Paul Downes

Background

About Paul Downes

Ambitious, solutions-focused leader and agile thinker skilled in analysing issues, identifying a way forward and quickly delivering a successful outcome. As a former Lieutenant Colonel with the Coldstream Guards, I have extensive experience spearheading complex international logistical, capacity building, security and infrastructure development programmes and projects that improved lives and minimised risk whilst advising multinational partners and Government agencies. Some of my key projects include: • Security Advisor with the International Security Advisory Team in Sierra Leone; led training and security activities as part of a major capacity-building programme. • Led operations in Central America, E. Africa and a demanding project on Romania/Ukraine border to move £10M worth of equipment by road, sea and air. • Directed a mobile logistics node that supplied a 500-person unit whilst also monitoring the Hard & Soft FM services contract delivered by external providers. • Led logistical operations for all UK military operations during a 6-month secondment to the Kabul Support Unit, Afghanistan. • Managed a key change project to introduce an electronic boarding system that standardised the process for promotions across the Armed Forces. I specialise in: • Programme & project management • Strategic leadership, strategy design & direction • Capacity building & training • Defence & security • International logistic operations • Crisis management and emergency response • Humanitarian aid support Following the completion of my military service, I am now keen to explore opportunities to apply my skills and expertise as a Programme Director or Consultant with third sector and other forward-thinking organisations. Please get in touch with me to find out how I could add value to your organisation at pauld1cg@yahoo.com