The President’s Young Professionals Program:
Building the Next Generation of
Civil Service Leaders in Liberia
Five Years of Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia
A
WHAT IS THE PYPP?
The President’s Young Professionals Program (PYPP) of Liberia is a prestigious and competitive
two-year program that recruits and places recent Liberian university graduates in important
government roles and provides them with training and mentorship as they support the
government’s top priorities. The PYPP was launched by H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2009
and has become one of Africa’s most competitive programs for leadership in public service.
“
The PYPP has proven to be an innovative program to build leadership, respond
to capacity gaps, and employ promising Liberian graduates. It remains an
essential component of our strategy to strengthen public sector capacity.”
1
The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
-H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
WHO ARE THE PYPS?
Each year, the PYPP recruits a class of Liberia’s best and brightest university graduates. After being
selected through a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based process, these young people are placed
into government ministries, agencies, and corporations as President’s Young Professionals (PYPs).
As PYPs, these young people bring their talents to bear on critical challenges within Liberia’s
government through two-year placements in government positions, and afterwards when nearly
all of them continue to serve the government.
In its first 5 years, the PYPP has recruited, selected, trained, and placed 77 PYPs in government
agencies, ministries, and corporations.
“
Capacity is found right here in Liberia. The PYPP sees young
people not as a problem to solve, but as solutions to the
many problems facing Liberia.”
-PYPP Executive Director and
Class I President’s Young Professional Hh K. Zaizay
WHO ARE THE PYPS?
▪
All PYPs are high-achieving recent college graduates with a demonstrated interest in service
to their communities, strong communication skills, professional drive, and the ability to be a
strong team player.
▪
▪
In total, 44% of PYPs are women and 56% are men.
The 77 PYPs originate from 13 of Liberia’s 15 counties.
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia
2
PYPS’ ACADEMIC BACKGROUNDS
PYPS’ GENDER BREAKDOWN
PYPS' COUNTIES OF ORIGIN
3
The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
WHAT HAVE THE PYPS ACHIEVED?
The PYPs go on to serve Liberia in diverse ways after their two-year fellowships end—in fact,
95% of the PYPs the program has recruited, selected, trained, and placed in its first five years
(Classes I, II, III, IV, and V) continue to strengthen the capacity of 15 ministries and 10 agencies in
the Government of Liberia today. As the PYPP’s Executive Director Hh Zaizay says, “Once a PYPP,
always a PYPP.”
Through their continued service to Liberia, PYPs have risen to critical senior-level roles such as
Director for Passports and Visas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Assistant Minister for Youth
Development in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as those outlined in the figure below.
Additionally, 18 PYPs have received scholarships from the Government of Liberia to receive their
master’s degrees or PhDs, after which they will return to the civil service. These PYPs have studied
abroad in China, Israel, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, India, and Tanzania.
Nyanda Finda Yekee- Davis
Boakai Jalieba
Hh Zaizay
Started as: Technical Analyst
Started as: Program
Started as: Technical Support
to the Minister of Finance and
Development Planning
Coordinator–HAPE Ministry of
Youth & Sports
Now: Director for Passport
Now: Assistant Minister,
and VISA, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
Minister of Youth and Sports
Staff to the Minister and
later as National Program
Coordinator, Gender and HIV,
Ministry of Gender, Children,
and Social Protection
Now: Executive Director,
President’s Young Professionals
Program of Liberia
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia
4
PYPs have taken on many roles in Liberia’s government, including...
“
I recently won a full scholarship to study for a
Master’s degree in China. I am going to be studying
Enterprise Development and Management. I hope
I can come back after the duration of my study
and contribute to the Government’s Private Sector
Development program run by the national Investment
Commission.”
-Christollie Collins, Class IV
5
The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
WHY DOES THE PYPP MATTER FOR LIBERIA?
When the PYPP first started in 2009, Liberians doubted that a civil service program for young
professionals could make a difference in Liberia. Young people were viewed as a problem that
Liberia needed to solve, and government was seen as a broken institution.
Following 14 years of civil war that ended in 2003, Liberian government capacity was heavily
damaged and allegedly dominated by corruption, making a career in civil service unappealing. The
civil wars also severely disrupted the country’s educational system, making it near impossible to
find talented young professionals to step up even if they had wanted to.
