Iryna Shkarlat appointed Deputy Technical Director of UDS

Since joining the UDS team in June 2024, Iryna has progressed from Chief Specialist of the Non-Technical Survey and Risk Education Department to Head of the Planning and Operations Department, and later to Head of the Documentation Support Department for Mine Action Operations.

Iryna holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees with honors in Ecology and Environmental Safety from Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University (KhNAHU). Prior to joining UDS, she gained extensive experience in environmental engineering and the implementation of complex infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, and other major infrastructure facilities.

At UDS, she specializes in the strategic planning of humanitarian mine action projects, the development of internal procedures, and ensuring that operations comply with the legislation of Ukraine and the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). She has played a key role in preparing demining projects for particularly complex sites, including water bodies, forested areas, and the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.

"Iryna is compassionate, kind, and fair, while also being a highly dependable professional. This combination of humanity and a systematic approach is exactly what is needed in a leadership role," said Eduard Drach, Technical Director of UDS.

Iryna continuously incorporates international best practices into UDS operations. She has completed certified training courses delivered by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), including the Non-Technical Survey Course and Land Release in Humanitarian Mine Action. She actively applies the knowledge gained in land release, information management, and risk assessment to strengthen UDS's internal processes.

Her contribution to the development of Ukraine's mine action sector has been recognized with the Cross of the Mine Action Center commemorative award.

"For me, this appointment is not only a new stage in my professional development but also a great responsibility. My primary objective is to ensure the effective operation of UDS's technical division, further develop our internal processes, support our team, and coordinate project implementation. I want our work to become even more systematic, efficient, and fully aligned with the highest national and international standards. I firmly believe that professionalism and continuous improvement are the foundation of successful project delivery and of strengthening UDS's position as one of the industry's leading operators," Iryna said.

We congratulate Iryna on her appointment and wish her every success in further developing UDS's technical capabilities and advancing the clearance of Ukraine's war-affected land.