USAID/LIBERIA GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT SUPPORT PROJECT (USAID–GEMS) QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT

The project was officially launched on April 5, 2012, and is being implemented by IBI International, which was awarded the contract on June 29, 2011. The project's primary objective is to build capacity using a results-driven approach that supports sustainable outcomes in alignment with President Johnson-Sirleaf's message to the Liberian legislature in 2010. The project focuses on improving public financial management, institutional capacity, and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the public sector. The project's management and technical teams are working in full coordination with USAID/Liberia and its Government of Liberia (GOL) partners to achieve the project's objectives. The project's activities are centered around five key objectives: improving GOL management systems, enhancing the institutional capacity of the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA), increasing the effective use of ICT in GOL institutions, improving the management of natural resource concessions, and utilizing a national payment system. The project has made significant progress in the first quarter of its implementation, with several key achievements reported. These include the completion of a training needs assessment for LIPA staff, the development of a human resources management plan, and the establishment of a shared services center to provide support to GOL institutions. The project has also faced several challenges and issues, including financial management capacity building, human resources management, concessions management, and ICT implementation constraints. The project's management and technical teams are working to address these challenges and ensure the successful implementation of the project. The project's quarterly progress report for April-June 2012 provides a detailed overview of the project's activities, achievements, and challenges. The report highlights the project's progress in building capacity in the public sector, improving public financial management, and increasing the effective use of ICT in GOL institutions. The project's management and technical teams are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the project and achieving its objectives. The project's progress will be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its intended goals and outcomes. The project's activities are centered around several key areas, including financial management, human resources management, concessions management, ICT implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. The project's management and technical teams are working closely with GOL institutions and partners to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The project's activities are focused on improving the management of natural resource concessions, which is a critical area of focus for the Government of Liberia. The project is working to improve the management of concessions through the development of a concessions management plan, the establishment of a concessions management unit, and the provision of training and technical assistance to GOL institutions. The project's quarterly progress report highlights the project's progress in improving the management of natural resource concessions, including the completion of a concessions management plan and the establishment of a concessions management unit. The report also highlights the project's challenges and issues in this area, including the need for further technical assistance and capacity building.