Under President Sirleaf’s administration since then, Liberia has set itself on a strong growth
trajectory, becoming one of the world’s fastest growing countries and showing dramatic public
health improvements under a strong government system.
The PYPP is a critical piece of the story of Liberia’s progress. It has proven that young people are
not a problem, but rather a solution to the many problems facing Liberia. In addition to increasing
the prestige of civil service careers, the PYPP has demonstrated that a strong civil service is key to
Liberia’s future as a country of development and prosperity.
As PYPs strengthen the capacity of 15 ministries and 10 agencies in the Government of Liberia
today, they are accelerating a government-level shift towards the values of strong leadership,
transparency, and meritocracy – all of which will strengthen the country’s public sector capacity for
decades to come.
The program has become even more critical to Liberia’s government capacity in light of the Ebola
crisis that began in 2014. Several PYPs were redeployed to support Ebola response efforts and
play the invaluable role of coordination among ministries – a role that other affected countries
have lacked. As Liberia recovers post-Ebola, this group of young professionals has proven to be a
critical network that could readily activate itself in the country’s rebuilding.
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia
6
WHAT DOES IT COST TO FUND THE PYPP?
Every year, the global community spends more than $130 billion in official development assistance
(ODA). Liberia received $534 million in ODA in 2013. Meanwhile, it costs a total of just $425,000 to
fund a complete class of 20 PYPs through their two-year fellowships, including the management
of the program. The programmatic cost of supporting one PYP through one year of his or her
fellowship is $8,000.
“
As a young person, I have always had the passion
to make changes in the Liberian society. I thought
this program would be the right channel. Thank
goodness, it is working!”
-Velegar Kemah, Class II
Class IV PYP Sarah Johnson supported Ebola prevention efforts through supplying handwashing tanks in Monrovia’s
densely populated West Point community.
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The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
THE PYPP AND LIBERIA OVER THE YEARS
1945
Liberia is founding
member of United
Nations
2007
Governance
featured as key
pillar in Liberia’s
Poverty Reduction
Strategy
1989-1996
First Liberian Civil
War
2006-7
Efforts begin to
rebuild civil service
including Senior
Executive Service,
the Tokten Program,
and the Scott
Fellows Program
2005
Liberians
democratically elect
President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf
2010
2009
President Sirleaf
launches the PYPP
1997-2003
Second Liberian Civil
War
Liberia wins
UN’s “MDG
Three Award” for
progress promoting
gender equality,
empowering women
2011
Class I of PYPs
graduates, 10 PYPs
absorbed into
government
2012
2014
Two PYPs selected
as YALI Fellows
2015
PYPP celebrates
5th anniversary
(postponed due to
Ebola)
2014
Ebola crisis hits
Liberia
Liberian
government sets
vision for Liberia to
become inclusive
middle-income
country by 2030
2015
WHO declares
Liberia Ebola-free
2015
Class VI of PYPs will
begin
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia
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THE PYPP MODEL
The PYPP prides itself on a transparent, merit-based, rigorous selection process that gives each
young Liberian an equal opportunity to become a PYP.
PYPs are selected through a well-defined, meritocratic process. Country-wide recruitment at
universities and through radio, newspapers and social media encourages all qualified candidates
to apply, without regard to gender, background, or politics. PYPP runs an objective recruitment
process in which names are removed from applications and candidates are taken through several
selection phases, each with a different and independent selection committee comprised of
professionals from the public sector, the private sector and academia.
“
The PYPP is a gateway to the career development
of every young person who is aspiring to excel in
life through the provision of requisite skills, training
opportunity, and mentoring. Every young person
should take advantage of becoming a part of the PYPP.
The process is free, fair and transparent. I am a witness.”
-Precious Welekermah Tokpah-Flomo, Class V
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The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
After they are selected, PYPs take part in the program’s core components during
their two-year postings:
Continuous Responsive Training: Through a two-week orientation program and ongoing monthly
workshops, PYPs are trained on a range of professional skills including computer skills, financial
literacy, communication skills, and meeting facilitation. The workshops also provide a space for
PYPs to problem-solve with each other.
Mentorship: Each PYP is paired with a mentor (seasoned professional) who provides on-the-job
support and coaching. These mentors are typically top-performing senior-level ministry staff who
embrace the PYPP’s values and are eager to share professional development and career advice
with PYPs.
