UNDP Liberia

Needs Assessment (NA)
From October 2003 – February 2004, under the guidance of the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL), and in coordination with the UN Development Group, United Nations, World Bank, US Government, and other partners conducted an in-depth evaluation of Liberia's reconstruction needs to support the 2-year transition process. UNDP played a pivotal role in identifying the priority reconstruction requirements during Liberia's transition from relief to recovery.

The Needs Assessment examined 13 priority sectors, with each sector grouped into nine clusters: security; disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration; reintegration of internally displaced persons, returnees and refugees; governance and rule of law; election; basic services; productive capacity and livelihoods; infrastructure; and economic policy and development strategy. UNDP technical experts coordinated six of the 13 sector assessments: disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration, governance and rule of law, economic management (jointly with the World Bank), HIV/AIDS, electricity, and community-based reintegration.

The results of the Needs Assessment served as the basis for the International Reconstruction Conference on Liberia in February 2004. Held at the United Nations in New York, the international community responded generously through US$520 million in pledges. Participants included approximately 300 representatives of donor countries, leaders of Liberian and international non-governmental organizations, members of Liberia's transitional government and United Nations officials. In addition to playing a leadership role in the Needs Assessment, UNDP, in its capacity as Chair of the UN Development Group, helped to shape the conference.

Results-Focused Transition Framework (RFTF)
Based on the priority needs identified in the Needs Assessment, a Results-Focused Transition Framework was developed, laying out expected target outcomes. The RFTF was endorsed as the overarching transition strategy for the country with its outcome-oriented and time-bound results, broken into six-monthly benchmarks so as to permit periodic reporting and accountability. UNDP supported the government in organizing National Stakeholders Consultations and a High-Level Summit during which the framework document and needs assessment process were endorsed.

The RFTF, a planning tool for setting goals and actions, is implemented through RFTF Working Committees (RWCs) and monitored through RFTF Activity Tracking Sheets (RATS).

From 9 - 10 May 2005, representatives from the NTGL, United Nations, World Bank, donor countries, international financial institutions, UN Agencies, regional and civil society organizations meet in Copenhagen, Denmark for a 2-day technical meeting to review and update the RFTF. OUTCOME OF MEETING?????

RFTF Implementation and Monitoring Committee (RIMCO)
The priority was to establish the framework and mechanism through which the programme will be implemented. Thus, the RTFT Implementation and Monitoring Committee (RIMCO) was established, the apex body overseeing the political and strategic aspects of the implementation of the RFTF. RIMCO is headed by NTGL Chairman Bryant, with UNMIL and the World Bank as Vice-Chairs, and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs serving as the Secretary of the Committee. Other members are drawn from the NTGL, UNDP and other relevant stakeholders.

The RIMCO Support Office (RSO) is tasked to ensure that line ministries are in a position to monitor and coordinate the humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, and the day-to-day responsibilities for all activities under the framework. The RSO is headed by an Aid Coordinator, and supported by a Programme Director, a National Aid Coordinator, a Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, and an Administrative Assistant.

The World Bank and UNDP have provided financial contributions of USD $ 760,000 and USD $ 240,000, respectively. The RIMCO activities are implemented under the UNDP DEX Service Center modality. Three vehicles have been procured for the RSO.