Keith Smith Email & Phone Number

As an Independent Consultant, Keith provides expert consulting services to various international organizations across multiple donors, focusing on business development, commercial strategy, programme delivery, and client relationship management. Recently, he reviewed and enhanced an organization's commercial strategy to improve its positioning with the FCDO. On a USAID project in Northeast Syria, Keith helped the team develop their work plan for submission to USAID while also building the… Show more As an Independent Consultant, Keith provides expert consulting services to various international organizations across multiple donors, focusing on business development, commercial strategy, programme delivery, and client relationship management. Recently, he reviewed and enhanced an organization's commercial strategy to improve its positioning with the FCDO. On a USAID project in Northeast Syria, Keith helped the team develop their work plan for submission to USAID while also building the team's program management and delivery capacity. He has helped businesses improve project outcomes and align with donor expectations by advising on donor requirements. He positions organizations effectively for upcoming proposals and supports projects requiring enhanced management and technical support. Show less

Kings Langley, England, United Kingdom

As Managing Director of DAI Global UK and Senior Vice President (SVP) of the HMG Business Unit, Keith was responsible for providing vision, leadership, and operational direction, delivering a profitable growth trajectory with excellent development results, the highest standards of ethical performance, and extensive synergies with other DAI businesses and corporate departments. DAI Global UK’s key customer is FCDO and other HMG Departments. He maintained relationships with government… Show more As Managing Director of DAI Global UK and Senior Vice President (SVP) of the HMG Business Unit, Keith was responsible for providing vision, leadership, and operational direction, delivering a profitable growth trajectory with excellent development results, the highest standards of ethical performance, and extensive synergies with other DAI businesses and corporate departments. DAI Global UK’s key customer is FCDO and other HMG Departments. He maintained relationships with government institutions with senior civil servants in the UK and abroad. Keith managed a portfolio of contracts valued from £70 million to over £100 million in annual revenue.Client Engagement, Business Development, and Delivery: Keith played a significant role as the public face of the business with FCDO and other HMG funders, generating interest and support and identifying the business development pipeline. Keith led and managed a Senior Management Team to deliver donor contracts in over 20 countries around the globe. He was responsible for the whole procurement cycle, from tendering to contract closure. Leadership: Keith provided strategic and operational leadership for the HMG business unit. He led and managed the Senior Management Team, working with them to set objectives, win business, effectively deliver on the HMG portfolio, distil lessons, build DAI’s network and brand, and foster team capacity to establish and maintain DAI as an industry leader. Management: Keith promoted and fostered a work environment where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organisation. He was committed to the highest possible ethical and compliance standards, ensuring that projects are managed in a consistent and quality-driven manner. His team worked across multiple jurisdictions, and he ensures compliance with any applicable laws and regulations in the countries where they deliver programmes. Show less

Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom

As Commercial Director, Keith Smith provided various business support functions spanning the whole business. He led and managed the pricing team, contracts/legal team, entity management (business registrations) and the compliance and relationship management team interfacing with HMG clients. These services supported all the business units across DAI Global and interacted intimately with HMG business processes from business development through the whole contract cycle to closure. Keith took a… Show more As Commercial Director, Keith Smith provided various business support functions spanning the whole business. He led and managed the pricing team, contracts/legal team, entity management (business registrations) and the compliance and relationship management team interfacing with HMG clients. These services supported all the business units across DAI Global and interacted intimately with HMG business processes from business development through the whole contract cycle to closure. Keith took a limited and disparate commercial capacity within the company in 2016 and built a highly effective, data-driven and analysis-orientated team. Show less

Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom

Keith provided the core programme management functions and leadership of DAI and HTSPE's expanded portfolio. The combined portfolio delivered circa £100 million in annual revenue for DAI Europe with the newly acquired HTSPE. In conjunction with the Director of Programme Management, he led a team of over 30 development professionals to deliver over 40 projects worldwide. Furthermore, he provided support and guidance to ensure the effective integration of both company's systems, processes and… Show more Keith provided the core programme management functions and leadership of DAI and HTSPE's expanded portfolio. The combined portfolio delivered circa £100 million in annual revenue for DAI Europe with the newly acquired HTSPE. In conjunction with the Director of Programme Management, he led a team of over 30 development professionals to deliver over 40 projects worldwide. Furthermore, he provided support and guidance to ensure the effective integration of both company's systems, processes and personnel. Through this process, he managed to integrate the majority of best practices from both companies while navigating personnel challenges that are natural in an integration process. Show less

United Kingdom

Assisted the Director of PMU in managing the PMU unit; directed and supervised the delivery of a portfolio of projects and programmes to achieve customer satisfaction, budget targets and business growth; assuring the technical quality of work delivered by and on behalf of HTSPE; direct responsibility for programmes in Pakistan, Liberia, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Keith was in this role for 6 months before DAI Global acquired it.

London, United Kingdom

Key member of the DAI Europe project management unit responsible for over 20 projects in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe with DFID, EC and World Bank; responsible for the oversight, quality assurance and profitability of the DAI/Europe portfolio in coordination with the Director of PMU; acting Director of PMU when the Director was travelling or absent; ensured fiduciary rigor and financial tracking of DAI/Europe projects; led the development of field operation manuals for DFID projects;… Show more Key member of the DAI Europe project management unit responsible for over 20 projects in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe with DFID, EC and World Bank; responsible for the oversight, quality assurance and profitability of the DAI/Europe portfolio in coordination with the Director of PMU; acting Director of PMU when the Director was travelling or absent; ensured fiduciary rigor and financial tracking of DAI/Europe projects; led the development of field operation manuals for DFID projects; provided technical and management support to home office and field office staff concerning team management and dynamics, client relations, and producing excellence in DAI’s work; security focal point for all the DAI Europe projects; trained field and home office staff on DAI policies and procedures; provided technical and commercial inputs to proposals; led the redesign of the DAI Europe Operations Manual to further structure systems and processes, improve efficiencies, & allow for the growth of the company; deputy of the PMU responsible for 4 staff. Show less

London, United Kingdom

• Technical advisor for the London office in areas of post conflict and project management• Provided guidance and technical assistance for new business in Pakistan especially related to DFID programme opportunities. • Assisted the European office on new business and proposals; primarily for, but not limited to, Pakistan, Nepal, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Liberia. • Undertook fact-finding missions for new business in Uganda and Nepal.• Provided backstopping support to USAID funded… Show more • Technical advisor for the London office in areas of post conflict and project management• Provided guidance and technical assistance for new business in Pakistan especially related to DFID programme opportunities. • Assisted the European office on new business and proposals; primarily for, but not limited to, Pakistan, Nepal, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Liberia. • Undertook fact-finding missions for new business in Uganda and Nepal.• Provided backstopping support to USAID funded FATA Capacity Building Project to enable a smooth and effective closedown.• Key writer for the USAID funded FATA Capacity Building Project final report. Show less

Pakistan

USAID-funded Federal Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Capacity Building Program (CBP). The FATA Capacity Building Project was a 3-year project which aimed to assist the Government of Pakistan and FATA institutions.Key Responsibilities:• Led and managed a team of over 150 people; including 7 expatriates across 7 offices. • Managed all components of programme that covered diverse subject areas; such as civilian/military coordination, strategic communications, IT infrastructure… Show more USAID-funded Federal Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Capacity Building Program (CBP). The FATA Capacity Building Project was a 3-year project which aimed to assist the Government of Pakistan and FATA institutions.Key Responsibilities:• Led and managed a team of over 150 people; including 7 expatriates across 7 offices. • Managed all components of programme that covered diverse subject areas; such as civilian/military coordination, strategic communications, IT infrastructure, training of government officials, economic growth, capacity building of civil society and monitoring and evaluation of USAID programmes in FATA.• Ensured that the Task Order was adhered to and moved the programme in the right direction.• Worked closely with the FATA Secretariat and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure programs were designed and implemented to their needs and requirements.• Adjusted the pace of the program to meet client requirements to improve output and delivery.• Oversaw the grants program which was specially designed to improve the capacity of civil society organisations in FATA.• Initially managed the project from Peshawar but due to security reasons part of the team were relocated to Islamabad on client instructions. Oversaw the management of the expatiate evacuation and ensured staff safety.• Managed the $45 million project budget to ensure program activities were delivered and implemented efficiently and effectively.• Managed and oversaw 5 subcontractors who contributed to various elements of the program.• Provided guidance, leadership and support to maintain morale and an effective operating team.• Provided timely and accurate reporting to USAID on all program areas.• Ensured delivery of the programme and finances in line with USAID contractual rules and regulations. Show less