Performance Management: PYPs are placed in critical roles across various ministries that
expose them to significant responsibility and interactions with senior officials in order to build
their confidence and strengthen their leadership skills. The PYPP maintains a performance
management system to account for PYPs’ performance in the workplace.
Immersion Excursions: PYPs gain a better understanding of local governance and build camaraderie
as a cohort through bi-annual excursions to rural communities, during which they interact with
community, youth leaders, and civil servants in local and regional governments.
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 10
THE PYPP SUPPORT NETWORK: MENTORS AND TRAINERS
The PYPP gives young Liberians the opportunity to experience a professional environment addressing
real-world issues. They are exposed to problems that force them to think and find solutions. They use
technology otherwise not available to them. They must analyze, integrate, compare, and evaluate a wide
variety of data in order to achieve the objectives of the project. In short, these practical experiences will
help give them – and Liberia as a whole – the skills they will need if they are to be competitive in the world
economy in the 21st century.
–R. Jerome Anderson, JD/PhD, PYPP mentor
This program is contributing immensely to manpower development through support to various sectors
in government…At the Ministry of Agriculture where I work, given their performance on the job, two PYPs
have been given the opportunity to pursue higher studies (Masters and PhD-level) to enable them to
contribute to the growth and development of the country.
–Teakon J. Williams, PYPP trainer
The PYPP is building a tech savvy crop of talented and committed professional civil servants for the
Government of Liberia…Whenever I gave an assignment that needed some analytical inputs to the PYP I
was mentoring, he would deliver a high quality output on time and he did not require much supervision.
–Dr. Marios Obwona, PYPP mentor
SIAFA HAGE, PYP MENTOR AND FORMER SCOTT FELLOW
I am proud to be associated with the PYPP. As a mentor to two Young
Professionals in classes I and III, I have been able to witness the maturation
of the program and the graduates. Graduates have gone on to become
government directors, presidential appointees, and even to lead the program.
Program graduates have stayed engaged with the PYPP and routinely given
back to the program. PYPs have developed bonds that transcend the program.
Cohort members routinely hold impromptu reunions and reach out to one
another for personal and professional support. They also continue to rely on
their mentors long after their official mentor/mentee relationship ceases.
I have cherished my time mentoring my PYPs and continue to support them
whenever I am called upon. But, the time is quickly approaching when the tables will turn and mentors will be
seeking support from PYPP graduates. For me, this has already happened. Recently, I needed help navigating
through the bureaucracy of a particular ministry. My first instinct was to call a PYP graduate working in the
ministry involved. She was able to guide me through the bureaucratic process and help me achieve my goal. As
I watched her interact with her colleagues, I was impressed by the level of authority and respect she garnered
within the ministry. No doubt, the values, skills and mentorship that she received during the program give her
the requisite skills needed to be a leader within her organization.
11 The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
MEET SOME OF THE PYPS
Over the program’s first five years, 77 PYPs have served in 15 ministries and 10 agencies in
Liberia’s government, holding a range of positions and always applying their talents to
Liberia’s challenges.
LUCIA D. GIBSON, CLASS I
Acting Human Resource Director, Ministry of Information,
Cultural Affairs & Tourism
What professional moment are you most proud of since beginning your
time as a PYP?
When I was selected by the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA)
as the leading participant among eight participants from Liberia and
Sierra Leone after the Experience Sharing Workshops JICA organized. The workshop was about
sharing success stories of participants who readily made positive impact in their various ministries
upon their return from the a set of workshops in Ghana sponsored by JICA for middle-level civil
servants from Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think being a PYP will help you
get there?
In five years’ time, I see myself as a contributor to the National Development Agenda of Liberia
and a change agent to positively impact my generation.
The process has already begun, because of the conduct of several training workshops with young
people, I am being considered as a role model. Some young people have called to thank me for
the impact of the workshops in their lives and workplaces. Sometimes I am reminded of them
when we meet in public places. The most recent incident occurred at the Ministry of Education
when the receptionist selected me as one of the facilitators of the PYPP Job-Shop Workshop
held for the graduating class of the Stella Maris Polytechnic and then asked for my number. I am
currently seeking scholarship or sponsorship through the Ministry of Education for further studies
to prepare for the change I hope to see.
What is the single most important way the PYPP has shaped your life?
