CSA Shifts to Transformative Public Sector Recruitment -Rolls Out Mandatory Examination with Testing Center

MONROVIA – The civil service of Liberia, like those of other countries, is relied upon to be essential and critical for effective governance, economic development and delivery of quality services, ensuring public service stability and continuity. And the Liberian Civil Service Agency, created to drive that mandate was once faithful to its calling until the 1980s when emergent ruling administrations began politicizing its recruitment processes, inundating it with lackeys and apologists, not necessarily on competency and professionalism but on political, familial and ethnic considerations. That clear sway not only unnecessarily bloats and irrationalizes the system but also peters out its efficiency and productivity. But, as THE ANALYST reports, its seems hope is on the horizon; courtesy of its Director General who, speaking at MICAT regular press briefing, divulged progress being made to professionalize the nearly moribund public institution.    

The Director General of the Civil Service Agency, Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., has reported additional reforms and progress being made under his supervision to improve the lot of the Agency.

Speaking during a regular media briefing organized by the Ministry of Information Thursday, July 24, 2025, Mr. Joekai said under his leadership, bold and necessary reforms aimed at building a robust, responsive, and competent civil service has undertaken.

He said the long-tattered institution is now one that works for the people and earns their trust.

“These reforms are not cosmetic,” he said. “They are systemic. They are intentional and grounded in law. And most importantly, they are focused on improving how the government delivers.”

He spoke of the establishment of the National Civil Service Testing Center (NCSTC), which according to him, marked a transformative shift in Liberia’s public sector recruitment process, transitioning from a traditional paper-based system to a modern, computerized, and merit-based process.

The Testing Center was officially launched by the Honorable Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung on October 31, 2024, describing the initiative as a milestone toward professionalizing the Civil Service and restoring public confidence in government hiring practices.

The Center introduces an automated testing environment that assesses job applicants based on merit, skill, and aptitude, thereby setting a new national standard for public sector recruitment.

The CSA Director General said the initiative also aligns with President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which emphasizes reform, efficiency, and good governance.

As part of the rollout of the testing center, the CSA conducted mock exams to familiarize applicants with the system ahead of the official testing phase, which took place from May 5 to June 20, 2025.

A total of 158 candidates registered both online and in person at the CSA’s office and sat the trial test. Of this number, 129 were males and 29 were females. The results of the trial test did not count because it was intended to test the efficiency and readiness of the testing system. The testing system proved to be very efficient and ready.

Following the trial testing period, the national testing process commenced on June 23, 2025, and to date, as of July 24, 2025, a total of 82 candidates have registered and taken the exams. Of this number, 60 are males, and 22 are females.

Joekai reaffirmed CSA commitment to strengthening the Center and positioning it as a cornerstone for building a competent, transparent, and service-oriented Civil Service in Liberia.

In line with Chapter 3, Section 3.2.1 of the Standing Orders for the Civil Service, he further disclosed, all appointments to civil service positions within the Government of Liberia must be merit-based and guided by competitive assessments.

According to him, the Civil Service Agency has identified 83 testable positions across Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) for which candidates must successfully sit and pass to be considered for employment in the civil service.

This policy is part of a broader effort to professionalize the civil service and ensure that only qualified, competent individuals are recruited to deliver public services efficiently.

Section 3.2.5 gives the Director-General the discretion to exempt select categories of individuals from sitting the exam.

The first includes professionals certified by recognized national or international bodies such as medical doctors, nurses, midwives, chartered accountants, auditors, engineers, certified project management professionals, etc. The second comprises those in general support roles that are non-testable, such as drivers, dispatchers, gardeners, cooks, janitors, pages, etc.

These exemptions are clearly defined to preserve technical integrity while focusing assessment efforts on core administrative and technical roles critical to government performance, he further said, noting that individuals in these professionally certified and general support roles are hereby exempted from sitting the civil service examinations.

Dr, Joekai stated: “I will be remiss if I do not extend deepest gratitude to H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for providing a Starlink Enterprise package for the provision of reliable and uninterrupted internet connectivity to the center. This intervention by His Excellency will improve the operational efficiency of the center and provide candidates with the best possible testing experience.” 

He announced that effective Monday, July 28, 2025, the Civil Service Agency (CSA) will only process Personnel Action Notices (PANs) submitted by Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) when accompanied by a valid certificate of successful completion of the civil service examination which is being administered at the National Civil Service Testing Center (NCSTC).

The directive, he noted, is in strict adherence to Chapter 3, Section 3.2.1 of the Standing Orders for the Civil Service, which states: “All appointments to the classified Civil Service of the Republic of Liberia shall be channeled through the Civil Service Agency; there shall be no exceptions. The Agency shall conduct all recruitment examinations and certification for employment in classified positions.”

“The CSA leadership is fully committed to enforcing this provision in both letter and spirit to ensure a transparent, merit-based, and competent public workforce at the 105 GoL Spending Entities,” he declared.

“Accordingly, all Human Resource Directors are instructed to treat this mandate with utmost seriousness. A Circular Memorandum to this effect has been issued by my office. Noncompliance will be viewed as an administrative violation and dealt with accordingly. PANs submitted before July 28, 2025, will be processed on their individual merits; however, no exceptions will be made for any submissions thereafter without proof of successful pass in the examination as required by law.”

He said the CSA would continue to work closely with all institutions to assess workforce needs, recommend appropriate staffing structures, and ensure that all future personnel decisions align with national employment policies and the law.

“The Civil Service Agency recognizes that while government employment plays a critical role in national development, it is neither sustainable nor economically prudent for the Government of Liberia to remain the primary employer,” the CSA boss said, indicating that a thriving economy depends on a vibrant private sector that can absorb a significant portion of the labor force, drive innovation, and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

“The current over-reliance on public jobs places an unsustainable burden on the national wage bill, stifles efficiency, and limits fiscal space for critical development investments,” he emphasized. We therefore call on private sector actors, investors, development partners, and key employment stakeholders to aggressively champion job creation initiatives, particularly for Liberia’s growing youth population.”

He averred: “The CSA stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Labor, the Liberia Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and other relevant bodies to facilitate policy alignment, workforce readiness, and public-private partnerships that unlock meaningful employment. A resilient Liberia begins with a strong private sector.”