Kieran Holmes
Tax And Development Professional
Kampala
Summary
I am a seasoned tax reform and development expert who specializes in improving the entire tax environment to maximize revenue gains, increase transparency and enhance the investment climate to facilitate countries' self-sufficiency. I have over 45 years’ experience in tax administration, tax policy development, revenue enhancement (both tax and non-tax revenues), tax simplification, trade promotion and regional integration. In addition, I have 10 years' experience as the CEO of tax administrations. I served as the first Commissioner General of the Burundi Revenue Authority from June 2010 to June 2014. I also have 20 years' experience as Chief of Party or Team Leader in Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Lesotho. I initiated and completed major tax reforms in Africa, the Pacific and the Middle East and advised on tax incentives for investment promotion. I led 6 double taxation agreement negotiations between developing and developed countries. Member of the I.M.F. (Fiscal Affairs Department) Panel of Experts. Member of the World Bank Tax Thematic Group. Consulted for USAID, I.M.F., World Bank, E.U., UNDP, and DFID (now FCDO).
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Party, USAID DRM4D
Nathan Associates (Cadmus)
1 2020 - Current
- I currently lead USAID’s Domestic Revenue Mobilization for Development (DRM4D) project that is designed to improve the tax environment in Uganda
- I provide all technical leadership and vision for the project with the primary focus on achieving DRM4D results in tax policy, tax administration and enhancing the public-private dialogue around tax issues.
Remote working and freelance writing
Self employed
08.2017 - 12.2019
- During this period, I was based in the UK, providing remote tax administration advice and assistance to overseas entities as well as engaging in some freelance writing.
Consultant
Overseas Development Institute
02.2017 - 06.2017
- I was contracted to assist the authorities of South Sudan with the establishment of the new National Revenue Authority.
Chief of Party, DFID TAUT Programme
DFID, now FCDO
05.2015 - 02.2017
- The Tax, Audit and Transparency (TAUT) Programme was a DFID funded bilateral technical assistance to the Government of Ethiopia (GoE)
- The Programme intended to improve the GoE’s tax system, audit and oversight functions and anti-corruption practices.
Consultant
DAI, USA
04.2015 - 05.2015
- I was contracted on a USAID-financed project to conduct a holistic review of the Income and Sales Tax Department (ISTD) of Jordan.
Consultant
Overseas Development Institute
10.2014 - 03.2015
- I was contracted by the Budget Support Initiative of the Overseas Development Institute to assist the authorities in South Sudan with their strategy for establishing a revenue authority.
Commissioner General, Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR)
TradeMark East Africa
06.2010 - 06.2014
- I was the first Chief Executive Officer of the new revenue authority in Burundi and was responsible for its establishment, its day-to-day management, including planning, coordinating and implementing procedural and operational changes and for developing and maintaining strategic partnerships and relationships with the government, the OBR Board, the private sector and regional and international tax bodies.
Project Manager, Rwanda Revenue Authority
DFID (now FCDO, UK and TradeMark East Africa)
11.2002 - 06.2010
- I advised the Commissioner General of the RRA on all tax policy and tax administration matters and led the RRA’s Reform and Modernisation Unit
- In addition, I led the creation of the new revenue authority in Burundi, including the recruitment of appropriate technical assistance and the new Senior Management Team, and the adoption of appropriate structures and policies.
Earlier Career
Sundry employers
10.1977 - 11.2002
- Various positions held in different locations.
Education
BA Mod (Econ) Honours -
Trinity College
Dublin 2, Ireland 10.1973 - 6 1977
Commissioned Tax Inspector - undefined
Revenue Commissioners
Dublin, Ireland 10.1977 - 1 1983
Certificate in Change Management - undefined
Pepperdine University School of Business, Los Angeles, and the International Register of Organisation Development Professionals
02.1997 - 12 1997
English Writing - undefined
London School of Journalism
Skills
Place Of Birth
Kingston, Surrey, UK
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 02/23/1953
- Nationality: British Irish
- Driving License: United Kingdom
References
References available upon request.
Deep sea fishing
When time permits I enjoy hiring a fishing boat to go fishing for tuna, sailfish, marlin, shark and other pelagic species.
Timeline
Remote working and freelance writing
Self employed
08.2017 - 12.2019
Consultant
Overseas Development Institute
02.2017 - 06.2017
Chief of Party, DFID TAUT Programme
DFID, now FCDO
05.2015 - 02.2017
Consultant
DAI, USA
04.2015 - 05.2015
Consultant
Overseas Development Institute
10.2014 - 03.2015
Commissioner General, Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR)
TradeMark East Africa
06.2010 - 06.2014
Project Manager, Rwanda Revenue Authority
DFID (now FCDO, UK and TradeMark East Africa)
11.2002 - 06.2010
Certificate in Change Management - undefined
Pepperdine University School of Business, Los Angeles, and the International Register of Organisation Development Professionals
02.1997 - 12 1997
Earlier Career
Sundry employers
10.1977 - 11.2002
Commissioned Tax Inspector - undefined
Revenue Commissioners
10.1977 - 1 1983
BA Mod (Econ) Honours -
Trinity College
10.1973 - 6 1977
Chief of Party, USAID DRM4D
Nathan Associates (Cadmus)
1 2020 - Current
English Writing - undefined
London School of Journalism
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