GEORGE W. K. YARNGO
Fredericksburg,VA
Summary
Distinguished Water and Sanitation (WASH) professional with over 40 years of experience in environmental management, public policy, and rural infrastructure. Former Assistant Minister for Public Works with a proven track record in leading national WASH sectors, representing governmental interests in international forums (AMCOW, AfricaSan), and executing large-scale projects for the African Development Bank, USAID, UNICEF, and the World Bank. Expert in policy formulation, capacity building, and non-sewered sanitation standards. Currently serve in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Commission (NWASHC) of Liberia.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
National Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Commission (NWASHC)
Liberia
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Serves as the principal head and executor of the National Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Commission, responsible for regulating and coordinating the performance of the water sector in Liberia
WASH Specialist / Senior Research Specialist
LEPDA / USAID Liberia
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Provided technical guidance to the Pump & Tank Maintenance Company to manage three outstation water supply projects.
- Conducted rapid capacity assessments of subnational government structures (Superintendents and Mayors) for decentralized WASH delivery with the USAID-funded Liberia Economic Policy Development Activity (LEPDA).
- Supported local organizations in creating environments for private sector participation in WASH services.
Local Consultant / Technical Liaison
Maritime Transport & Business Solutions (MTBS)
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Served as Liaison Officer for the Inland Waterway Transport system for Monrovia and surrounding areas.
Grantee Evaluator
The Roddenberry Foundation
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Evaluated national and international partners for grant qualification to implement global WASH projects.
Independent Consultant
Liberia WASH Consortium (WaterAid)
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Developed 11 comprehensive WASH training manuals and guidelines for sector-wide implementation.
Independent Consultant
UNICEF
01.2019 - 01.2019
- Co-authored the development of the Ending Open Defecation Liberia 2025 Road Map
Local Residential Water Utility Engineer
Adam Smith International through CEMMATS Group, Ltd
Freetown, Sierra Leone
01.2018 - 01.2018
- Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) Institutional Strengthening, Urban WASH Sector Coordination, and District Metering Area
Technical Lead
Adam Smith International/CEMMATS, Group, Ltd, /Guma Valley Water Company
Freetown, Sierra Leone
01.2017 - 01.2017
- Provided technical leadership for the survey of customer meter installations in Pilot DMAs (District Metering Areas) as part of the Water Sector Reform Project
Assistant Minister
Ministry of Public Works, Liberia
Liberia
01.2007 - 01.2017
- Directed the rural WASH sector and provided technical oversight for national policies, strategies, and budgets.
- Chaired the National Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Promotion Committee.
- Served as 1st Vice Chairperson for the AMCOW Technical Advisory Committee for West Africa.
Director, National Rural Water Program
Ministry of Rural Development / Public Works
01.1987 - 01.2006
- Managed external support agencies to provide water and sanitation services to rural communities.
- Led the development of technical guidelines for the construction of wells and latrines.
Education
Professional Certificate - ISO 30500 and ISO 24521 (Non-sewered Sanitation Standards)
01-2020
Master of Science (MSc) - Water and Environmental Management
Loughborough University
UK01-1989
Post-graduate Certificate - Integrated Rural Regional Development Planning
Israel01-1986
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Economics and Management
University of Liberia
Liberia01-1982
Skills
- Organizational leadership
- Executive leadership
- Risk management
- Staff management
AWARDS
6th Distinguished Alumni Award: Loughborough University, UK (2017).
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Leadership: National WASH policy development and sector coordination.
- Technical Expertise: ISO 30500/24521 standards, rural water supply, and SanPlat technology.
- Consultancy: Rapid capacity assessments, technical guidelines, and grantee evaluation.
- Emergency Response: Development of protocols for Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs).
- International Liaison: Representation at World Water Week and African Ministers' Council on Water, Sanitation and Water for All (SWA)
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
National Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Commission (NWASHC)
01.2024 - 01.2026
Local Consultant / Technical Liaison
Maritime Transport & Business Solutions (MTBS)
01.2022 - 01.2022
Grantee Evaluator
The Roddenberry Foundation
01.2022 - 01.2022
WASH Specialist / Senior Research Specialist
LEPDA / USAID Liberia
01.2021 - 01.2023
Independent Consultant
Liberia WASH Consortium (WaterAid)
01.2021 - 01.2021
Independent Consultant
UNICEF
01.2019 - 01.2019
Local Residential Water Utility Engineer
Adam Smith International through CEMMATS Group, Ltd
01.2018 - 01.2018
Technical Lead
Adam Smith International/CEMMATS, Group, Ltd, /Guma Valley Water Company
01.2017 - 01.2017
Assistant Minister
Ministry of Public Works, Liberia
01.2007 - 01.2017
Director, National Rural Water Program
Ministry of Rural Development / Public Works
01.1987 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Economics and Management
University of Liberia
Post-graduate Certificate - Integrated Rural Regional Development Planning
Master of Science (MSc) - Water and Environmental Management
Loughborough University