Congratulations to Bill Kilby, (63-74) on his being awarded an OBE in the recent New Year’s Honours list for his exceptional contribution to international development.
Over his thirty-three year career in DFID (Department for International Development), Bill has worked on the management of programmes in Fiji, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, DRC, Pakistan and Afghanistan, where he was the DFID’s Deputy Head of Office. He is currently Head of the Asia Regional Team, working on cross boarder issues. Bill has an impressive delivery track-record in fragile states and difficult environments. He has consistently gone beyond the remit of his day job to ensure the UK makes the most effective contribution it can to reducing poverty, improving life chances for the most vulnerable, and protecting UK national interests.
In Afghanistan, Bill displayed excellent leadership to help his colleagues through a constant array of challenges and stressful situations, including dealing with the aftermath and consequences of the bomb attack in May 2017 that caused widespread damage to the Embassy and left many staff and colleagues traumatised.
Bill’s selfless and sensitive approach, authority and personal stamina, earned plaudits from across the Embassy in the most challenging and testing circumstances.
On receiving the award, Bill said: “It was a total surprise and I’m absolutely delighted. Travelling has always been a big thing for me, and to be able to couple my passion for that with helping the world’s poorest, has led to a very interesting and fulfilling career. It’s jolly good news!”