I am being shaped professionally. I began as an Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Minister for
Administration, rose to the position of Special Assistant, and now I am serving as Acting Human
Resource Director. I have attended both local and international training workshops, notably the
Ethical Leadership for Quality Productivity Improvement and the Training of Trainers session
sponsored by JICA in Ghana. With the skills and knowledge acquired from these training programs,
I now facilitate training workshops. I facilitated workshops for one of the cadets’ programs
organized by Youth and Sports in collaboration with Mercy Corps and some of the Responsive
Training workshops for PYPP Classes IV and V.
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 12
VELEGAR KEMAH, CLASS II
Chief Accountant, Ministry of Internal Affairs
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think being a
PYP will help you get there?
I see myself as a high-level financial civil servant in the next five years. The
PYPP played a major role in getting me to my current position and will still
play a major role in helping me get there by continuing to expose me to
opportunities that provide me with critical skills.
What is the single most important way the PYPP has shaped your life?
The Ministry of Internal Affairs experience given to me through the PYPP has helped me become a
strong and professional person. It has made me capable of solving problems-both work and interpersonal related problems. With such skills, I can stand out in any environment.
KETURAH M. SANDIKIE, CLASS III
Special Assistant, Ministry of Transport
What professional moment are you most proud of since beginning your
time as a PYP?
After graduation in 2011, I was searching for a job and in the process of
writing applications when I first heard about the PYPP through a radio
announcement that was recruiting the third class.
I was not only eager because of a job prospect but also because this announcement offered
something different from other job announcements. Unlike other job offers, which always
required work experience of about three years, the PYPP was going to train you for the job. I was
also excited because the PYPP provided just what I needed upon graduation: an opportunity to
serve my country through the public sector at a professional level. The application process was
competitive, but I took up the challenge, submitted my application, and was accepted.
Another professional moment was when my mentor was appointed as the Minister of Transport and she
asked me to work with her as her Special Assistant because she appreciated my work with her as a PYP.
13 The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
CHRISTOLLIE COLLINS, CLASS IV
Concession Analyst, National Investment Commission
What professional moment are you most proud of since beginning your
time as a PYP?
In September of 2014 during the heat of the Ebola crisis, I was called by
Hon. Dorbor Jallah to work as the administrator on the logistics team in the
National Ebola Response. He said that I had been highly recommended by
some professional colleagues and he wanted to give me the opportunity to
serve my country. Of all the highly qualified professionals in the country at that time I was given the
opportunity to give back to my country and that made me feel really proud.
What is the single most important way the PYPP has shaped your life?
One thing I learned from Mr. Saah N’Tow while he was the PYPP program director was that
“obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes of the goal.” This single statement,
coupled with the skills training provided by the program, has helped shape the way I think and
respond to situations. I never focus on the problems but rather look at the end results I aim for
and try to shape my actions in a way that helps me achieve those results. I always look for the
opportunities in every situation and don’t ever settle for mediocre.
ARTHUR REX FOMGBEH, JR., CLASS IV
Project Analyst, National Housing Authority
What professional moment are you most proud of since beginning your
time as a PYP?
There are quite a few moments that stand out for me since my time as a
PYP, but one notable moment was when I was drafting a Sale, Mortgage
and Marketing strategy for the sale of the National Housing Authority’s
(NHA) housing units out of Monrovia to be given to the Ministry of Education (MOE). I drafted this
strategy with short notice as my boss was busy with other matters out of the office. He asked
me to draft it for his review, but by the time he got back to the office it was late and he and the
Managing Director had to leave for the meeting right away. He requested the document from me
and left without reviewing it. On their way to the meeting, he went through it and was impressed,
so he submitted it when the Managing Director requested the document from him. The Managing
Director was also impressed and during their meeting which I wasn’t a part of. They then gave it to
the MOE Ministers, who bought into the idea and were convinced, saying, “This is excellent.” When
my bosses returned they both thanked me for a job well done. I felt accomplished on that day!
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think being a PYP will help you get there?
I aspire to be a Career Diplomat and Development Specialist in five years. I have already embarked
on said journey; I acquired a post-graduate diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy and International
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 14
Relations and was just awarded a scholarship by the Liberian Government to study International
Relations in the People’s Republic of China. I think I am well place to achieve this feat. With the
basic training and tenets of the PYPP, as well as the network it has opened me to, I know it is
playing a major role in my realizing my dreams.
