Other Public Sector Study
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Publication
Political Economy of Extractives Governance in Sierra Leone
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2013-07)Sierra Leone is still recovering from a brutal civil war (1991-2002), fuelled in part by a valuable and easily extractable natural resource (diamonds). Sierra Leone now stands on the verge of an unprecedented period of economic growth, driven primarily by revenues from large-scale iron ore mining. Yet it continues to face many governance and developmental challenges. The rapid rise of the extractives governance agenda in Sierra Leone requires an equally swift, yet strategic response from all stakeholders: the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), development partners (DPs), civil society organizations (CSOs), communities, and mining companies. This report uses a 'value chain' approach to mining governance which highlights the critical stages through which a resource dependent country is expected to progress as it seeks to transform resource rents into economic growth and sustainable human development. The objective of this study is ultimately to improve the management of the natural resource endowment, enjoyed by Sierra Leone, in a manner that will allow the revenues generated from natural resource extraction to contribute in an optimal manner towards sustainable economic growth. Specifically, the study focuses on mining (iron ore, diamonds, and other minerals) and to a much lesser extent, oil and gas. By using the 'theories of change' approach to political economy analysis, the report looks at the historical challenges around extractive governance, identifies systemic features, and characteristics of 'the problem', extrapolates and analyses the incentives shaping the activities and behaviors of key stakeholders, and then lays out a possible platform for engagement based on clearly identified entry points. This report is organized as follows: chapter one is introduction, chapter two presents a summary of previous analytical work on the political economy of Sierra Leone with special reference to the extractives sector, its governance past, and possible governance futures. Chapter three undertakes an in-depth analysis of the extractives value chain in Sierra Leone and chapter four identifies key stakeholders across this value chain, noting their influence on extractives management policy and implementation, their potential relationships with other stakeholders, and influence over policy outcomes. Chapter five identifies and highlights suitable entry points for policy dialogue on extractives-led governance in Sierra Leone and possible project and technical assistance interventions across the value chain. -
Publication
Sierra Leone: Strengthening Entry-Level Leadership Development in the Civil Service
(Washington, DC, 2012-09)This report is the final product of a project financed by a grant from the World Bank's Youth Innovation Fund developed in conjunction with representatives of the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) spanning the period December 2011-June 2012. The report is an advisory document to assist the GoSL in advancement of its Public Sector Reform Program, particularly the initiative improving productivity through management and pay reforms. It provides the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) with options for the design and implementation of an entry-level leadership development program (ELDP) for the civil service, currently slated for implementation in 2014 as per government timelines. This program is herein referred to as the Sierra Leone Public Service Fellowship (SLPSF). The purpose of this document is address the identified organizational gap by offering technical guidance on the creation of a civil service fellowship that cultivates promising young professionals as future leaders. The proposed program targets university students in their final year of study and entices them to apply for graduate entry-level positions through a dedicated outreach effort and series of incentives. It selects candidates through a rigorous multi-stage assessment and matches successful candidate's interests with the needs of the Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDAs). It trains selected fellows in core civil service knowledge as well as a range of generalist functions and technical skills. It also offers fellows the opportunity to rotate in three different MDAs throughout the two-year period to develop a whole of government perspective. Throughout this initiative, the program offers fellows access to senior Government leaders and opportunities to grow professionally building a strong foundation for a successful career as a civil servant. Additionally, the program is bolstered by a number of public relations opportunities to raise its profile and showcase its achievements to Sierra Leoneans within and outside of Government. -
Publication
Sierra Leone : Strategic Options for Public Sector Reform
(Washington, DC, 2003-08-05)The purpose of this paper is to outline strategic options for the reform of the public sector. The strategic options will be based upon an analysis of the public sector emerging from the civil war, and a longer period of deterioration and decline. The strategy will be expressed in very broad-brush form; detailed planning will only be possible once the basic strategic decisions have been taken. Years of corrupt, and ineffective government, causing - as well as compounded by - civil war, have left Sierra Leone with poor access to basic services, especially outside Freetown, with substantial dependence on NGOs. Expenditure management is weak; there is no effective accountability; human capacity is weak throughout the public service; and, the management of policy, and programs is highly centralized in Freetown, and in the Office of the President, and the Ministry of Finance. Nonetheless, there is now a strong consensus in favor of reforming the policy process, expenditure management, and accountability. And, there is an ever stronger determination to decentralize the delivery of basic services. The "options" concern the rate of decentralization. But, there is little worldwide experience to suggest that rapid devolution can work in terms of improving service delivery. Sierra Leone will need to be creative about the capacity issue: capacity does not have to be produced by the public sector, but capacity existing elsewhere can be effectively utilized by the public sector. So the recommended option is to act aggressively to build capacity to support the soon-to-be newly elected local councils. And to be sure to allocate the funds needed to support their responsibilities for basic service delivery, which would be expanded as the councils demonstrate their capacity to perform.