CSA’s Designate Director-General Outlines Plans to Overhaul Public Sector During Senate Hearing

Monrovia, Liberia: In a pivotal confirmation hearing at the Capitol Building on March 6, 2024, the nomination of the designated Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) took center stage, drawing attention to critical issues regarding the future of the nation’s civil service sector.

Hon. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., a seasoned political analyst with a distinguished career in academia and government work, has been regarded as a potential catalyst for significant reforms within the civil service, which has long been plagued by bloated payrolls filled with ghost names from previous government administrations, along with poor performance management and inefficiencies from civil and public servants.

During the hearing, senators delved into Hon. Joekai’s vision for the CSA, probing his strategies for enhancing transparency, meritocracy, and efficiency within the public sector. He proposed the establishment of a multi-sectoral committee comprising the CSA, the General Auditing Commission (GAC), and the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) to conduct a comprehensive national payroll audit. The multi-sectoral committee, if set up under the direction and supervision of the CSA, will train agents from the GAC and IAA to be deployed across ministries, agencies, and commissions to conduct a forensic human audit of the payroll.

The designated Director-General stated that this collaborative effort will ensure a thorough examination of the government’s payroll data and facilitate the identification and elimination of ghost names, spotting out the inefficiencies and irregularities of some civil servants. He said that the audit report will serve as a crucial tool in sanitizing the payroll, enabling the CSA to allocate resources more efficiently, alleviate the financial burden on the government, and deliver essential social services to its citizens.

Hon. Joekai expressed his commitment to building a stronger and more efficient civil service to propel the nation by supporting the electronic modernization of the employment data management system. Stating, “I recognize the importance of electronically modernizing employment data management systems. My proposed reforms include establishing robust systems for storing and updating employee information, facilitating recruitment and onboarding processes, and implementing effective time and attendance tracking mechanisms to ensure each employee receives pay for time worked.”

He further disclosed that under his watch, the CSA will establish a comprehensive database of Liberian professionals in various fields at home and abroad to ensure that Liberian professionals or experts will first be considered for providing technical and professional services to various ministries, agencies, and commissions. In addition, he emphasized the importance of modernization initiatives, including digitalization and training programs aimed at bolstering the capacity and professionalism of civil servants.

“Ultimately, my goal is for the CSA to empower every member of the civil service with the tools, skills, and resources they need to excel in their roles. By fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, innovation, and productivity, I will inspire a renewed sense of purpose and dedication among our workforce when confirmed,” Hon. Joekai added.

Born on May 15, 1973, Hon. Joekai has been shaped by compassion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His academic sojourn reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and a passion for advancing knowledge in service to society. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Liberia, and a Master of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation from the same esteemed institution. Hon. Joekai is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Adler University in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. The emphasis of his Ph.D. is on workforce, leadership, and institutional development.

Professionally, Hon. Josiah Joekai has had the privilege of serving across diverse sectors, both in Liberia and the United States, honing his skills as a catalyst for positive change and a champion of innovation and inclusivity. From roles in the Ministry of Education in Liberia to leadership positions in the United States of America, including Executive Programs Manager at the Charter School Collective of Connecticut and Customer Service Specialist at DMT Solutions Global Corporation.

In Liberia, Hon. Joekai served as Executive Director of the Liberia National Commission on Arms, where he spearheaded pivotal initiatives to ensure effective arms management and security, and as Director of Civic and Voter Education at the National Elections Commission, where he led efforts to foster equitable participation and peaceful electoral processes.

These experiences have equipped him with invaluable insights into the complexities of governance, conflict resolution, and organizational development, which, according to Hon. Josiah Joekai, he is eager to bring to bear in service to his beloved country, Liberia.

Counting on the proposed plans and insightful and eloquent deliberations of those plans, coupled with questions emanating from each senator on the vetting committee, with the majority being in acquiescence of his proposed plans, it is only obvious that it is just a matter of time before the CSA’s boss designate will be confirmed and begin to roll out his reform plans for the forward match of the Civil Service.