DANIEL D. WLEH, JR., CLASS V
Concessions IT Officer, Forestry Development Authority
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think being a
PYP will help you get there?
In five years, I see myself being one of Liberia’s leading public policy
expert and also an accomplished certified ICT specialist.
What is the single most important way the PYPP has shaped your life?
The PYP has made me discover my full potential and has sharpened my skills to an appreciable
level. It has also placed me in an advantageous position to interact with and learn from seasoned
professionals who would expedite my career development process and enable me discover my
full potential.
MBALAN H.B. NUFEATALAI, CLASS III
Program Officer, Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
What professional moment are you most proud of since beginning your
time as a PYP?
There are so many moments of pride since becoming a PYP but the
overarching among them was when I first presented (along with my
colleagues) a comparative research on good governance in the region,
coupled with implementation analysis, and a suggested way forward for
Liberia to Madame President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Vice President.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think being a PYP will help you get there?
In five years, I will be a major opinion Leader in Liberia. As a civil servant I expect to be in the
position of a Deputy Minister, Minister proper, or the head of a public agency.
My time as a PYP has and will continue to be the guiding principles all my professional life. To treat
all opportunities with the same vigor and determination, and to always remain focused on the goal.
What is the single most important way the PYPP has shaped your life?
The PYPP created and maintained for me the single timeliest platform that is delivering my
economic, professional, educational, and social dreams.
15 The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
PATIENCE Y. KARLEY, CLASS V
Budget Officer, Ministry of Finance & Development Planning
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think being a
PYP will help you get there?
In the next five years I can see myself as a major contributing factor to
improving our financial system and my time as a PYP will get me there; all
of the responsive trainings have taught me lessons and paved ways for
me to get there.
What would you say to other young people about the program that will encourage them to join?
I will encourage them to take on the initiative to be a part of improving the public sector with
sincerity and honesty by joining government established institutions and programs to help deliver
our country. I will also encourage them to get on board with innovations and creativity to move
the nation forward.
PRECIOUS WELEKERMAH TOKPAH-FLOMO, CLASS V
Cadastral Officer, National Bureau of Concessions
What professional moment are you most proud of since beginning your
time as a PYP?
A professional moment I am most proud of was my engagement with
the e-Government Strategic Assessment, which entailed visiting all
government ministries, agencies, and commissions. Working on the
assessment was when I first felt the true meaning of mentorship,
especially as a young and aspiring woman.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think being a PYP will help you
get there?
In five years, I see myself holding a key position at the National Bureau of Concessions and
participating in the formulation of requisite policies that will shape the lives of individuals and my
country at large. I also want to see myself as a role model for other young people.
What is the single most important way the PYPP has shaped your life?
The PYPP has shaped my life is so many ways professionally and academically. But most
importantly, it has provided me requisite skills and training opportunities that have shaped my life
positively and made me more efficient and effective at my work place.
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 16
VAMUYAN A. SESAY, CLASS V
Economist for Monetary Sector, Ministry of Finance and
Development Planning
How did you hear about the PYPP, and what made you apply?
I came across the PYPP when I was still a sophomore student at
Cuttington University. While checking a university bulletin for new
updates, I saw an advert with the caption: President’s Young Professionals
Program. I carefully read it and afterward, I immediately became inspired,
not just by the job opportunity it offered young Liberians, but also by its long-term aspiration of
“building the next generation of Liberia’s civil service leaders.”
So as I considered the positive correlation between the program’s inspirational objectives and my
professional development goals as an aspiring leader, I realized that by joining the PYPP, I could
attain my goals. And I kept this in my mind until graduation. After graduation, I did not hesitate to
apply for the program. I was confident that being a member of the program would afford me the
opportunity to acquire hands-on professional skills and expertise in public sector management. It
would put me in the right position to contribute effectively to the national development processes.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think being a PYP will help you get there?
Five years from now, I want to see myself as a problem solver, an active civil servant, and a
researcher. I am certain that my time as a PYP can greatly help me in achieving these goals
because of the practical professional experience and support I receive daily from mentors, coworkers, and the program at large.
What is the single most important way the PYPP has shaped your life?
The program has shaped my life by giving me professional confidence coupled with public sector
management skills and improved research ability.
