Imagine a tax authority that moves beyond traditional administrative mandates to embrace scientific human resource management, unlocking employee potential and enhancing institutional effectiveness. The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is making steady progress toward this vision, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) accelerating the transformation.
Building Capacity Through Strategic Partnerships
Since the WCO's Personnel Development Diagnostic Assessment Mission in July 2016, the LRA has implemented an ambitious Human Resource Management (HRM) modernization roadmap with support from the WCO-WACAM project funded by the Swedish government. This initiative aims to comprehensively upgrade the tax authority's HR capabilities, laying a solid foundation for sustainable revenue growth.
Significant progress has already been achieved through the WCO-WACAM project. The LRA completed foundational work establishing position catalogs and competency frameworks that clearly define job requirements and the knowledge, skills, and attributes needed for each role. These tools provide clear standards for all HR processes.
In May 2017, the WCO dispatched a capacity-building delegation to launch change management activities and institutionalize competency-based HRM approaches within the LRA. The mission directly engaged approximately 20% of staff, including senior leadership, through training workshops that deepened understanding of modern HR principles and assessment methodologies.
Regional Leadership Through Collaboration
The LRA has emerged as a regional pioneer, becoming the second English-speaking tax authority in West Africa after The Gambia Revenue Authority to develop comprehensive HR tools including position catalogs, job descriptions, competency frameworks, and dictionaries aligned with WCO's Customs Professional Framework principles.
To foster knowledge sharing, the WCO-WACAM project facilitated participation by The Gambia Revenue Authority's HR Deputy Director in support missions to Liberia. This regional cooperation model accelerates institutional learning and raises customs administration standards across West Africa.
Implementation Highlights
The LRA's modernization efforts include several key components:
- Position Catalog Development: Comprehensive role descriptions incorporating responsibilities, reporting structures, and required competencies developed through cross-departmental collaboration.
- Competency Framework: A dual-focused system addressing both technical capabilities and general skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork, adapted from international best practices.
- Competency Assessments: Pilot evaluations conducted in select units including HR, tax offices, and customs operations at Freeport and Monrovia International Airport using multiple assessment methods.
- Change Management: Systematic approach including training workshops, awareness campaigns, and establishment of an HRM Modernization Working Group to drive cultural and operational transformation.
Broader Implications
The LRA's experience offers valuable lessons for developing nations pursuing administrative modernization:
- Executive-level commitment proves essential for resource allocation and organizational buy-in
- Strategic partnerships can accelerate progress through technical and financial support
- Capacity building forms the foundation for sustainable institutional development
- Proactive change management minimizes resistance during transitional periods
- Regional cooperation creates opportunities for shared learning and mutual advancement
With continued WCO support and strong leadership commitment, the LRA is positioned to emerge as a regional HRM leader in West and Central Africa, contributing significantly to national economic development through enhanced revenue administration capabilities.