REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

NATIONAL POLICY ON
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
IN LIBERIA
Table of Contents

Acronyms 3
Preface 4
Context 5
1.0 Background 7
2.0 Definition of an NGO 8
3.0 Eligibility Requirements for NGO Status 8
4.0 Accreditation Requirements for NGOs in Liberia 8
5.0 Accreditation Procedures 9
6.0 Re-accreditation Procedures 10
7.0 Formulation and Implementation of Projects 10
8.0 Monitoring and Evaluation 11
9.0 NGO Assets 11
10.0 Capacity Building 11
11.0 NGO Council 11
12.0 Staffing 11
13.0 Taxation 12
14.0 Coordination and Institutional Linkages 12
15.0 Complaint Resolution Procedures 12
16.0 Sector and Thematic Coordination Network 12

Annexes
Annex 1 – Accreditation Application Form 13
Annex 2 – Re-accreditation Application Form 17
Annex 3 – Minimum requirements for reporting 21
Annex 4 – MPEA Monitoring & Evaluation procedures 22
Annex 5 – Labor Law procedural requirements 23
Annex 6 – Immigration procedural requirements 26
Annex 7 – Taxation and duty waiver procedures 30
Annex 8 – List of Sector and Thematic Networks 31
Annex 9 –Appeal before Standing Independent Appeal Board 35

2
Acronyms

CBOs Community Based Organizations

CSOs Civil Society Organization
GOL Government of Liberia
INGOs International Non Governmental Organizations
LINNK Liberia National NGO Network
LNGOs Local Non Government Organizations
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MoF Ministry of Finance
MPEA Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs
MSG Management Steering Group
NGOs Non Governmental Organizations
NNGO National Non Government Organizations
SSC Sectoral Standing Committee

3
Preface

National Development Business is a shared responsibility. Non-governmental

Organizations (NGOs) have an important role to play in the process. Adequately defining
and playing that role during the last twenty years in Liberia has been rather difficult task
for both national and international NGOs. A major contributing factor was the lack of
clarity in policies that would provide guidance in NGOs decision-making processes and
their field operations. The need to fill this gap became an urgent priority of the
Government.

This policy intends to provide that needed guidance. In real terms, the policy prescribes a
reasonable set of guidelines aimed at delivering four results:
First, they would ensure better coordination among various ministries/agencies involved
with the operations of NGOs.
Second, the policy guidelines would ensure a coherent process for the accreditation of
NGOs and the distribution of their programs and activities
Third, they would provide a conducive environment for the smooth operations of NGOs
and for ensuring stronger accountability and transparency with the NGOs sector.
Finally, these guidelines would put in place a systematic approach to the building of
requisite capacities and a stronger framework within which both local and international
NGOs can work.
The provisions contained in this policy are in direct response to the various concerns
raised during our extensive consultations. Concerns with respect to the working
relationship between specific NGOs and local authorities; the impact felt by the ordinary
person as a result of the operations of an NGO in a locality; and the proliferation of
NGOs and the lack of information on NGO activities. In short, we do hope that these
guidelines will better place NGOs contribution within the National Development Agenda
as the country moves towards our expressed shared national vision.
On behalf of the Government and the Liberian people, I would like to express my sincere
thanks and gratitude to all those in government functions, the United Nations family, the
NGO community and consultants- who have contributed to the conceptualization and
preparation of this policy. Living it out effectively is now the challenge to all of us.
These guidelines will come to effect on June 15th 2008.

Sincerely,

Toga McIntosh
Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs

4
Context
The role and importance of civil society organizations (CSOs) cannot be over-
emphasized as it is part and parcel of the life of its people. Historically, the traditional
societies, social clubs, economic clubs (susu), community service and work groups have
operated throughout Liberia. Later, faith-based organizations emerged and facilitated the
transformation and socio-economic development of the country, especially in the areas of
education, health and spiritual development. The 70’s and 80’s saw the emergence of
modern day CSOs with a focus on capacity building, human right, advocacy and
development issues. The number of these organizations and the magnitude and level of
their influence may have warranted the development or formulation of guidelines or
policy to guide their operations at the time. Their operations in general buttressed
government efforts in ensuring peaceful coexistence, stability and national development.
The war years (1989-2003), shattered the governance structure and systems, the rule of
law disappeared and a humanitarian crisis arose that needed immediate attention which
no national authority could address. The international community had to take the lead in
ensuring not only the provision of humanitarian assistance, but also the protection of life
and property and eventual return to peace. Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
became the main instruments through which such support could be provided. The
international NGOs, which had the resource base provided the lead. The arrival of
international NGOs during this period gave an impulse to the establishment and growth
of additional local NGOs. In some cases, they formed partnerships for the delivery of
needed humanitarian services to the affected population. The contribution of these
organizations to the survival of the affected population and return to peace has been
commendable.
The proliferation of NGOs in Liberia has however brought to light a number of concerns
regarding their activities. These concerns have not only been expressed by NGOs
themselves but also by governmental authorities and the general public. These concerns
are reflected below:
The NGOs have expressed the following key concerns:
• The absence of clear guidelines for NGO operations culminates in
complexities in obtaining incorporation and accreditation
• The lack of decentralized accreditation procedures
• The propagation of demands from different government institutions for the
submission of various reports, instead of a centralized reporting mechanism
• The absence of published and transparent fee structures
• The incidence of corruption on the part of certain public officials
• The harassment of field workers by local officials
• The new international aid modalities operates to marginalize national NGOs
• The existence of competition between national and international NGOs
• The inadequacy of capacity building and partnership mechanisms to support
national NGO programs
• The inadequacy of government efforts to inform and involve civil society in
its development agenda

