 2026

● Provided real time English–Arabic interpretation across financial, social services, immigration, education, automotive, housing, and medical contexts.

● Ensured clear, accurate communication and offered cultural context to help clients navigate essential services effectively.

Education & Certifications

Google Project Management Certificate – Coursera (2025) Google AI Essentials Certificate - Coursera (2025) Bachelor of Arts (GPA: 3.5) Al-Mustansiriyah University College of Arts, Linguistics/Translation: Arabic/English, Baghdad, Iraq Skills

Operational & Project Management: Office Management, Business Operations, Project Coordination, Travel & Logistics, Event Planning, Procurement & Vendor Relations, Recruitment & Staff Management. Financial & Administrative Control: Budgeting, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Expense Management, Payroll & Timesheet Processing, Cash Flow Oversight.

Communication & Language: Cross functional Communication, Stakeholder Liaison, Editing & Proofreading, Document Translation (Kurdish/Arabic/English), Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace. Languages

● English, Kurdish, Arabic – Fluent

Laylan Talabani Page 2

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