Community leadership

OSM Liberia Community Structure

Roles and responsibilities that power a sustainable, impactful mapping ecosystem.

1. Advisory Board

The Advisory Board serves primary function is to provide strategic direction, leveraging the experience and networks of its members to connect the community with key partners, and relevant local institutions. The Advisory Board also provides mentorship and support to the leadership team, ensuring the community aligns with best practices and global OSM initiatives.

2. Core Leadership – Team

Community Coordinator / Team Lead

Mr. Christian Weah | Community Manager

Strategic leadership • Partnerships • Community growth

Manages OSM Liberia’s overall strategy and partnerships; coordinates activities across teams; represents the community with stakeholders and partners.

Project Manager / Co-Lead

Project Management • Coordination • Planning

Supports the coordinator and manages project operations; steps in to lead when required.

Finance Lead

Finance • Logistics • Reporting

Ensures financial accountability, logistics for events, and accurate reporting.

Secretary / Documentation Officer

Documentation • Communication

Manages reports, meeting notes, and information flow across the community.

3. Technical & Mapping Team

The Technical & Mapping Team is the backbone of the OSM Liberia community, responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of the map data. It comprises the following roles:

Mapping & Data Quality Lead: This role is responsible for establishing and maintaining mapping standards within the community. The Mapping & Data Quality Lead supervises validation efforts to ensure data accuracy and provides technical mapping support to community members.

Training & Capacity Building Lead: The Training & