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

The project's mission is to advance the development of human and institutional capacity within the Government of Liberia (GOL) institutions. The project's management and technical teams, in coordination with USAID/Liberia and GOL partners, seek to build capacity using a results-driven approach that supports sustainable outcomes. The project's third quarter saw continued and collaborative dialogue with GOL counterparts to advance the project's mission. Each USAID-GEMS component team assessed baselines and institutional needs within GOL counterpart institutions to inform the design and implementation of performance improvement interventions. The project's approach is based on the Human and Institutional Capacity Development (HICD) approach, utilizing in-depth assessments and performance improvement methodologies. The project's scope of work was modified in January 2012 to coincide with current and evolving GOL strategies and priorities following the elections that resulted in the inauguration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for a second term. The project builds on the successful empowerment of targeted GOL institutions undertaken from 2005 to 2010 by the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP), but it is entirely different in conception, design, and implementation structure. The project's concept paper, developed in January 2012, proposed the establishment of a collaborative arrangement between USAID-GEMS, USAID/Liberia, and the GOL to introduce modifications to the USAID-GEMS Scope of Work. The project's management and technical teams are working closely with USAID/Liberia and GOL partners to ensure that the project's activities and project operations are aligned with the GOL's prevailing social and economic priorities as articulated in the development of the Poverty Reduction Strategy II, Liberia Rising Vision 2030, and the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF). The project's progress report covers activities and project operations undertaken from January through March 2012 (FY12, Q2) and provides projected action plans for upcoming quarters. The report highlights the project's achievements and challenges, as well as its plans for future activities and project operations. The project's management and technical teams are committed to ensuring that the project's activities and project operations are aligned with the GOL's priorities and that the project's outcomes are sustainable and beneficial to the people of Liberia. The project's implementation is being carried out through five components: Broadened Capacity Building for Ministries and Agencies, Financial Management and Information Technology Training, ICT Policy and Management Support to GOL, Concessions Monitoring & Management, and Assistance to The Central Bank Of Liberia. Each component team is working closely with GOL counterparts to assess baselines and institutional needs, design and implement performance improvement interventions, and build capacity using a results-driven approach. The project's management and technical teams are committed to ensuring that the project's activities and project operations are aligned with the GOL's priorities and that the project's outcomes are sustainable and beneficial to the people of Liberia. The project's progress report provides a comprehensive overview of the project's activities and project operations undertaken from January through March 2012 (FY12, Q2) and provides projected action plans for upcoming quarters.