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 The Government has raised the following key concerns:
• There is little or no reference and engagement by NGOs with line
ministries and local authorities
• Duty free privileges are abused
• Some NGOs evade payment of required taxes
• Some portions of the laws of Liberia are compromised or disregarded
• There is little or no level of sustainability of NGO projects
• Some NGO projects and programs are not in line with the Government’s
development agenda

While acknowledging the contributions NGOs have made to the country, the
public expressed the following key concerns including:

• Very little impact on beneficiaries

• Little or no input from target beneficiaries during the project cycle
• Proliferation of NGOs
• Skewing of NGOs’ activities
• Underutilization of local NGOs
• Prioritizing relief activities over development, despite the transition to
development
• Disrespect towards local authorities
• Inadequate accountability
• Inadequate transparency

With the return to democratic governance in 2006, the need for reform has taken center
stage. Additionally the development of appropriate policies, strategies and structures to
guide the thrust and direction of socio-economic development is central to the reform
agenda.

As NGOs are essential partners in identifying, defining and developing policies and
driving development in Liberia, this policy seeks to address the above concerns and
ensure that an enabling environment is created for the smooth operation of NGOs, as well
as ensuring human development. It is an integral part of the ongoing reform exercise. The
over riding and long-term objective is to provide better and more effective service to the
Liberian people and nation.

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1 Background
1.1 The involvement of civil society in development predates the formation of the
modern Liberian state. Indigenous institutions such as the Kuu, Susu, Poro, Sande
and other forms of community traditional structures have for centuries continued to
provide support for people’s development even without outside intervention. The
Liberian state is said to have been founded through the initiatives of the American
Colonization Society (ACS) in 1822, a civil society organization. Religious
institutions catering to the needs of their members also stimulated development
activities. By the mid 1980s more than one third of the Liberian people attended
NGO run schools and hospitals and were benefiting from community development
programmes implemented largely by Liberian civil society actors.
1.2 Since 1990, there has been a proliferation of NGOs in Liberia. This was due
primarily to the Liberian civil war, coupled with the influx of Sierra Leonean
refugees and the need to render both humanitarian and development assistance.
During the peak of the Liberian civil war, these efforts were strictly relief oriented.
1.3 Consultative fora held amongst major stakeholders of the public, private and civil
society sectors resulted in the formulation of the first one-page NGO Policy
Guidelines in 1988. This initiative was sponsored by USAID while the second
Guideline was formulated in 2000 and subsequent unpublished version in 2001 and
2005.
1.4 The June-August 2003 crisis witnessed a huge departure of expatriate staff of
International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs). In spite of these
departures, the local NGOs and the remaining INGOs, with resource constraints,
continued to render invaluable services to the Liberian people.
1.5 While the Government of Liberia (GOL) is aware of the invaluable role that NGOs
play in advancing national development, both parties must work closely to ensure
mutual respect, trust, confidence and transparency. A national policy direction is
needed at this time to cater for the increasing requests by NGOs for GOL
counterpart contributions in the form of grants (subsidies), waivers and other
logistics including storage, transportation and personnel give cause for
rationalization of their activities as well as the need to ensure effective partnership
in the pursuance of national development.
1.6 The Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs (MPEA) is the GOL agency
mandated to monitor and evaluate the activities of NGOs and enhance the
cooperation between GOL and NGOs.
1.7 A review of the current NGO registry in the Ministry reveals omissions and
deficiencies. Besides, comparing the lists of NGOs registry at the MPEA with
records from the Ministry of Finance and other line ministries shows extensive and
vital discrepancies in reports to line ministries, particularly on project focus areas
and project locations.

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 Thus, the request for accreditation from several Community Based Organizations
(CBOs) to be perceived as NGOs gives rise to the need for a clear definition and
the eventual registration of all NGOs.
1.8 The interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (iPRSP) prioritized the development
of a NGO Policy and Guidelines to provide a framework for operations. In 2006
MPEA carried out a series of consultations, facilitated by United Nations
Development Program, to produce the first draft of NGO Policy and Guidelines,
which were further reviewed in another series of consultations with all stakeholders
(Line Ministries, NGO, Donors and UN). A working committee chaired by MPEA
and consisting of representatives of line ministries, local and international NGOs
and UN developed a revised NGO Policy and Guidelines for Operations. The
revised draft was discussed in a series of regional consultative meetings and
validated in a one day workshop by all concerned stakeholders in January 2008 .
1.9 These policy and guidelines for operations are therefore formulated, based on the
existing law of Republic of Liberia, to explain the procedures which NGOs should
follow in order to be accredited by the MPEA and to encourage the effective
coordination of NGO activities by enhancing the mechanism for cooperation and
the government, to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, to
ensure community-driven intervention, transparency, accountability, respect for the
rule of law and to ensure that the people of Liberia reap the full benefits of their
activities.
2 Definition of an NGO
2.1 A Non Governmental Organization (NGO) functioning within the territory of
Liberia shall mean an independent, non profit making, non- partisan and charitable
organization, established in accordance with the Associations Law of Liberia,
having the primary goal of enhancing the social, educational, professional,
scientific, athletic, cultural and economic well-being of communities; and it may
operate nationally or locally on a non discriminatory bases.
3 Eligibility Requirements for NGO Status in Liberia
3.1 An organization wishing to operate as an NGO in Liberia must fulfill the following
basic requirements:
3.1.1 Must fall within the definition of an NGO as contained in Section 2.1 above.
3.1.2 Must have a mission statement containing clearly defined objectives, target
beneficiaries, sector(s) of operation, constitution and by-laws.
3.1.3 Must obtain accreditation from the MPEA, following formal registration with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs as required by law (Article of Incorporation).
3.1.4 Must submit annual NGO reporting requirement as stated in Annex 3
4 Accreditation Requirements for NGOs in Liberia
4.1 An organization wishing to obtain accreditation as an NGO in Liberia must submit
a letter of request for accreditation to the MPEA and additionally fulfill the
following requirements:

