Sama Yas is a non-resident research fellow at IRIS, contributing to the Iraq Economic Review with a focus on the local economy in Basrah province. Sama holds a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and has established a diverse career across various sectors. Her professional journey began in the private sector as a logistics-procurement officer at a local oil company, where she honed her expertise in the oil industry. She then transitioned to the diplomatic sector, working at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Turkey, which enriched her understanding of the region's political landscape.

In 2020, Sama embarked on a new path by joining NGOs, initially serving as a logistics officer at IMC and later as a project officer on a private sector development project with Oxfam. Concurrently, she pursued her passion as an independent researcher focusing on climate change. Later, Sama assumed the role of Economic Cooperation and Development Officer with the German Embassy, where she works on the German Development Portfolio in Iraq, focusing on the most vulnerable and affected areas of the country.

Throughout her career, particularly in her current role as a development advisor, Sama has been involved in significant projects across various domains. These projects encompass gender diversity, women’s inclusion, private sector development, human rights, rehabilitation, MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support), public health, and agribusiness.