Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Personal Information
Relevantaccomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Burton Chimango Phiri

Virginia Beach

Summary

A highly experienced legal professional with over 10 years of expertise in international law, governance, and climate finance, specializing in dispute resolution, compliance, and policy development. I am skilled in managing sensitive information, maintaining detailed records, and providing training on legal standards. My career has been focused on supporting climate resilience, human rights, and sustainable development goals, aligning with international frameworks. I am committed to ensuring confidentiality and transparency, providing analytical legal insights, and fostering cooperation through strong interpersonal and communication skills. This background makes me an ideal candidate for the Secretary of the GCF Appeals Committee.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Visiting Scholar

International Monetary Fund
01.2023 - 01.2024
  • Provided technical support for aligning IMF member states with international legal frameworks, ensuring compliance with global standards on taxation, gender equality, and sustainable development
  • Managed comprehensive records across multiple jurisdictions for accurate reporting
  • Took an active role in negotiations and consultations to clarify the drafting of taxation laws, influencing labor market structuring
  • Conducted legal analyses to support policy creation for climate finance
  • Participated in negotiations on taxation law reforms, influencing labor market structuring and promoting equitable employment practices
  • Delivered training sessions on international legal standards, particularly in taxation and human rights, fostering capacity-building for staff and stakeholders
  • Provided technical support to help align the human and institutional capacity of IMF Member states with global legal treaties conventions and frameworks on taxation (including the sustainable development goals)
  • Took an active role in consultations and negotiations to clarify the drafting of taxation laws and policies supporting the equitable structuring of labor markets
  • Led negotiations on taxation law reforms and policy adjustments, influencing labor market structuring and promoting equitable employment laws
  • Played a key role in designing legal frameworks, policies, and guidelines that support sustainable development goals, gender equality, and closing labor market gaps
  • Conducted comparative legal research across 20+ countries, analyzing taxation, human rights, and development frameworks
  • Provided legal advice services on international law and global frameworks, maintaining detailed records for compliance across taxation and development initiatives in over 20 countries
  • Managed legal risks in taxation frameworks, ensuring effective conflict resolution and dispute mitigation through strategic planning

Deputy Board Chairperson: Legal and Programs

Livingstonia Synod Aids Program (LISAP)
01.2013 - 01.2021
  • Spearheaded the implementation of governance policies for climate resilience projects, ensuring strategic alignment with international environmental and human rights law
  • Oversaw the management of project documentation and the financial structuring of climate initiatives
  • Advised on legal risks associated with contracts and climate projects, ensuring confidentiality and mitigating litigation risks through strategic planning and dispute resolution
  • Mentored senior management on environmental law and human rights issues, ensuring leadership in decision-making processes
  • Developed and implemented key corporate policies and strategic goals, focusing on both near-term and long-term challenges, aligning with international climate finance frameworks
  • Sanctioned major policy decisions and actions, ensuring compliance with international legal obligations and providing legal advice
  • Oversaw corporate governance matters, particularly those related to the viability of business models, internal systems, and controls, ensuring the integrity of governance frameworks for projects including climate resilience projects
  • Evaluated, assessed, and mitigated risks associated with contracts, policies, and projects, advising on potential litigation risks, dispute resolution, and ensuring the legal enforceability of project decisions
  • Reviewed annual budgets, operations, and investments, providing strategic legal advice on the financial structuring and capital needs of initiatives
  • Mentored senior management, offering strategic legal advice and support on climate-related legal issues, fostering leadership in decision-making processes, and ensuring alignment with international human rights laws and environmental law frameworks
  • Spearheaded governance policies for climate resilience projects, ensuring strategic alignment with international legal frameworks and maintaining appropriate records for project documentation
  • Provided legal advice on contracts and policies, demonstrating decisiveness in sanctioning policy actions and ensuring compliance with international legal obligations
  • Mentored senior management, fostering strong interpersonal relationships and leadership in decision-making processes involving environmental and human rights laws
  • Led innovative approaches to evaluating legal risks in climate projects, managing conflict resolution through legal strategy and risk mitigation