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4.1.1 Obtain Articles of Incorporation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an entity
confined in the definition in 2.1
4.1.2 Have office space with a visible signboard exhibited and, where feasible provide
postal address and email addresses and telephone numbers
4.1.3 Have a bank account in the organization’s name in Liberia that concurs with the
rules and regulations of the Central Bank Authority and Financial Institution Act
of Liberia.
4.1.4 Have not less than 3 full-time staff. The staff should be employed within 60 days
of the first accreditation.
4.1.5 Must have a board of directors or its equivalent policy making body whose
composition is not dominated by a family group. The NGO should make available
the contact information of this body upon request;
4.1.6 International NGOs should have legal status in their own country of origin. Such
organizations, where applicable, must show proof of their activities in other
countries. International NGO’s must present copies of their certificate of
incorporation in the country of origin and other constitutive documents of the
parent NGO. (i.e. Memorandum, Articles of Association and By-laws), in English
and in original language.
5 Accreditation Procedures
5.1 For NGOs seeking first-time accreditation, a letter of request should be submitted
together with completed application form (see Annex 1) along with all necessary
documents outlined in Section 4:
5.1.1 Obtain a Certificate of Accreditation from the MPEA. The accreditation process
should not exceed twenty working days from the date of submission.
5.1.2 In the case of a denial of accreditation, the NGO concerned may appeal the
decision of the MPEA before the Independent Appeal Board as defined in Section
15 and Annex 9.

5.1.3 Accreditation shall be valid for a period of three years. NGOs shall be required to
obtain re-accreditation in accordance with the Re-Accreditation Procedures
contained in Section 6.

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Flow Chart of Accreditation Procedures

Ministry of Foreign Affairs NGO

Obtain Articles of Incorporation

Ministry of Planning and

Economic Affairs
Obtain Certificate of Accreditation

6 Re-Accreditation Procedures
6.1 For NGOs seeking re-accreditation a letter of request should be submitted with
completed application form (Annex 2) and financial and activity reports as
detailed in Annex 3 for the previous three years and where feasible last produced
audit report for the fiscal year of the NGO operations. In addition following
procedures should be followed:
6.1.1 Applications for re-accreditation are to be submitted within three months prior to
the expiry of the current accreditation of the NGO. In case of any unforeseen
circumstances that may cause delay, due notice specifying the cause of delay and
possible submission date shall be provided. Failure to apply for and obtain re-
accreditation within six months following the expiration date of the accreditation,
the concerned NGO shall lose its rights to operate as an NGO in Liberia.
6.1.2 The re-accreditation process should not exceed twenty working days from the
date of submission.
6.1.3 Re-accreditation can only be denied if the NGO fails to fulfill the re-accreditation
requirements contained in Section 6.1. The NGO shall be officially informed of
the reasons for denial of re-accreditation.
6.1.4 In the case of a denial of re-accreditation, the NGO concerned may appeal the
decision of the MPEA before the Standing Independent Appeal Board as defined
in Section 15.
6.1.5 Re-accreditation shall be valid for a period of four years to be renewed every four
years throughout the existence of the NGO in accordance with this Section.

7 Formulation and Implementation of Projects

7.1 The formulation and implementation of projects should be guided by the national
development priorities.
7.2 The specific means and methods of formulation and implementation of projects
shall be determined by the NGOs in collaboration with target beneficiaries.

10
7.3 Projects, particularly those in infrastructure and social services, should conform to
applicable standards.

8 Monitoring and Evaluation

8.1 The MPEA shall monitor and evaluate all accredited NGO programs and projects
in Liberia in collaboration with the line ministries and other relevant institutions.
Monitoring and Evaluation procedures are contained in Annex 4.

9 NGO Assets
9.1 All vehicles owned by an accredited NGO shall bear NGO license plates and,
where feasible, shall also bear the NGO’s logo.
9.2 Accredited NGOs shall maintain a registry of their capital assets.

10 Capacity Building
10.1 Government shall encourage donors to ensure that capacity building constitutes an
important component of their support to accredited NGOs.
10.2 Government shall ensure the forging of partnerships between accredited NGOs and
in particular shall encourage international NGOs to partner with local NGOs in the
formulation and implementation of programs.
10.3 Government shall encourage accredited NGOs to involve CBOs and local
communities in the formulation and implementation of programs and projects.

