Daniel Gbondo
Freetown
Summary
Results-oriented and dependable legal and development professional with extensive experience in wide variety of legal disciplines and development fields and have keen attention to detail and proactive mindset. Working knowledge of mineral sector policies, laws and regulations in Sierra Leone, the Mano River Union Countries (Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Africa. Seeks opportunities to improve processes and workflows for team benefit. Conscientious, hardworking and excels at multitasking in fast-paced environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Lawyer
Fornah-Sesay, Cummings & Co.
Freetown
12.2018 - Current
- Negotiated settlements of civil disputes between parties.
- Collaborated with colleagues on various aspects of case preparation.
- Maintained accurate records related to each case handled.
- Counseled clients on various matters related to their legal rights and obligations.
- Filed appeals with appellate courts when necessary to protect a client's interests.
- Advised clients regarding business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- Developed strategies to resolve complicated legal issues for clients.
- Researched new developments in the field of law in order to maintain professional knowledge base.
- Reviewed and drafted legal documents, such as contracts and wills.
- Regularly updated clients on progress made towards resolution of their cases.
- Conducted research on relevant laws, regulations and court decisions.
- Analyzed complex legal issues and provided advice to clients.
- Interpreted statutes, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Provided guidance on compliance with applicable laws to ensure that businesses are operating within the bounds of the law.
- Drafted pleadings for use in court proceedings.
- Investigated facts to determine causes of action and prepared statements of claim or defense accordingly.
- Explained technical aspects of legal matters in an understandable manner to non-lawyers.
- Reviewed legal materials for compliance to correct issues.
- Conducted legal research and analysis to draft legal opinions, studies and reports.
- Maintained current knowledge of laws to provide clarification on legal concerns.
- Interpreted legal instruments, agreements, memoranda of understanding and internal policies for governing bodies.
- Negotiated with opposing parties to remedy disputes.
- Advised clients regarding legal matters, business transactions and claim liability.
- Conducted in-depth research in order to write effective proposals, agreements, and contracts.
- Spearheaded negotiations to settle cases before trials.
- Negotiated and drafted settlement agreements to resolve litigated cases.
- Drafted wills, powers of attorney, trusts and estate planning documents.
Consultant
German Internation Cooperation
Freetown
11.2023 - 07.2024
- Facilitated workshops on the establishment of a Grievance Redress Mechanism Digital Platform for the Minerals Sector in Sierra Leone.
- Prepared an implementation strategy for the establishment of a Grievance Redress Mechanism Digital Platform for the Minerals Sector in Sierra Leone.
- Provided legal and regulatory advice on the review of the Local Content Agency Act 2016.
Consultant
World Bank
Freetown
01.2018 - 12.2023
- Drafted the Sierra Leone Minerals Policy and the Artisanal Mining Policy of Sierra Leone.
- Formulated drafting instructions for the review of the Mines and Minerals Act 2009.
- Prepared and submitted draft Mines and Minerals Development Act 2022 to the Law Officers Department on behalf of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Resources.
- Participated in legislative discussions on the draft Mines and Minerals Development Act 2022 at the Parliamentary Legislative Committee.
- Formulated the draft Mines and Minerals Development Regulations 2023 and submitted it to the Law Officers Department on behalf of the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources.
- Developed a strategy for the establishment of a Policy, Development and Research Directorate (PRDD) at the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, reviewed proposed job descriptions for the Directorate in consultation with Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), and the Public Sector Commission; made recommendations for appropriate positions in the Policy Directorate; and facilitated administrative actions for the establishment of the directorate.
- Served as the National Expert for the Sierra Leone Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. This role involved contributing to formulation of mineral sector Policies, Acts and Regulations for ECOWAS and the African Mining Vision.
Consultant
African Development Bank SIerra Leone Office
Freetown
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Led a team of Government officials at the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources to establish administrative and technical structures for the utilization of the Natural Resource Charter as a benchmarking tool for mineral sector policy reform in Sierra Leone.
- Conducted baseline assessment of mineral sector governance and management in Sierra Leone.
- Provided technical support to researchers and members of the Mineral Sector Expert Panel in the preparation of the Sierra Leone Minerals Sector Benchmarking Assessment Report.
