Good News for Professional Citizens -MCC Compact Announces Openings for Senior-Level Jobs

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia is taking steps to boost the economy and create opportunities for its citizens, amidst a challenging employment landscape. The administration has announced the opening of key senior-level positions under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact process, which is expected to bring much-needed jobs and investment to the country. This move comes as Liberia grapples with high unemployment rates, and many are looking to the government to deliver on promises of economic growth and job creation. Alongside the job openings, the government has also unveiled decisive actions against a Montserrado County school accused of corporal punishment and child abuse, highlighting its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. THE ANALYST’S GEORGE FLOMO reports.

The Government of Liberia has announced the opening of key senior-level employment opportunities under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact process, following Liberia’s reaffirmation for a second MCC Compact, while also unveiling decisive actions against a Montserrado County school accused of corporal punishment and child abuse.

The announcements were made Tuesday at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, overseen by Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah.

According to the briefing, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning is inviting qualified Liberians to apply for the positions of National Coordinator at the Liberia Compact Development Office and Senior Economist to support Liberia’s Compact development work with the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

The National Coordinator position was described as a high-impact leadership role requiring strong experience in senior management, public sector coordination, economic development, and stakeholder engagement.

The successful applicant will work closely with government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and international donors to guide Liberia’s Compact development agenda.

Applicants are required to have at least ten years of senior management experience, a proven ability to manage large teams and multi-million-dollar programs, strong leadership and communication skills, and experience working with government institutions or donor-funded programs.

The Senior Economist position will support Liberia’s Compact development work by analyzing economic constraints, designing high-impact projects, and ensuring that public investments contribute to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods.

Candidates with strong backgrounds in economic analysis, project appraisal, cost-benefit analysis, and policy engagement with development partners were encouraged to apply.

Applications open on December 19, 2025, and close on January 9, 2026, with the official start date set for February 1, 2026. Interested candidates are required to submit a detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae addressed to the MCC Recruitment Committee. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Action against Berrial School

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education announced administrative sanctions against the Berrial Christian Academy of Excellence, located in the Sophey Community, following an investigation into allegations of corporal punishment and child abuse.

The Ministry disclosed that reports emerged on December 12, 2025, prompting an investigation by the Office of the Montserrado County Education Officer.

Findings established that a 10th-grade student, along with at least seventeen other students, were subjected to corporal punishment and physical abuse. The alleged acts reportedly involved multiple school staff, including the registrar, the principal, and two teachers.

Based on the findings, the Ministry of Education imposed a fine of L$250,000 on the institution for violating national regulations on child protection and corporal punishment. The school has been instructed to comply upon receipt of formal billing instructions.

In addition, the Ministry suspended the school’s registrar, Mr. Jeremiah Soko; teachers Mr. Joseph Zayzay Jr. and Mr. Edwin McDona; and the principal, Ms. Julie Bowie, from all educational activities pending further investigation led by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

The Ministry reiterated Liberia’s national policy prohibiting corporal punishment in all schools and announced plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the school’s facilities, staff structure, and administrative policies to determine compliance with minimum operational and safety standards. Authorities indicated that students may be relocated to other recognized institutions if necessary to ensure continuity of learning in a safe environment.

Child protection and welfare aspects of the case have been formally referred to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, while the Ministry of Education retains responsibility for regulatory enforcement, administrative sanctions, and decisions relating to school operations, including possible closure.

Liberia-UN Framework

In a separate development, the Government of Liberia and the United Nations formally signed a new Cooperation Framework to guide development assistance to Liberia from 2026 to 2030. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and brought together senior government officials, members of the UN Country Team, and development partners.

Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Ngafuan described the partnership as one that has been tested and strengthened through recent challenges, noting that the new framework emphasizes execution and results.

Accordingly, the framework carries an estimated resource envelope of approximately US$883 million, with some funds already secured and additional resources to be mobilized.

UN Resident Coordinator Christian Umotoni said the signing marked a major milestone as the previous cooperation framework expires in 2025.

She stated that the new framework reaffirms a shared vision of a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Liberia, with particular focus on children, youth, women, and vulnerable populations.

The framework is anchored on three priority areas: human capital development, good governance and the rule of law, and economic sustainability.

It also introduces flagship programs including education and skills for jobs, empowerment of adolescent girls, digital governance solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and strengthened social systems.

Implementation will be overseen by a high-level steering committee co-chaired by the Minister of Finance and the UN Resident Coordinator, supported by a technical working group.

Both parties acknowledged the increasingly challenging global development environment and emphasized innovation, domestic resource mobilization, and strengthened partnerships as critical to sustaining development efforts.

LNP Intensifies Patrols

The briefing also disclosed that the Liberia National Police has intensified its security posture ahead of the Christmas season. The LNP announced a sustained and robust security presence in Monrovia and surrounding areas to ensure public safety, urging citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, adhere to traffic regulations, and cooperate with law enforcement.

Legislature Adjourns

Additionally, both Houses of the National Legislature have adjourned for their third constituency break following the passage of the historic 2026 National Budget valued at approximately US$1.2 billion, the largest in Liberia’s history.

Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence said the budget prioritizes education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, security, and county development, commending lawmakers and staff for their dedication. The Legislature is expected to reconvene on the second working Monday of January 2026.

Plans for Business Forums

The Government further announced plans for the Liberia–European Union Business Forum scheduled for February 25–26, 2026, in Brussels.

The forum aims to strengthen EU–Liberia trade and investment partnerships by bringing together businesses, investors, and policymakers for dialogue, deal-making, and investment promotion.

Key focus areas will include agriculture, roads and infrastructure, tourism and hospitality, and sanitation.

Expected outcomes include investment commitments, business-to-business partnerships, enhanced market access, and the establishment of a joint Liberia–EU task force to monitor progress and improve the investment climate.

The forum will be co-hosted by the Government of Liberia and the European Union, with support from Belgian authorities, chambers of commerce, private sector actors, and development finance institutions, as part of efforts to position Liberia as a competitive and attractive investment destination in West Africa.