Presidential Appointments for Program Alumni in Liberia
Monrovia, Liberia - At the founding of the President’s Young Professionals Program fellowship in Liberia 15 years ago, it was noted that to make truly sustainable change, young people trained in ethical leadership and solution-oriented skills were needed in the civil service to catalyze innovation and efficiency in government. Over time, the theory went, these leaders would rise through the ranks and become leaders in their country’s public service. Today that vision is actualized as five PYPP alumni have been nominated for positions in the administration of Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Confirmed by the Senate
Dahnu Mianyen: Deputy Director-General for Administration and Finance of the Civil Service Agency
A member of the second cohort of Fellows in Liberia, Mianyen was placed at the Office of the President and then into the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Mianyen has 15 years of experience as a development expert, and community relations specialist. He is a self-starter who uses education and experiences in the public and private sectors as well as his understanding of the region’s social, political, economic and cultural dynamics.
Dr. Moses Ziah II: Director of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia
A member of the seventh cohort of Fellows in Liberia, Dr. Ziah was placed at the Ministry of Health. Dr. Ziah volunteered to treat COVID-19 patients in Montserrado County during the height of the recent pandemic and similarly served the people of Liberia to address the Ebola epidemic as a medical student before joining the public service.
Sarah McGill Mulbah: Assistant Minister of Budget at the Ministry of Finance
A member of the fourth cohort, Mulbah was placed as a Budget Analyst at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. Most recently, she served as the Coordinator for Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting and led the Gender Budgeting Unit, mainstreaming gender into the national budget.
Boakai Jaleiba: Vice President for Administration, National Oil Company of Liberia
A member of the second cohort, Jaleiba was placed at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. There he served as an Assistant Minister for Vocational and Technical Training. Most recently, he was the Learning and Development Superintendent at ArcelorMittal, a steel manufacturer, in Buchanan, Liberia.
Frederick S. Cooper: Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
A member of the second cohort of Fellows in Liberia, Cooper was placed at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, where he served for more than 10 years. Cooper holds a master’s degree in public sector from Cutting University.
The promotions of these four public servants to the ranks of deputy ministers and assistant ministers in the Government of Liberia demonstrate the impact of long-term investment in young African leaders. As junior civil servants, these PYPP alumni benefited from the support of the alumni network, their mentors and supervisors, and facilitators. Now they share the responsibility to mentor the next generation of fellows.
Established in 2009, the President’s Young Professionals Program in Liberia became the cornerstone of what is now Emerging Public Leaders. Today, with additional programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, EPL looks forward to alumni in those programs advancing into high-level roles, over time, as well.
