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

Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 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 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 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 The Focus Implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) & UN SC 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 Guiding Principles National ownership Effective participation and inclusion Building on existing national capacity NTGL leadership ‘One team approach’

Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 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 The RFTF Clusters 1. Security 2. DDRR Process 3. Repatriation,Reintegration, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction - Refugees, Returnees and IDPs 4. Good Governance and Democratic Development 5. Elections 6. Basic Services 7. Restoration of Productive Capacity 8. Infrastructure 9. Economic Policy & Development Strategy

Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 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 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 , realised US$522m in pledges.

Somali JNA Retreat Nairobi, 24 November 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 THANK YOU!!!