DG-Joekai Clocks One Year at CSA: Transforming Liberia’s Civil Service

One year ago, on March 12, 2024, Hon. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. assumed office as Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) following his appointment by H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and confirmation by the House of Senate. Shortly after, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of the President’s Young Professional Program (PYPP), a position automatically held by the CSA head under the program’s bylaws. Over the past year, DG Joekai has driven transformative reforms, championed fiscal discipline, and elevated the CSA’s role in Liberia’s governance.

DG Joekai’s administration has been marked by decisive actions to strengthen civil service operations. Among his first major initiatives was the creation of the National Policy Guidelines, designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency in consultancy services across all 103 government spending entities. These guidelines now govern the recruitment of independent Liberian consultants and firms, fostering a structured and accountable framework. Additionally, DG Joekai launched the Employee Status Regularization Project (ESRP), a nationwide headcount that identified and removed over 300 ghost employees, saving the government millions. Both initiatives were officially launched by President Boakai.

Under DG Joekai’s leadership, the CSA has strengthened partnerships to improve service delivery. A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with insurance companies introduced enhanced insurance services for civil servants, while a collaboration with EcoBank Liberia enabled a 50% salary advance initiative, providing financial relief to thousands of employees. Furthermore, DG Joekai reconvened the Civil Service Agency Board of Appeals after an 18-year hiatus, emphasizing transparency and efficiency in grievance redressal.

DG Joekai has also prioritized technological advancement, overseeing the launch of the CSA’s first Computer-Based Testing Center through the support of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr. The testing center will ensure fair and transparent recruitment processes aligned with international standards. His advocacy for inclusive governance has led to unified budget support for people with disabilities and special retirement benefits for health workers and teachers, recognizing their contributions to national development.

Beyond his public service achievements, DG Joekai successfully defended his doctoral thesis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology earlier this year, earning the highest score among his peers. His academic accomplishment further solidifies his expertise in civil service reform.

DG Joekai’s leadership has garnered recognition from President Boakai, who highlighted his efforts during the 2025 State of the Nation Address and urged the Legislature to pass a bill transitioning the CSA into a commission, as outlined in Article 89 of the Liberian Constitution. Internationally, Liberia hosted the inaugural Regional Public Service Leadership Conference on Human Health Workforce Development in Africa under DG Joekai’s leadership. Held from March 4-6, 2025, the conference brought together experts from six nations and resulted in a validated regional framework for workforce development, positioning Liberia as a leader in public service governance.

As DG Joekai marks one year in office, his tenure has set a new standard for progressive governance. With ongoing reforms such as payroll automation, enhanced recruitment processes, and regional collaboration, the CSA is poised for further transformation. Under his leadership, the agency remains committed to efficiency, transparency, and innovation, serving as a model for public service management in Liberia and beyond.