Liberia

USAID-funded Liberian Community Infrastructure Programme (LCIP)• Conducted a programme review and evaluation of USAID-funded LCIP for activities completed between March 2006 and March 2008. The review targeted identification of lessons learnt and recommendations for the remaining 18 months of programme.• Information gathered was compiled for the final report of the first phase of the programme which was submitted to USAID in June 2008.

Sri Lanka

USAID/OTI-funded Sri Lankan Transitional Initiative Programme, Sri Lanka (March 2007 – April 2008), This programme supported the 2003 peace process and 2004 tsunami recovery through community based programmes and support to local government. Based in the Eastern Province where heavy fighting between the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka continued; and was some of the worst affected areas hit by the 2004 Tsunami.Key Responsibilities:• Managed a 20-person field office.• Managed… Show more USAID/OTI-funded Sri Lankan Transitional Initiative Programme, Sri Lanka (March 2007 – April 2008), This programme supported the 2003 peace process and 2004 tsunami recovery through community based programmes and support to local government. Based in the Eastern Province where heavy fighting between the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka continued; and was some of the worst affected areas hit by the 2004 Tsunami.Key Responsibilities:• Managed a 20-person field office.• Managed over 30 grants to local government, NGO, INGOs and CBOs with total value exceeding $3 million.• Worked closely with local government to deliver key infrastructure repair projects, including 4 market rehabilitations, a lighthouse, 4 libraries, roads and educational buildings through regular site visits. • Facilitated the team’s focus to deliver effective programming that brought communities together and reduced ethnic tensions.• Advised USAID and USG State Department officials on interventions that would be effective in reducing inter ethnic conflict. • Provided biweekly reporting to the client on security, political, social, economical and programmatic situations in the two districts.• Facilitated numerous field visits for key US and USAID officials in the eastern part of the country.• Managed a complex field procurement system.• Managed the programme’s contracted civil engineering firm to ensure they enabled the construction contractors to deliver quality and safety. Show less

Liberia

USAID-funded Liberia Community Infrastructure Programme (LCIP), the US Government’s major programme in Liberia to support the 2003 peace process through labour- intensive infrastructure rehabilitation and psycho-social support for ex-combatants and affected communities.• Managed the USAID and DfID funded $8 million programme • Development of a work plan and budget to secure $32 million extension for LCIP II.• Managed a team of three international staff and 30 national staff… Show more USAID-funded Liberia Community Infrastructure Programme (LCIP), the US Government’s major programme in Liberia to support the 2003 peace process through labour- intensive infrastructure rehabilitation and psycho-social support for ex-combatants and affected communities.• Managed the USAID and DfID funded $8 million programme • Development of a work plan and budget to secure $32 million extension for LCIP II.• Managed a team of three international staff and 30 national staff operating in 6 counties.• Managed the development of major infrastructure repair of government buildings, including the Capitol Building (parliament), Executive Mansion (President’s residence) and major national road segment.• Supported donor coordination in multilateral infrastructure projects Show less