11 NGO Council
11.1.1 An NGO Council shall be established to effectively ensure self regulation and
other capacity strengthening structures and mechanisms.
11.1.2 All accredited NGOs are encouraged to become members of the NGO Council.
11.1.3 The NGO Council, in consultation with its members, shall establish a Code of
Conduct for NGOs in line with internationally accepted standards, popularize and
build awareness of this Code, and the Council will be available to receive
petitions and complaints from NGOs, from Government bodies and from
members of the general public on violations of this Code.

12 Staffing
12.1 Accredited NGOs are obliged to comply with all the provisions of the Immigration
and Labor Laws of Liberia. Annex 5 contains an outline of Labor Law procedural
requirements and Annex 6 contains an outline of Immigration procedural
requirements.

11
13 Taxation
13.1 Accredited NGOs are obliged to comply with all the provisions of the Tax and
Revenue Code of Liberia.
13.2 Accredited NGOs may apply for duty free permit from the Ministry of Finance in
accordance with the tax laws (Annex 7 contains outline of Taxation and Duty
Waiver procedures).

14 Coordination and Institutional Linkages

14.1 The MPEA is responsible for the coordination and monitoring of all accredited
NGO activities in Liberia.
14.2 The MPEA shall on a regular basis organize meetings with stakeholders to share
information, address issues affecting the NGO sector and ensure smooth NGO
operations.
14.3 NGOs are encouraged to participate in the appropriate sector and thematic
coordination network(s) to ensure harmonization and coordination of programs and
activities.
15 Complaint Resolution Procedures
15.1 A Standing Independent Appeal Board shall be established. The Board shall
comprise of five persons nominated from NGO Council, Government and a
reputable individual mutually agreed upon who shall serve as a Chair. Appeal shall
be taken to the Independent Appeal Board by any aggrieved party who feels that
the decision taken in application of these guidelines is unfair.
16 Sector and Thematic Coordination Networks
16.1 Sector and thematic coordination networks shall be established to be chaired by the
relevant government institution or agency.
16.2 Membership of these networks shall comprise government, NGOs, civil society
actors, UN agencies, donors and where feasible beneficiaries.

16.3 Sector and thematic coordination networks shall be established in, but not limited
to those indicated in Annex 8.
A complete list of existing networks is contained at Annex 8.

16.4 The functions of the sector and thematic coordination networks shall facilitate the
exchange of information; ensure harmonization and coordination of programs and
activities in the relevant sector; and address the needs and concerns of the sectors.
16.5 Networks shall meet at least once every month.

12
ANNEX 1

NGO Accreditation Application Form

Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs

Republic of Liberia
For first time accreditation of Non-Governmental Organization

INSTRUCTION:

This form must be filled by the authorized representative(s) of the NGO concerned.
Information that is solicited herein is intended to assist our coordination process, improve
our data base and enable us to inform stakeholders about your activities. It is therefore,
important that the information provided is as accurate as possible.

NAME OF NGO: __________________________________________________

ACRONYM (IF ANY):______________________________________________

HEAD OFFICE ADDRESS: _________________________________________

CONTACT ADDRESS: _____________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

TEL. No: _________________________

E-MAIL:________________________________ (if available)

TYPE OF NGO: NATIONAL ( ) INTERNATIONAL ( )

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFICE IN COUNTRY OF ORIGIN (IF

INTERNATIONAL NGO)

ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________

TELEPHONE:__________________________________________________

E-MAIL:_______________________________________________________

DO YOU HAVE A LOGO: YES / NO

13
DO YOU INTEND TO ESTABLISH OFFICES IN THE COUNTIES: YES / NO

IF YES, STATE LOCATION AND ADDRESS (if available)

1.______________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________\

3.______________________________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________________

6. _____________________________________________________________________

SECTOR OR THEMATIC AREA OF INTERVENTION AND AREA OF

OPERATION
SECTOR &

Grand Cape
Grand Krew
THEMATIC

River Cess

River Gee
Maryland

Gbarpolu
Marigbi
Gedeh

Gbong
Nimba
AREA

Bassa

Mount
Grand

Grand
Sinoe
Mons

Bomi

Lofa

Health and Nutrition

Agriculture and Food
Security
Water and Sanitation
Gender and Child
Protection
Education and Training
Infrastructure
Human Rights and
Rule of Law
Environment and
Natural Resources
Energy
Youth
Peacebuilding and
Conflict Resolution
Micro-finance
Other, please specify:
Other, please specify:

AREA(S) OF SPECIALIZATION:

_________________________________________________________________

14
_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVE A BOARD OR OTHER POLICY

MAKING BODY? YES / NO

DETAILS OF BOARD MEMBERS:

NAME:
OCCUPATION:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
EMAIL:

NAME:
OCCUPATION:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
EMAIL:

NAME:
OCCUPATION:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
EMAIL:

(continue on separate sheet, if need be)

PLEASE PROVIDE NAME AND ADDRESS OF BANK(S):

NAME:
ADDRESS:
___________________________________________________________________
(continue on separate sheet, if need be)

PLEASE STATE YOUR FISCAL YEAR (EX;- JULY 2008 TO JUNE 2009):

___________________________________________________________________

PLEASE STATE YOUR PROGRAMMATIC PERIOD:

15
___________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT SHOULD ENCLOSE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

2. Copy of Articles of Incorporation, Memorandum, By-laws

3. Mission statement
4. Sample or description of Logo (if any)
5. List of full-time staff and their positions
6. Letter of request for accreditation, addressed to the Minister of Planning and
Economic Affairs.
7. Copy of parent NGO’s constitutive document and letter of request from parent
NGO (INGOs only) in English and in original language

DECLARATION:

I/we hereby certify that the information contained herein is true and accurate to the best
of my/our belief and knowledge:

I/we understand that any misleading or inaccurate information may lead to a denial of
accreditation.