Consultant
Columbia University
New York
01.2013 - 04.2013
- Conducted Stakeholder mapping of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) population, including demographic analysis evaluating distribution of indigenous and migratory ASM and mapping of ASM sites to distinguish permanent, seasonal, and gold rush operations in Siguiri, Republic of Guinea and Geita, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Prepared political and economic analysis of ASM, including supply-chain analysis to map local, regional, national, and international interests in the ASM sector in the Republic of Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania.
- Researched and produced a report on alternative livelihood opportunities in ASM communities in the Republic of Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania.
- Conducted a research and produced a report on the ASM formalization and optimization of benefits from ASM sector including identifying environmental and human security risks and mitigation efforts in the Republic of Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania.
- Produced an ASM stakeholder engagement strategy in the Republic of Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Resource Governance Advisor
German International Cooperation (GIZ)
Freetown
08.2011 - 04.2013
- Facilitated policy, legal, regulatory and institutional reform processes in the mineral sector in Sierra Leone.
- Conducted training workshops with local councils on preparation of Local Development Plans to promote local economic economic development in their localities.
- Supported civil society strengthening and engagement on mineral sector reforms in Sierra Leone.
- Provided technical support to the Sierra Leone Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources to strengthen transparency and accountability practices in the minerals sector through the Sierra Leone EITI processes.
- Supported capacity strengthening programs of state institutions and civil society organizations for improved mineral sector governance and management.
Consultant
USAID/Tetra Tech ARD’s Property Rights and Artisanal Diamond Development (PRADD)
Monrovia
10.2011 - 11.2011
- Assessed conditions for the implementation of a Land Reclamation and Alternative Livelihoods project in Gola Konneh District, Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia. Scope of work included meetings and interviews with leaders of artisanal diamond mining communities, use of video footages to show the benefits of land reclamation and alternative livelihoods activities in Sierra Leone. Conduct consultative workshop on the implementation of land reclamation and alternative livelihoods activities and produced a detailed action plan for land reclamation and alternative livelihoods project in Cape Mount County.
Country Representative
Foundation for Environmental Security and Sustainability
Freetown
10.2006 - 03.2010
- Managed FESS’ Improving Environmental Management and Mitigating Land-Use Conflicts in Alluvial Diamond Fields in Sierra Leone project.
- Established and managed FESS regional field office in Freetown. This work involved handling logistical and technical management requirements, including budget for local operations, transportation, personnel management, security systems, and travel arrangements for FESS US based project staff.
- Served as a key liaison in Sierra Leone for FESS Headquarters in the United States by building and maintaining relationships in the government, civil society organizations, the international community, mining sector organizations, and local communities.
- Work in coordination with the US-based assessment team to help facilitate and coordinate all aspects of the environmental security assessment in Sierra Leone.
- Prepared and submitted monthly financial reports and project activity reports, including monitoring and evaluation data, and country situation updates.
Education
Barrister At Law (BL) - Law
Sierra Leone Law School
Freetown, Sierra Leone12-2018
LL.B (Hons) - Law
University of London
Freetown, Sierra Leone08-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Sierra Leone (Fourah Bay College)
Freetown, Sierra Leone12-2001
Master of Science - Research and Public Policy
University of Sierra Leone
Freetown, Sierra LeoneSkills
- Reporting capabilities
- Excellent Communication
- Project Development
- Technical review
- Project Management
- Research and Development
- Analytical Skills
Affiliations
- Football enthusiast
Languages
English
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Accomplishments
- Recognized for work in environmental sustainability and alternative livelihoods support to Artisanal Small-scale mining communities in Sierra Leone.
Timeline
Consultant
German Internation Cooperation
11.2023 - 07.2024
Lawyer
Fornah-Sesay, Cummings & Co.
12.2018 - Current
Consultant
World Bank
01.2018 - 12.2023
Consultant
African Development Bank SIerra Leone Office
01.2014 - 12.2016
Consultant
Columbia University
01.2013 - 04.2013
Consultant
USAID/Tetra Tech ARD’s Property Rights and Artisanal Diamond Development (PRADD)
10.2011 - 11.2011
Resource Governance Advisor
German International Cooperation (GIZ)
08.2011 - 04.2013
Country Representative
Foundation for Environmental Security and Sustainability
10.2006 - 03.2010
Barrister At Law (BL) - Law
Sierra Leone Law School
LL.B (Hons) - Law
University of London
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Sierra Leone (Fourah Bay College)
Master of Science - Research and Public Policy
University of Sierra Leone
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