17 The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
As part of their orientation, PYPs write letters to themselves in the future, looking ahead to
their hopes and fears for the coming two years:
“
“
As a PYP I wish to commit myself to doing whatever task given to me, building in me
the passion to explore the inner working of my ministry, writing and interpreting policy,
researching, helping to manage projects, building a long and lasting relationship and
honestly commit myself to the call to national duty. With the above, my dream of
becoming a director, minister, or serving in the foreign service will be a reality.”
-Shedrick Seton, Class I
Though the challenges are here, I can promise you that I am going to face those
challenges through my influential means, my commitment, and my ability to work
with those from diverse backgrounds. Handling issues in a more professional way and
dealing with them more constructively will be one of that major tasks that anyone
including myself can do or will do. Finally, I promise to live up to my commitment.”
“
-Patience Karley, Class V
By June 11, 2013 I should be in a good working relationship with my mentor, and
be able to understand the Government of Liberia’s budgetary processes and
procedures...I would make sure to understand and be perfect on duty so as to help
me gain the confidence of my mentor, which will give me more opportunities to
become a public finance expert.”
-Roland Lankah, Class IV
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 18
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE PYPP
“
The PYPP is one of the best programs for Liberia I’ve seen. It is helping to groom
young people with professional skills to show their love for this country by
making a difference in the government.”
“
-Vice President Joseph N. Boakai
We’re all working together to build the best Liberia possible, and I am confident
[the PYPs] are capable of making that a reality.”
19 The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
-US Ambassador Deborah Malac
“
Continue on your journey towards excellence, as the cream of the crop, applying
your knowledge and your skills for the betterment of yourselves and for the
peace and prosperity of our nation.”
-H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Left to Right: Hon. George Werner (Minister of Education), Hon. Eugene Nagbe (Minister of Youth and Sports), International
Advisory Board (IAB) Chair Betsy Williams, H.E. Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, IAB member Sarah Kovner, and Hon. Saah
Charles N’Tow (Deputy Minister for Youth Development).
“
At the beginning, the PYPP was faced with lot of skepticism, nay saying,
cynicism, and doubt, because people thought it was nearly impossible to find
young, refined, and focused Liberian recent graduates. Of course, this was at
a time when universities of Liberia had gone through several years of war and
devastation and people felt it would be nearly impossible to find young Liberians
qualified for public service.
President Sirleaf challenged us and John Snow, Inc. (JSI) stepped up, but the most
important pieces were the determination and resilience of the PYPs, coupled with
the unbending support from the Hess Family Foundation, Daphne Foundation,
Nike Foundation, and other trainers, mentors, and supporters who never stopped
believing in the PYPP.
Now five years later, the PYPs are in key positions of trust at various government
ministries and agencies. It underscores the fact that it is simply unwise for any
nation to underestimate the power and potential of its youthful population. The
president’s vision is the proof.”
-Saah C. N’Tow, Deputy Minister for Youth Development in Liberia and
Former Director of the President’s Young Professionals Program
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 20
“
By investing in the leadership and training
of the most promising young Liberian
leaders, PYPP is building a future for our
country. This is a program that not only
strengthens leadership and civil society
for its own sake, but it has strengthened
Liberia’s ability to respond to a host of
issues from responding to Ebola to building
the private sector. I’m proud to be a
supporter of PYPP.
I grew up in Liberia, and have had the
chance to work with many incredible
Liberians throughout my career. It’s clear
to me that Liberia’s future hinges on the
strength of our young leaders and the public sector. While working in diverse
fields like health to the private sector, young leaders are building a stronger
Liberia in partnership with PYPP.”
-Raj Panjabi, PYPP International Advisory Board Member
and Founder, Last Mile Health
“
The PYPP is an incredible program that
has been hugely successful in a very
short period of time. I truly believe that
the PYPP, and everyone who participates
in the program, are a key piece of
Liberia’s future development and path
towards prosperity. We are on the cusp
of something great.”
-Betsy Williams, PYPP Founder and Chair,
International Advisory Board
21 The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE PYPP?
The PYPP aims to place 100 additional young
professionals in key government roles over the next
five years, helping to strengthen the government of
Liberia’s capacity, as a local entity in partnership with the
Government of Liberia.
The transition is being supported by the Global
Development Incubator and the PYPP’s newly established
International Advisory Board. Like similar programs
including the U.S. Presidential Management Fellows
Program, the PYPP does not have a political affiliation
and intends to serve all future administrations in Liberia.