NAME:______________________________________________
(Spell your name out) Authorized Representative

POSITION:__________________________________________

SIGNATURE:________________________________________

DATE:_____________________________________________

NAME:______________________________________________
(Spell your name out) Authorized Representative

POSITION:__________________________________________

SIGNATURE:________________________________________

DATE:_________________________________________

16
ANNEX 2

NGO Re-Accreditation Application Form

Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs

Republic of Liberia

For Renewal of Accreditation for Non-Governmental Organization

ACCREDITATION NO:___________________________

NAME OF
ORGANIZATION:_______________________________________________________

ACRONYM (IF
ANY):___________________________________________________________

HEAD OFFICE
ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________

CONTACT ADDRESS: _____________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

TEL. No: _________________________

E-MAIL:________________________________ (if available)

TYPE OF NGO: NATIONAL ( ) INTERNATIONAL ( )

DATE OF ACCREDITATION OR LAST RENEWAL (WHICH EVER IS MOST

RECENT):_________________________________

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFICE IN COUNTRY OF ORIGIN (IF

INTERNATIONAL NGO)

ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________

TELEPHONE:__________________________________________________

E-MAIL:_______________________________________________________

DO YOU HAVE A LOGO: YES / NO

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SUB-OFFICES IN LIBERIA: YES / NO

IF YES, STATE LOCATION AND ADDRESS (if available)

1.______________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________\

3.______________________________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________________

6. _____________________________________________________________________

PLEASE PROVIDE NAME AND ADDRESS OF BANK(S):

NAME:
ADDRESS:
___________________________________________________________________
(continue on separate sheet, if need be)

HAS THERE BEEN ANY CHANGES IN ORGANIZATION’S BOARD OR

OTHER POLICY MAKING BODY SINCE LAST ACCREDITATION PERIOD,
IF YES PLEASE INDICATE CHANGES:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

(continue on separate sheet, if need be)

HAS THERE BEEN ANY CHANGES IN ORGANIZATION’S MISSION AND

SECTOR OF OPERATION SINCE LAST ACCREDITATION PERIOD? IF YES
PLEASE INDICATE CHANGES:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

(continue on separate sheet, if need be)

18
HAS YOUR ORGANIZATION SECURED DONOR FUNDING, YES/NO
IF YES, PROVIDE DETAILS OF DONOR FUNDING AGAINST SECTOR AND
THEMATIC AREA OF INTERVENTION AND AREA OF OPERATION IN
MATIX BELOW :

Grand Cape
of
SECTOR &

Grand Krew
THEMATIC

River Cess

River Gee
Maryland

Gbarpolu
Amount
Agency

Marigbi
Gedeh

Gbong
Nimba

Bassa
Grand

Grand

Mount
AREA

Donor

Sinoe
Mons

Bomi
fund

Lofa
Health and
Nutrition
Agriculture
and Food
Security
Water and
Sanitation
Gender and
Child
Protection
Education
and Training
Infrastructure

Human
Rights and
Rule of Law
Environment
and Natural
Resources
Energy

Youth

Peacebuilding
and Conflict
Resolution
Micro-finance

Other, please
specify:
Other, please
specify:

ARE YOUR TAX LIABILITIES FULLY PAID TO GOVERNMENT? YES / NO

IF YES PLEASE INDICATE TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

___________________________________________________________________

HAVE YOU SUBMITTED ANNUAL ACTIVITY AND FINANCIAL REPORTS

FOR THE PREVIOUS PERIOD OF ACCREDITATION? YES/ NO

IF NO, PLEASE EXPLAIN REASONS:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

19
___________________________________________________________________

PLEASE STATE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR FISCAL YEAR:

___________________________________________________________________

PLEASE STATE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR PROGRAMMATIC PERIOD:

___________________________________________________________________

APPLICATION FOR RE-ACCREDITATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED WITH THE

FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

1. List of full-time staff and their positions

2. Annual activity report and financial report
3. Revised mission statement, if applicable

DECLARATION:

I/we hereby certify that the information contained herein is true and accurate to the best
of my/our belief and knowledge:

I/we understand that any misleading or inaccurate information may lead to a denial of re-
accreditation.

NAME:______________________________________________
(Spell your name out) Authorized Representative

POSITION:__________________________________________

SIGNATURE:________________________________________

DATE:_____________________________________________

NAME:______________________________________________
(Spell your name out) Authorized Representative

POSITION:__________________________________________

SIGNATURE:________________________________________

DATE:______________________________________________

20
ANNEX 3

NGO Annual Reporting Requirements

Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs

Republic of Liberia

NGO should submit activity and financial reports within 3 months of the end of the
organization’s financial or programmatic year.