Liberia

USAID-funded Liberia Community Infrastructure Programme• Oversaw the USAID-funded $41 million Disarmament, Demobilization, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (DDRR) Programme in Liberia• Supervised and provided technical assistance to infrastructure projects (rural roads and bridges).• Carried out duties of Chief of Party in his absence, including regular meetings with USAID Director and managing a staff of 100 across ten counties.• Briefed US Ambassador on many occasions on… Show more USAID-funded Liberia Community Infrastructure Programme• Oversaw the USAID-funded $41 million Disarmament, Demobilization, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (DDRR) Programme in Liberia• Supervised and provided technical assistance to infrastructure projects (rural roads and bridges).• Carried out duties of Chief of Party in his absence, including regular meetings with USAID Director and managing a staff of 100 across ten counties.• Briefed US Ambassador on many occasions on the progress of the programme and the genuine difficulties faced in dealing with a post-conflict transition society.• Liaised with relevant Ministries of Transitional Government and subsequent democratically elected government; including regular direct contact with Ministers of Public Works, Internal Affairs, Education and Youth & Sports.• Worked across ten counties in Liberia overseeing economic and social reintegration projects.• Oversaw development of contracts and bidding processes for large-scale infrastructure projects.• Managed labour intensive programme payments to ensure money reached the beneficiaries and programme objectives were met; the programme had 17,500 people working at one time on work programmes providing over $500,000 in cash every month to the economy. • Managed complex programmes of agricultural production and apprenticeships in a post conflict environment.• Developed and implemented $1.4 million road project through private sector. Show less

Liberia

USAID-funded Liberia Community Infrastructure Programme• Played a key role in the Programme start up. • Oversaw and managed projects for agriculture; road repair; water; sanitation; construction.• Developed Quick Impact Work Programmes in response to a lack of activities for ex-combatants as they left disarmament and demobilisation (D2) camps, which no other organisation could deliver.• Developed grants to ensure programmes were in the DDRR frame work and met USG… Show more USAID-funded Liberia Community Infrastructure Programme• Played a key role in the Programme start up. • Oversaw and managed projects for agriculture; road repair; water; sanitation; construction.• Developed Quick Impact Work Programmes in response to a lack of activities for ex-combatants as they left disarmament and demobilisation (D2) camps, which no other organisation could deliver.• Developed grants to ensure programmes were in the DDRR frame work and met USG objectives• Identification of Local NGOs to implement projects through grants• Managed programme team of 6 Cluster Managers, 6 Programme Development Officers and 4 Engineers.• Engaged the private sector in the delivery of construction requirements of the programme.• Made presentations to the UN Mission in Liberia’s Special Representative of the Secretary General and the head of state (Chairman of the NTGL).• Worked and discussed concerns with ex-combatants and community member to assist in the delivery of information. Show less

Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Essex County Council, Chelmsford, UK. The Department of Emergency Planning was responsible for the local authority’s response to emergencies in support of the emergency services in Essex.Key Responsibilities: • Providing engineering and disaster management assessment, preparation, planning and advice to senior staff on pipeline structures, industrial sites, harbours, airports and general infrastructure.• Conducted, through a series of workshops in 2003, training and capacity… Show more Essex County Council, Chelmsford, UK. The Department of Emergency Planning was responsible for the local authority’s response to emergencies in support of the emergency services in Essex.Key Responsibilities: • Providing engineering and disaster management assessment, preparation, planning and advice to senior staff on pipeline structures, industrial sites, harbours, airports and general infrastructure.• Conducted, through a series of workshops in 2003, training and capacity building of employees in disaster preparedness and recovery. Training included all levels from Chief Executive to social workers. • Maintaining County Emergency Response Centre for emergency co-ordination; involved the constant readiness of communication equipment, GIS, computers, protective room structures and administration staff.• Managing the emergency response arrangements of local voluntary agencies in the County. Show less