Over the coming years, the PYPP also hopes to extend its
impact beyond Liberia. The need for talented, capable,
and committed leaders in public service is global. By
inspiring young people to join civil service and giving them the tools they need to succeed, the
PYPP model has the potential to be replicated and tailored to the local contexts of other countries
that could benefit from stronger government capacity and leadership. The PYPP aims to begin in
2016 by exploring how the model might be replicated in the Mano River region including Guinea
and Sierra Leone.
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 22
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING YOUNG LIBERIANS WHO MAY BE
INTERESTED IN THE PYPP?
The PYPP is like a stepping stone that propels young people into their future career. The experiences
and professional network acquired during the years of training will add enormous value to you as an
individual and that value will last for a lifetime.
–Christollie Collins, Class IV
Pursue and strive for excellence in all you do. Be disciplined and intelligent in all you do and the sky,
not just the PYPP will be the limit for you. This program offers you one of the best chances to build your
career as a professional and a public servant.
–Arthur Rex Fomgbeh, Jr., Class IV
The PYPP method affords and compels you to become the professional they want to showcase. You
become an ambassador for the many faces and voices you see through your job each day. You have a full
appreciation of the challenges your fellow PYPs in their specific field of work and together you all learn
and build on the experiences from one another.
–Mbalan H.B. Nufeatalai, Class III
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO SEE FOR THE PYPP IN THE FUTURE?
I hope to see a broad based network of young leaders, professionals, technocrats, innovators, and
patriots reliably leading much desired reforms across our governance structures at the national,
provincial, and local levels. It is my desire to see the program expanded and used as a model for effecting
parallel changes in other aspects of our national life.
–Dr. Edward McClain Jr., PYPP mentor and Minister of States for Presidential Affairs
My hope is for the PYPP to continue to forge a reputation as an apolitical capacity development
program whose value to Liberian society is recognized by future presidents. My hope is for it to
become a nationally renowned institution whose merits are as pronounced and celebrated as other
national institutions such as the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) or the Central Agricultural Research
Institute (CARI).
–Siafa Hage, PYPP mentor and former Scott Fellow
23 The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
THE PRESIDENT’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, CLASSES I-V:
PYP NAME
CLASS MINISTRY, AGENCY, OR CORPORATION
POSITION
Gwakolo Wilfred
I
John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Cater
Center Mental Health Project
Project Coordinator, Mental Health
Lucia Gibson
I
Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs
and Tourism
Acting Human Resource Director
Nada Ajami-Tondo
I
Ministry of Education
Early Childhood Development Specialist
Nyanda Finda YekeeDavis
I
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Director for Passport and VISA
Tendra Tenwah
I
Ministry of Health & Social Welfare
Coordinator
Joseph Sessay
I
Ministry of Agriculture
Studying for PHD in Uganda
Amos N. Tubor
I
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Senior Program Officer, Social
Integration and Political Affairs
Rebecca Kwabo
I
Civil Service Agency
Studying in Ghana
Shedrick Seton
I
Ministry of State
Technical Assistant, office of the DMA
Hh K. Zaizay
I
President's Young Professional Program
Executive Director
Theophilus Baah
II
Ministry of Agriculture
County Agriculture Coordinator, Lofa
County
Abdoul Derrick
Duannah
II
John F. Kennedy Medical Center
Research and Clinical Assistant to Chief
Medical Officer
Abraham Dagher
II
Ministry of Education
Administrative Assistant
Elchico M. Fawundu
II
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Research Analyst
Julius Saye Keh-nel
II
Ministry of Commence & Industries
Director, Access to Market
Cassandra Hampton
II
Ministry of Lands Mines & Energy
Chief Administrative Officer, Small
Medium Enterprise
Dahnu Mianyen
II
Ministry of Youth & Sports
Program Officer
Boakai Jalieba
II
Ministry of Youth & Sports
Assistant Minister for Youth
Development
Musu Flomo
II
Ministry of Agriculture
Administrative Assistant
Moses Zolue
II
Ministry of Agriculture
Soil Scientist (Studying in US)
Nyeotee Zorgbai
II
Ministry of Gender, Children & Social
Protection
Finance Administrative Assistant
Leah Tomah -Zinnah
II
Ministry of Education
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Romell Wleh-Clarke
II
Environmental Protection Agency
Administrative Assistant
Togar Tarpeh
II
Ministry Internal Affairs
Program Assistant, Peace Building
Project
Vegelar Kemah
II
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Chief Accountant