Activity reports should cover the following information:

• Period of activity

• Objectives of the projects and programs

• Achievements against the objectives

• Implementation arrangements

• Partnerships

• Implementation constraints

• Lessons learned

• Conclusions and recommendations

Financial reports should cover the following information:

• Funding sources

• Duty waiver obtained (if any)

• Budget for the period

• Expenditure breakdown against the budget

• Audit report for the period (if any)

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Annex 4

Monitoring and Evaluation Procedure

Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs

Republic of Liberia

The reasons for Monitoring and Evaluation include:

• Assessing the situation

• Assessing the effectiveness of project implementation
• Identifying possible constraints with a view to finding solutions
• Sharing lessons and experiences

The Monitoring and Evaluation exercise will entail the following:

• Documentation review
• Field visits and dialogue with NGO officials and other actors
• Analyzing information and making informed decisions
• Producing an evaluation report to be shared with the NGOs concerned

Government will formulate indicators to implement the Monitoring and Evaluation

exercises.

Methodology for field visits of program activities:

• Spot checks may be undertaken without the NGO’s prior knowledge. However,
information gathered during such spot checks shall be verified with the NGO(s)
concerned.
• Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation will involve a formal communication to
the NGO(s) concerned, informing them of the planned visit.
• The MPEA may gather information from the NGO(s) concerned, other NGOs in
the location and/or sector of activity, line ministries, target beneficiaries and local
communities. However, information obtained from third parties shall be verified
with the NGO(s) concerned.
• NGOs will be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to any information
gathered by the MPEA prior to the release of any evaluation report.

22
ANNEX 5
Labor Law Procedural Requirements
From Ministry of Labor

Revised Procedures for the Processing all Categories of Alien Work Permit

23
24
25
ANNEX 6
Immigration Procedural Requirements
From Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization

In accordance with the new Aliens and Nationality Laws of Liberia, the following apply:

NON ECOWAS ALIENS

1. Non ECOWAS citizens must obtain a valid passport or travel documents from
their country of origin
2. Must obtain a visa from a Liberian Embassy or Liberian Counsel General from
their country of origin
3. If there is no Liberian Embassy in the country of origin, one must apply for an
airport visa within a one month period prior to your arrival
4. Application for a airport visa must be addressed to the commissioner of the
Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization
5. Upon arrival in Liberia the passport will be stamped and a temporary stay of 15
days will be issued at the port of entry. The person must report to the Bureau of
Immigration central office, after said days of extension.
6. At the Bureau’s central office ask for the section responsible for extension of stay.

OBTAINING TEMPORARY STAY

1. An Alien may obtain a temporary stay depending on the length of time they
desire, but shall not exceed the number of days constituted by the Bureau of
Immigration
2. First a period of 30 to 60 days us issued and another 30 days is issued thus
amounting to a total of 90 days
3. After staying in Liberia for 90 days an Alien may decide to leave or change his or
her status from a visitor to a resident

ECOWAS MEMBERS
All ECOWAS citizens must obtain a valid passport, laissez-passé, ECOWAS passport or
other traveling documents before entering Liberia.
A. All ECOWAS citizen do not need a visa to enter Liberia
B. Upon arrival in Liberia, you are to report to the nearest authorized Immigration
Office to have your travel documents stamped.
C. Remember, the ECOWAS protocol provides for free movement of persons but
does not give the right to residency without obtaining a resident permit after the
90 day period.

SEMI ANNUAL REPORT

Under Article 6.5 of the Aliens and Nationality Law of Liberia, all employers are
required to submit semi annual report of all foreign and Liberian employees covering the
following:
1. Name of the employer

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 2. Name of the employee
3. Nationality
4. Resident Permit Number
5. Valid Passport Number
6. Title
7. Kinds of Service
8. Tenure of Service
9. Salary

This report is submitted from January to June and then from July to December every
year. The annual fee for the semi-annual report is USD$ 20.00

OBTAINING RESIDENT STATUS

According to Article 6.1 and 6.2 of the Aliens and Nationality Law of Liberia, the
following are required to apply for resident status:
1. One must have entered the country legally through a recognized port of entry with
a valid travel document and visa;
2. He/She must reside in the country for a period of 90 days
3. if he/she desires to reside in the country permanently; he/ she must do the
following:
a) His/Her employer must apply to the office of the Commissioner/Deputy
Attorney General requesting Change of Status (from visitor to resident) on
behalf of the would be employee
b) Upon the approval of the application, the following are required:
1. Change of Status Application form at USD$ 20.00 (pay at
Central bank and receive an official GEMAP Flag receipt)
2. Four passport-size photos
3. Health Certification or Vaccination card
4. Change of Status fees (from visitor to residence)
5. A bond guaranteeing good behavior
6. Police Clearance
7. Passport or valid travel document.
(NOTE: Laissez-Passé that have expired after the 90 day period
are not valid for obtaining resident status

GRATIS STATUS
A Gratis Status is granted to persons who work for a relief organizations, churches, non-
governmental organizations and schools
A non governmental organization may apply for a person who is employed with their
organization
Alien Missionaries, but no mission employees who are gainfully compensated
Sponsors of missionaries, not missionaries including priest, nuns, brothers, prelates, and
members of the clergy who are not salary employees (do not receive compensation). An

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Alien married to a Liberia, may apply for gratis Resident Status through the office of the
Commissioner of Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization.
The fee charged for the booklet for Gratis Resident Status is USD$50.00
Gratis Resident Status is free but one need to obtain a renewal form which cost
USD$20.00. All Gratis applicants must pay for all forms

RENEWAL OF RESIDENT PERMITS

Resident permits are renewed at the end of one year from the last date issued, meaning
the permit expires on its anniversary date of issue.
1. All applicants shall submit a letter of application to the Commissioner of Bureau
of Immigration
2. Renewal form paid for at the Central Bank
3. Obtain a valid GEMAP flag receipt
4. Report to the renewal section at the Bureau Central Office.

