USAID/LIBERIA GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT SUPPORT (USAID–GEMS) PROJECT QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT: JANUARY–MARCH 2013

Wave 2 consists of nine counterpart Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs): Post and Telecommunications (MOPT); Finance (MOF); Education (MOE); Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW); Agriculture (MOA); Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME); Youth and Sports (MYS); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and Forest Development Authority (FDA). To inform this work, the USAID-GEMS project's leadership and advisors incorporated "lessons learned" and knowledge from the project's interactions with the first cohort of GOL institutional counterparts. Initial Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed with the MOPT, MOE, and EPA, and personnel from both the MOPT and MOE attended Visioning and Change Management (VCM) workshops led by USAID-GEMS' advisors. These institutions are now ready for their initial performance assessments by USAID-GEMS. The EPA's VCM workshop will take place in the next quarter. The PPCC and GSA signed comprehensive MOUs with USAID-GEMS for the implementation of technical assistance to close performance gaps and operationalize the agreed upon solutions packages. The USAID-GEMS Human Resources team worked with the CSA to develop, finalize, and launch the "Government of Liberia Standing Orders for the Civil Service," "Civil Service Human Resources Policy & Procedures Manual," and the "Civil Service Performance Management System (PMS): A Guide to Performance Management." After the Cabinet endorsed these documents, they were presented to GOL institutions during a two-day workshop in March. The development of a career path for procurement professionals progressed through support to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). The project provided draft regulations on the requisite qualifications of procurement unit staff, from Logistics Assistant to Procurement Director. Project personnel delivered a full manual and guidelines to support efforts on the GOL's general asset data collection. These documents provided information to targeted MACs in order to assist them in preparation for the data input exercise, which will have to be completed once the GSA implements its desired software solution. The Operational fleet manual and guidelines were introduced to the NIC, CSA, GC, and PPCC, along with an initial training workshop for asset and fleet management personnel, which was also attended by senior management. USAID-GEMS collaborated with LIPA and provided assistance in finalizing LIPA's training program brochure and calendar for the first 2013 Training Cycle Courses. One hundred and fifty (150) course brochures and 600 information flyers were printed and distributed to selected MACs and private sector institutions. Preliminary activities towards LIPA refurbishment were completed, and the development of a career path for procurement professionals progressed through support to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). The USAID-GEMS project's key achievements in the quarter include the signing of MOUs with the MOPT, MOE, and EPA, the development of human resources documents for the CSA, and the introduction of operational fleet manuals and guidelines to the NIC, CSA, GC, and PPCC. The project also provided assistance to LIPA in finalizing its training program brochure and calendar and completed preliminary activities towards LIPA refurbishment. The development of a career path for procurement professionals progressed through support to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). The USAID-GEMS project's collaboration with LIPA and the development of human resources documents for the CSA demonstrate the project's commitment to supporting the capacity development of GOL institutions. The introduction of operational fleet manuals and guidelines to the NIC, CSA, GC, and PPCC highlights the project's focus on improving the management of assets and fleets within these institutions. The project's assistance to LIPA in finalizing its training program brochure and calendar and the completion of preliminary activities towards LIPA refurbishment demonstrate the project's commitment to supporting the development of human resources within GOL institutions.