Law Consultant/Legal Practitioner & Managing Partner

Messrs Handry Law Chambers
01.2013 - 01.2021
  • Led the financial management of projects with budgets ranging from $8K to $500K, ensuring all financial strategies complied with signed contracts
  • Collaborated with international stakeholders and partners to enhance project capacities and ensure compliance with agreed financial and legal commitments
  • Developed and implemented project proposals, ensuring sensitive data was securely handled, and financial performance was consistently monitored
  • Led legal teams in the resolution of disputes related to climate finance projects, focusing on risk assessments and dispute mitigation strategies
  • Delivered training on international anti-corruption frameworks, enhancing adherence to legal and compliance standards within organizations
  • Reviewed and negotiated funding proposals and governance documents, ensuring alignment with best practices and legal frameworks for climate finance and sustainable development
  • Conducted legal due diligence on proposed funding structures, assessing compliance with international laws and best practices
  • Participated in board meetings and high-level discussions, preparing relevant documentation and delivering presentations, facilitating effective communication and decision-making
  • Collaborated with operational teams to develop legal strategies that support climate finance initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements
  • Developed and implemented anti-corruption policies and compliance frameworks, promoting integrity and transparency in financial transactions
  • Conducted training sessions for domestic actors on international legal standards, enhancing awareness and compliance related to anti-corruption funding agreements, and fostering capacity-building initiatives
  • Managed trial preparation and advocacy, including evidence collection and strategic legal planning, involving meticulous legal review of documentation, negotiation of possible settlements, and drafting of agreements
  • Provided mentorship to junior legal staff and interns, enhancing team capacity and ensuring high standards of legal analysis and compliance in project evaluations
  • Reviewed and drafted legal governance tools for corporate boards and management, ensuring alignment with best practices and legal frameworks
  • Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence, advising corporate management on potential impacts and risks
  • Negotiated and drafted amendments to governance policies to mitigate legal and corporate risks
  • Steered corporations and parastatals through legal and policy challenges, ensuring compliance with international law, sustainable development finance standards, and human rights
  • Led legal research on national taxation policy reforms, and contributed to policy dialogue during board meetings, resulting in more inclusive legislation
  • Collaborated with operational teams across different sectors, ensuring governance and policy frameworks met international standards
  • Led legal teams in the resolution of disputes concerning climate finance projects, conducting comprehensive risk assessments and conflict resolution while maintaining confidentiality
  • Delivered training on anti-corruption frameworks and compliance, improving legal and corporate governance in climate finance and development projects
  • Reviewed and negotiated legal documents and governance policies, ensuring compliance with international law and promoting transparency in all transactions
  • Facilitated high-level board meetings, improving organizational communication and decision-making processes through effective verbal communication and leadership

Education Administrator and Curriculum Specialist

Ministry of Education
01.2008 - 01.2012
  • Reviewed and developed curriculum plans, ensuring coherence with national learning goals and objectives
  • Conducted research and development on curriculum content
  • Participated in Ministry of Education meetings, providing presentations, analysis, and recommendations on curriculum relevance
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams in educational institutions to execute plans, fostering teamwork and strategic alignment
  • Developed and implemented measurement and evaluation tools
  • Provided administrative and managerial support
  • Developed innovative curriculum plans and tools, ensuring they met national learning objectives

Advocacy, Policy and Public Relations Manager

Consumers Association of Malawi
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • Developed and implemented project proposals and funding strategies across multiple projects, ensuring they were aligned with best practices
  • Championed advocacy for legal and policy reforms
  • Conducted and oversaw due diligence on budget management for projects ranging from $8K to $500K, ensuring financial strategies were compliant with contracts signed
  • Negotiated project contracts, drafted proposals for amendments, and oriented project teams on compliance
  • Negotiated funding agreements and secured international donor commitments, demonstrating strong negotiation skills in managing legal agreements
  • Supervised staff and consultants on financial performance and operational strategies, and prepared relevant documentation for Board meetings
  • Collaborated with international partners and stakeholders, enhancing project capacity and policy advocacy
  • Provided strategic oversight on budgeting and financial performance, mirroring responsibilities in ensuring that operations are coherent with agreed financial commitments

