Personal bio
Iryna is a strategic advisor with 17 years of experience, including in real estate, engineering and construction, and more recently in professional services including dispute resolution, preparation & defence of contractual claims, and expert work. Iryna is a Fellow with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and acts as an arbitrator in construction and property disputes. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the UAE Branch of the CIArb and teaches International Arbitration with the Institute. Iryna is dual qualified, holding a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters degree in Construction Law, Dispute Resolution and Arbitration. Iryna specialises in contracts & quantum and is known for her commercial acumen and her ability to quickly get to the root of the issues. Prior to joining HKA, Iryna has held project management positions with consultancies in the United Arab Emirates, managing the commercial, financial and technical delivery aspects of numerous design and construction projects, whilst also developing client relationships in the MENA and CIS countries. This experience, coupled with a broad skillset, has enabled Iryna to smoothly transition into contractual claims and dispute resolution, assisting clients in any facet of contractual disputes in the infrastructure, construction, oil & gas, and energy sectors. Iryna is multilingual, her experience is truly international and includes many prestigious projects throughout the Middle East and beyond (Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, KSA, Kuwait, Malaysia, Montenegro, Morocco, Oman, South Africa, Tanzania, UAE & UK), including buildings, power (hydro, geothermal, gas-fired, combined-cycle gas turbine), transport infrastructure, oil & gas and manufacturing facilities. Iryna is also a Registered RICS Expert Witness, and provides training in Cost Planning, Project controls, Procurement, Claims and Disputes, and Contract Administration. She is a frequent speaker at various events and conferences in the ADR field. Elsewhere, Iryna is a true mentor known to many for her people skills. In 2021, Iryna was nominated for a prestigious Middle East Consultant Awards in the category 'Women in Construction - Professional of the Year'. Besides her day job she has a strong passion for all things ED&I and empowering the youth.