Sierra Leone

DfID funded Community Reintegration Programme (CRP), Sierra Leone• Supervised, monitored and managed eight engineering projects (to DFID specifications), including police border posts, police stations, custom barracks and local government offices.• Supervised works including, estimating, monitoring and controlling bills of quantities.• Ensured reintegration issues were addressed within projects and were an active component of the programme. • Promoted rural livelihoods at… Show more DfID funded Community Reintegration Programme (CRP), Sierra Leone• Supervised, monitored and managed eight engineering projects (to DFID specifications), including police border posts, police stations, custom barracks and local government offices.• Supervised works including, estimating, monitoring and controlling bills of quantities.• Ensured reintegration issues were addressed within projects and were an active component of the programme. • Promoted rural livelihoods at district level through: work practices: ensuring construction contractors employed and trained local residents/ ex-combatants to be able to enter private enterprise after project completion; and social practices: football was promoted to provide a common social activity for ex-combatants and local residents to stimulate interaction.• Produced written reports detailing information on engineering improvements, construction progress and alterations for engineering projects above. Show less

Liberia

Responsible for implementing and supervising over 40 community development projects on the European Commission Resettlement and Reintegration Programme (ECRRP)• Initiation and capacity building of seven local implementation partnerships (based across five counties of Liberia) in technical skills for field operations and in European Commission administration practices. • Supervision of the rural livelihoods programmes, including to help setup blacksmiths, carpenters, bridge… Show more Responsible for implementing and supervising over 40 community development projects on the European Commission Resettlement and Reintegration Programme (ECRRP)• Initiation and capacity building of seven local implementation partnerships (based across five counties of Liberia) in technical skills for field operations and in European Commission administration practices. • Supervision of the rural livelihoods programmes, including to help setup blacksmiths, carpenters, bridge engineers/ labourers and farmers to enter private enterprise with a clear market base within the Liberian economy• Supervised 18 community based organisations alongside the local NGO’s in sustainable farming techniques to enable a focus upon cassava and rice production.• Supervision and management of technical assistance, contract adherence and control of bills of quantity to the rural bridges programme and infrastructure projects. • Compiled and produced a bridge construction training manual with technical specifications and improved designs to assist and advise local and international NGO’s and the Liberian Government in the best practice of log bridge design and construction.• Financial oversight and management of implementation partner’s funds dispersed through the European Commission.• Managed and oversaw all fleet maintenance, mechanical and logistical requirements for ECRRP over five counties. Show less

Liberia

• Managed and supervised all logistics work in the MERLIN Liberia programmes, with an emphasis on prioritisation and quality control. • Managed a logistics team of over 30 staff. • Responsible for security of MERLIN team of 6 expatriates and over 60 local staff. • Responsible for organisation and implementation of stock control management including local and international procurement. Trained four senior local staff in these procedures. Supervised and co-ordinated vehicles and… Show more • Managed and supervised all logistics work in the MERLIN Liberia programmes, with an emphasis on prioritisation and quality control. • Managed a logistics team of over 30 staff. • Responsible for security of MERLIN team of 6 expatriates and over 60 local staff. • Responsible for organisation and implementation of stock control management including local and international procurement. Trained four senior local staff in these procedures. Supervised and co-ordinated vehicles and technical equipment to ensure appropriate and timely maintenance to preclude interruption of the programme.• Worked in partnership with local communities to rebuild medical clinics. Show less

Macedonia & Kosovo

• Was a member of the HELM technical advisory team to UNHCR for water and sanitation in the Macedonian refugee camps

Turkey

• Gained a practical, specific understanding of post-earthquake disaster engineering and related issues. Undertook reconnaissance of the structural integrity of buildings and disaster management problems in the aftermath of an earthquake (Adana, Turkey 27 June 1998), also undertook research of the psychosocial effects on victims in the aftermath of the earthquake. Acquired working knowledge of the disaster management structure in Turkey. Including the role of the UN within this structure and… Show more • Gained a practical, specific understanding of post-earthquake disaster engineering and related issues. Undertook reconnaissance of the structural integrity of buildings and disaster management problems in the aftermath of an earthquake (Adana, Turkey 27 June 1998), also undertook research of the psychosocial effects on victims in the aftermath of the earthquake. Acquired working knowledge of the disaster management structure in Turkey. Including the role of the UN within this structure and the complex communication liaisons between UN departments and the Turkish Government. Show less

Stansted Airport, Essex, United Kingdom

Experienced and fully qualified mechanical engineer on maintaining, repairing and testing systems and solving complex design problems