Ms. Ayna Seyitliyeva joined UNFPA Iran in February 2024 in the capacity of International Programme Coordinator and will act as the Officer in Charge (OIC) until the arrival of the new Representative. In her last assignment, she worked for nearly five years as the Head of Office in UNFPA Turkmenistan carrying programme and management functions, working closely with the government and UNCT, as well as international development partners.

She brings more than 20 years of extensive and diversified experience in leadership, programme management, and advocacy & communication. Prior to joining UNFPA, she worked for 12 years for UNICEF Turkmenistan as a Cross-Sectoral Programme Specialist leading the social development, communication, and youth programmes, and covering the Partnerships and Resource Leveraging portfolio. In her earlier UN career (2001-2006), she coordinated an advocacy and communication component with UNFPA Turkmenistan.

Ms. Seyitliyeva graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK (2006-2007). She holds a Master of Science in Media and Communication with a focus on Behavioral and Social Science. She is the UK Chevening Scholarship Programme Alumna. She also holds a university degree from the Turkmen State University with a Diploma in World Economy and International Relations. Ayna is passionate about UNFPA's mission and looks forward to contributing to the acceleration of the SDGs in Iran.