LIBERIA’S Joint Needs Assessment & Results-Focused Transition Framework

1. LIBERIA’S Joint Needs Assessment & Results-Focused Transition Framework Christian G Herbert Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) Nairobi, November 2005

2. Background to the RFTF • Decades of peace, prosperity and good neighbourliness • Policy failures, bad governance and poverty • Failed political transition • Years devastating civil war • Isolated Government, divided country, unstable region • A NEW BEGINNING: The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (Accra, August 2003) and UN SC Resolution 1509. Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

3. The Stakeholders • Liberian People • National Transition Government of Liberia (NTGL) • The Former Warring Factions • Civil Society Organisations (including women, labour, & youth organisations; CBOs, the media and political parties). • Local Private Sector and Business Groups • Local and International NGOs • Regional Groupings – AU, ECOWAS & MRU • United Nations, World Bank and IMF • Wider International Community Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

4. The Vision • A secure and enabling environment leading to democratic elections and recovery through the scrupulous implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement under a cohesive, accountable and adequately resourced Transition Government at the service of the Liberian people. Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

5. The Focus • Implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) & UN SC 1509. • Two-year transition period 2004 – 2005 • National priorities • Funding gaps (humanitarian emergency, recovery and reconstruction) • Capacity building and absorptive potential • Results-orientation. Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

6. Guiding Principles • National ownership • Effective participation and inclusion • Building on existing national capacity • NTGL leadership • ‘One team approach’ Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

7. Needs Assessment Methodology • Review of baseline documents • Govt-commissioned thematic reports and inputs • Sector working papers • Limited field observations • Focus group consultations • Thematic workshops • National stakeholder consultations • High-level summit • Use of local consultants, international experts and advisory services from UN System, WB and IMF Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

8. The RFTF Clusters • Security • DDRR Process • Repatriation,Reintegration, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction - Refugees, Returnees and IDPs • Good Governance and Democratic Development • Elections • Basic Services • Restoration of Productive Capacity • Infrastructure • Economic Policy & Development Strategy Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

9. Cross-cutting Themes • Gender • Environment • Human Rights • HIV/AIDS • Shelter, Housing & Property Rights • Timber Production and Management • Media Development Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

10. Reconstruction Costs • The total financial requirements to fully realise the RFTF is US$486 million. • In addition, earlier identified needs in the CAP 2004 total US$179m. • All of the identified needs require external donor assistance.  • LRC, New York February 24 2004, realised US$522m in pledges. Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

11. Multiple Funding Scenario • Weakened national financial management and accountability mechanisms. • Donors preferred their own funding mechanisms • Pooled sources through established TFs – e.g UNDP-managed LEGTF, DDRR TFs • Direct funding by donors • Parallel: NTGL’s own (limited) resources Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

12. Coordination Mechanism • National level RFTF Implementation Monitoring and Coordinating body (RIMCO) chaired by the Head of State, co-chaired by two partners - UN RC and WB Director. • Technical level RFTF Working Committees chaired by relevant line ministries or national institution, co-chaired by two partners - drawn from national and donor institutions. • RIMCO support Office based in the Ministry of Planning. Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

13. Lessons Learned - JNA • Overcomes the traditional dichotomy between emergency relief & recovery • Blends the political (CPA), security (UNSC 1509) and reconstruction imperatives into a seamless development framework (RFTF). • Cluster approach facilitates focus on results and outcomes, NOT technical issues and agency mandates • Stakeholder consultations provided much needed reality checks and sense of ownership • RFTF became the instrument for national development management, partnerships and resource mobilisation • Remains the platform for future development strategy – MDG-based Poverty Reduction Strategy. Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

14. Lessons Learned – JNA II • Absence of capacity building as a major issue and cost item in the JNA was a drawback. • Cross-cutting themes, like capacity building should be explicitly factored into the results matrix and budgeted accordingly • Limited access and reliable data are a serious handicap, leading to serious under-assessment of needs. Once access is guaranteed, annual or mid-term review of JNA is necessary to validate targets and priorities and keep on track. Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

15. Lessons Learned - Coordination • Coordination and funding mechanisms are better finalised during the JNA. This would help avoid time lags and long-drawn arguments. • Focus on few, even if broad, critical result areas. Too many clusters further constrain limited national capacity to coordinate, monitor & report implementation progress. • Exit strategy (e.g PRS or MDG-based Plan) should be foreseen and Planned ahead. • Dedicated capacity and financial support required to support cluster level activities Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

16. Lessons Learned – Coordination II • In a multiple funding environment, implementing NGOs have multiple reporting roles which require special attention to delineate and monitor. • Multiple funding arrangements create tension with national ownership, unless mandatory financial reporting responsibilities are established. • Trust Funds work better as independent, multi-donor mechanism and potential source of national capacity building for project financial and operational management. Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

17. Guide to the FUTURE • Focus – on results • Unity of purpose • Team approach • Unity of direction • Results orientation • Empower national counterparts Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005

18. THANK YOU!!! Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 2005