Ciata Armah Stevens
III
Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
Studying in Netherlands
Elizabeth H. Kwemi
III
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Technical Assistant
Talifa Roger Suah
III
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Technical Assistant
Rita E. Kiawoin
III
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Research Assistant, Research Unit
Leela K. Zaizay
III
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Studying in Uganda
Kunan Vesselly
III
Ministry of Agriculture
Studying in Uganda
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 24
Mbakai Vapliah
III
Ministry of Agriculture
Studying in Kenya
Hawa Dunor
III
Ministry of Gender, Children & Social
Protection
Studying in Tanzania
John G.S. Mayon
III
National Oil Company of Liberia
Administrative Assistant
J. Alben Greeves
III
Ministry of Justice
Coordinator, Child Justice
Keturah M. Sandikie
III
Ministry of Transport
Special Assistant to the Minister
(Studying in China)
Peter N. Ben
III
Liberia Revenue Authority
Internal Auditor
Josephus Kettor
III
Liberia Revenue Authority
Auditor
Fredrick S. Cooper
III
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Assistant Coordinator
Lorbah C. Roberts
III
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Studying in Uganda
Gudi J.N.D Neufville
III
Ministry of Commence & Industries
Studying in US
Linclon K. Blojay
III
Ministry of Commence & Industries
Deputy Comptroller
Michael Kwabo
III
Public Procurement Concessions
Commission
Research Assistant, Office of the CEO
Miatta-Fatima Kromah
III
Public Procurement Concessions
Commission
Research Assistant, Office of the
Executive Director
Winnerford Prout
Richard
III
Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
Project Officer (Studying in China)
Mbalan Nufeatalai
III
Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
Project Officer (Studying in UK)
Joseta S. Neufville
III
Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
Project Officer (Studying in US)
Albert K. Samukai
III
Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
Project Officer (Studying in UK)
Eyea P. Booker
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Analyst Budget Development and
Dissimilation
Emmanuel N.B.Flomo
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Analyst Budget Forecasting and
Development
Agnes Payeker
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Budget Analyst (Studying in China)
Sarah M. Johnson
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Senior Budget Policy Officer
Johnson Williams
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Assistant Director- Budget Development
and Dissimilation
Jamel Dugbeh
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Economics
Matthew G.Garway
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Analyst-project Appraisal and
Compliance
Roland Lankah
IV
Ministry Internal Affairs
Senior Financial Analyst
T. Cornelius Tugba
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Budget Analyst (Studying in US)
Varkpeh Gonowolo
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Senior Budget Analyst
Amos N.Sando
IV
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Statistician
25 The President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia
Christollie A. Collins
IV
National Investment Commission
Administrative Assistant (Studying in
China)
Hennistta W.Nyangbe
IV
Liberia Maritime Authority
Legal Assistant/Paralegal (Studying in
China)
Authur Fomgbeh
IV
National Housing Authority
Project Analyst (Studying in China)
Agnes Nushann
IV
Ministry of Gender, Children & Social
Protection
Acting Coordinator, Adolescent Girls
Unit (Studying in US)
Paul P. Jerbo
V
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Planning Economist
Kulele V. Morris
V
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Planning Budget Analyst
Vamuyan A. Sessay
V
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Planning Economist
Patience Y. Karley
V
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Analyst, Budget Development and
Dissimilation
Deborah Queminee
V
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Planning Budget Analyst
Calvin Famgalo
V
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Planning Analyst, Budget Development
and Dissimilation
Prince S.Doelar
V
Ministry of Finance & Development
Plaining
Planning Analyst Project Development
Daniel D. Wleh Jr.
V
Ministry of Agriculture
Concessions IT Officer
Francilia Marah
V
Environmental Protection Agency
Concessions IT Assistant
Precious W.Tokpah
V
National Bureau of Concessions
Assistant Coordinator, Cadastre Office
Learn more at www.PYPPLiberia.org
The President’s Young Professionals Program and the Global Development Incubator would like
to thank all the staff members, PYPs, mentors, supervisors, trainers, and other friends of the
program who contributed to this report.
Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 26
www.PYPPLiberia.org
Five Years of Building the Next Generation of Civil Service Leaders in Liberia 27