Education

LL.M. - International Legal Studies

American University
Washington, DC
01.2022

LL.B (HONS) -

University of Malawi
01.2013

B.A. - Education (History& English)

Mzuzu University
01.2004

Skills

1 Legal Advisory & Procedural Matters 2 Record-Keeping & Case Management 3 Drafting & Communications 4 Conflict Resolution & Analytical Skills 5 Confidentiality & Integrity 6 Interpersonal & Communication Skills 7 Training & Capacity Building 8 Administrative & Organizational Skills

With my extensive experience in legal advisory, including international law, administrative law, and labor law, I can confidently provide the necessary legal advice on both procedural matters and the applicable laws for appeals I have a strong track record of maintaining detailed records across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring that filings and submissions are complete and comply with all procedural requirements

I have consistently demonstrated expertise in maintaining appropriate records and managing legal disputes, which is essential for keeping track of the progress of each appeal My ability to ensure that all correspondence and documentation is accurate and up-to-date will be invaluable in this role

My skills in verbal communication and document review equip me to handle the responsibilities of drafting and issuing notifications to all parties involved in an appeal I have successfully prepared and transmitted high-level legal documentation in previous roles, and I am confident in my ability to manage this process efficiently within prescribed timelines

I have a proven ability to manage conflict resolution, which aligns perfectly with the need to address issues in appeals and draft decisions for the Chairperson My strong analytical skills will allow me to assess the merit of cases thoroughly and provide sound legal advice on both procedural and substantive matters

Throughout my career, I have handled confidential information with the highest level of professionalism My ability to manage sensitive data with confidentiality and integrity aligns well with the expectations of this role, ensuring that I maintain the trust of the Chairperson and the Appeals Committee

I have always been able to foster strong relationships through my interpersonal skills and approachability, both of which are crucial in engaging with the Chairperson, committee members, and external parties involved in the appeals process My ability to communicate effectively will ensure that all parties are well-informed and involved in the process

I have a solid background in delivering training on legal standards, making me well-equipped to provide training to new members of the Appeals Committee My commitment to capacity-building has allowed me to help organizations strengthen their legal frameworks and operational processes, which will support the ongoing effectiveness of the Appeals Committee

I have coordinated legal strategies and governance frameworks across multiple projects, and I’m confident this experience will serve me well in handling the administrative duties required for this role Whether preparing agendas, managing correspondence, or coordinating the necessary arrangements for committee meetings, I bring strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Summary of Aligned Skills:

  • Legal Advisory (International Law, Administrative Law, Labor Law)
  • Record-Keeping & Case Management
  • Drafting & Communications
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Confidentiality & Integrity
  • Interpersonal Skills & Approachability
  • Training & Capacity Building
  • Administrative Coordination & Organizational Skills

Personal Information

Title: Secretary of the GCF Appeals Committee

Relevantaccomplishments

Provided technical support for aligning IMF member states with international legal frameworks, ensuring compliance with global standards on taxation, gender equality, and sustainable development. Managed comprehensive records across multiple jurisdictions for accurate reporting., Took an active role in negotiations and consultations to clarify the drafting of taxation laws, influencing labor market structuring. Conducted legal analyses to support policy creation for climate finance., Delivered training sessions on international legal standards, particularly in taxation and human rights, fostering capacity-building for staff and stakeholders., Played a key role in designing legal frameworks, policies, and guidelines that support sustainable development goals, gender equality, and closing labor market gaps., Conducted comparative legal research across 20+ countries, analyzing taxation, human rights, and development frameworks.

Timeline

Visiting Scholar

International Monetary Fund
01.2023 - 01.2024

Deputy Board Chairperson: Legal and Programs

Livingstonia Synod Aids Program (LISAP)
01.2013 - 01.2021

Law Consultant/Legal Practitioner & Managing Partner

Messrs Handry Law Chambers
01.2013 - 01.2021

Education Administrator and Curriculum Specialist

Ministry of Education
01.2008 - 01.2012

Advocacy, Policy and Public Relations Manager

Consumers Association of Malawi
01.2006 - 01.2008

LL.M. - International Legal Studies

American University

LL.B (HONS) -

University of Malawi

B.A. - Education (History& English)

Mzuzu University
Burton Chimango Phiri