WHO CAN NATURALIZE AS A CITIZEN

1. An Alien of Negro decent (African) may become a citizen by naturalization
2. Must have lived continuously in Liberia for period of 2 to 5 years and have a valid
resident permit

REQUIREMENTS FOR CITIZENSHIP

1. A letter of application
2. Police Clearance
3. Declaration of Intention
4. Four passport size photos
5. Two reference letters and a copy of valid resident status document

CHANGE OF STATUS RESIDENT PERMIT

Categories African ECOWAS Citizen Non-African UN/ NGO
1 Year USD$ 150.00 USD$ 75.00 USD$ 350.00 Gratis

RE-ENTRY PERMIT BOOKLET

All categories Gratis
Single Re-entry 75.00 50.00

ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS
1. Non-employee to employee 150.00 NIL
2. Housewife to employee 200.00 NIL
3. Employee to another 150.00 NIL
4. Employee to Self-employee 175.00 NIL
5. Self-employed to another 300.00 NIL

AIRPORT VISAS
A. Non- Gratis (ordinary) USD$ 100.00
B. UN/UNDP Free of Charge
C. NGOs USD$ 25.00

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Visas on arrival for expatriate staff of the NGOs:
NGOs should submit an application letter at the Head Quarters of BIN within 48 hours
before the arrival of an Expatriate, requesting for the issuance of visa. Visa is then issued
to the host NGOs
- Application letter, along with the scan/photocopy of the expatriate
passport
- Central bank receipt for the sum of $25 as visa fee per person

TEMPORARY WORK PERMIT

Three (3) Months Period USD$50.00

RENEWAL OF RESIDENT PERMITS

Categories African ECOWAS Citizen Non-African UN/ NGO
1 Year USD$ 50.00 USD$ 25.00 USD$ 100.00 Gratis

Forms for change of status, renewal, duplicate, temporary stay, re-entry permits, etc.,
even for gratis status but with the exception of UN/UNDP are USD$20.00

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ANNEX 7
Tax and Duty Waiver Procedures
CLARIFICATION OF PAYABLE FEES AND TAXES

1.0 Duty Free Application Process and Permit

A. All duty free application forms are free

B. Accredited NGOs should submit a letter of request for duty free permit, along with
copy of Article of Incorporation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and copy of
Certificate of Accreditation from Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs to the
Deputy Minister of Revenue through the Commissioner of Customs and Excise for
approval
2.0 Annual Car Registration Process
A. INGOs – A registration fee of general application from Ministry of Transport

3.0 Employee Withholding Tax Payment Process

A. No fees attached to the process

4.0 No petroleum duty free exception except for NGOs operating in Health Sector

5.0 Container Clearance Process:

A. Finance: Tax exemption form – no fee attached
No duty free permit for relief items (used clothes, used shoes and bulgur
Wheat)
B. BIVAC Clearance: US$100 for 24ft container and US $200 for 44ft container
for scanning and destination inspection (subject to revision in April 2008)
C. Port Police Clearance: No fee
D. Container Inspection Fee: No fee
E. NPA Handling Charges (Subject to revision by NPA Management):
US $152 for 40ft containers and US$90 for 20ft containers
US$20 – Weight fee

NGO’s Article of Incorporation Fee

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: US$50

7.0 Custom User Fee: 1.5% across board

(except for international organizations with specific bilateral agreement with the
government)

8.0 General duty free for NGOs operating in Education, Agriculture, Health,
Infrastructure and Energy sectors

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 ANNEX 8 – EXISTING NGO SECTORAL AND THEMATIC COORDINATION NETWORKS

Compiled by Humanitarian Coordination Section (HCS) – UNMIL, as of April 2008

SCHEDULE
CLUSTER /
MEETING VENUE CHAIR CONTACT PERSON(S)
SECTOR Frequenc Dates Time
y
1. Humanitarian HCSO Conference
Mr. Stephen Jallah, HCSO/UNMIL
Action Committee Room, Bright
Bi-weekly Thursdays 11 am HCS / UNMIL • Mobile: 06 554385
(HAC) and Security Building, Mamba
• E-mail: [email protected]
Briefing Point
Attorney John Jukon, Farmers
Liberia NGOs
General 2. Liberia NGOs HCS Conference Against Hunger (FAH)
Weekly Fridays 10 am Network
Coordination Network (LINNK) Room, Mamba Point • Mobile: 06524189
(LINNK)
• E-mail : [email protected]
Ms. Helena Ostman, MSG Liaison
3. Management
Officer
Steering Group of
Rotational Monthly 2nd Friday 3 pm Rotational • Mobile: 04 991700
INGOS in Liberia
• E-mail:
(MSG)
[email protected]
Mr. George Yarngo, Ministry of
Public Works
Water, • Mobile: 06511171
Water, Sanitation and Ministry of Public
Ministry of • E-mail: [email protected]
Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Works Conference Monthly 1st Monday 2 p.m.
Public Works
Hygiene Sector Coordination (MPW)
Ms. Salome Mwendar, UNICEF
• Mobile: 06535077
• E-mail: [email protected]

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 Mr. Alfred Mutiti, UNICEF
• Mobile: 06587493
Ministry of Gender & Ministry of • E-mail: [email protected]
1. Child Protection
Development Monthly 1st Tuesday 2 pm Gender &
Network
Conference Room Development Mr. Edwin Dorbor, UNICEF
• Mobile: 06556323
• E-mail: [email protected]

Ministry of Gender & Ministry of

Development Monthly Thursdays 10 am Gender & Ms. Rose Gakuba, UNFPA
Conference Room Development Country Representative
• Mobile: 06435159
• E-mail: [email protected]
2. Sexual & Gender- Health (Medical and Ministry of
2nd
Based Violence Psychosocial) Monthly 11 a.m. Gender & Ms. Jeannette V. Lingas
Thursday
(SGBV) Task Force Subgroup Development RH/GBV Emergency Coordinator,
Protection UNFPA
• Mobile: 06 928 206
Ministry of
• E-mail: [email protected]
Legal/ Protection and Tuesday Justice
Weekly 2 p.m.
Security Subgroup (Thursday) Conference
Room
Ms. Sharon Cooper, UNHCR
3. Protection Core 2nd Ministry of
Ministry of Justice Monthly 2 pm • Mobile: 077044878
Group (PCG) Thursday Justice
• E-mail : [email protected]

Research and
HCS Conference Mr. Thomas Bureh, RDCHR
4. Human Rights Documentatio
Room, Weekly Mondays 2 pm • Mobile: 06525450
Protection Forum n Centre on
Mamba Point • E-mail: [email protected]
Human Rights
(RDCHR)

Education
1. Education Ministry of Education Monthly 2nd 11 am MOE Mr. Mark W. Howe, Donor
Development (MOE) Wednesday Coordinator, Ministry of
Partners Conference Room Education
Coordination • Mobile: 06 697629

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 • E-mail:
[email protected]

Mr. John Sumo, UNICEF

• Mobile: 06517726
• E-mail: [email protected]
Mr. Alphonso Sheriff, ALP
National Focal Person, MOE
• Mobile: 06586230
2. Accelerated
• E-mail: [email protected]
Learning
Rotational Bi-weekly Tuesdays 9.30 am MOE
Programme (ALP)
Ms. Evelyn Barry, UNICEF
Coordination
• Mobile: 06513018
• E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Gregory Sanchez,

1. Sub-Working Group Ministry of Public Ministry of RRR/UNMIL
Monthly tbd 2 pm
on Infrastructure Works Public Works • Mobile: 06456241
• E-mail: [email protected]
Ms. Jessica Eliasson, UNDP
2. Income Generation,
Ministry of • Mobile: 06856001
Job Creation and Ministry of Labour Bi-weekly Fridays 10 am
Labour • E-mail:
Skills Development
Early [email protected]
Recovery Legal &
UNMIL Judicial Mr. Kamudoni Nyasulu, LJSSD,
Headquarters, System UNMIL
3. Rule of Law Bi-weekly Tuesdays 2 p.m.
Pan African Plaza, Support • Mobile: 077092223
Room 305A or 405B Division, • E-mail: [email protected]
UNMIL
Dr Peter Clement, WHO
1. Health Ministry of Health &
• Mobile: 06522998
Health Coordination Social Welfare Monthly 3rd Friday 11 am MoHSW
• E-mail:
Meeting (MoHSW)
[email protected]

33
 2. International NGO Mr. Judah Morris, SC-UK
SC-UK Conference 1st • Mobile: 06511606
Health Working Monthly 11 am SC-UK
Group
Room Saturday • E-mail:
[email protected]

Mr. Karsor Kollie, MoHSW

3. Disease Ministry of Health &
• Mobile: 06532903
Surveillance / Social Welfare Bi-weekly Wednesday 3 p.m. MoHSW
• E-mail:
Epidemic Conference Room
[email protected]
Mr. Michael Titoe, MOA
• Mobile: 06517569
Last • E-mail: [email protected]
1. Agriculture WFP / Ministry of Thursday
Coordination Agriculture (MOA) Monthly (January 10 am MOA
meeting is Mr. James Logan, MOA
Committee Conference Room
on 17 Jan) • Mobile: 06518830
Food • E-mail:
Security [email protected]
and WFP / Ministry of Mr. Aaron Sleh, WFP
Agriculture 2. Committee on Food To be
Agriculture (MOA) Quarterly decided
11 am WFP • Mobile: 06570424
Aid (CFA)
Conference Room • E-mail: [email protected]
Ministry of
Family Health Mrs. Henrietta Howard, UNICEF
Nutrition Coordination Last Health and
Nutrition Division, Ministry of Monthly 2 pm • Mobile: 06530611
Committee Thursday Social
Health and Social • E-mail: [email protected]
Welfare
Welfare (MOHSW)

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Annex 9
Standing Independent Appeal Board

Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs

Republic of Liberia

The Standing Independent Appeal Board established pursuant to Section 15 of the NGO
guidelines shall investigate and report on any complaints brought by any interested party
in connection with the application of the guidelines.

The Board shall determine complaints concerning any of the following matters:

• denial of accreditation or re-accreditation by the MPEA

• repeated failure by an NGO to submit annual activity or financial reports

• any other matter relating to the application of the guidelines

The Standing Independent Appeal Board shall issue a report on its findings and make
appropriate recommendations. The report and any recommendations shall be made
public.

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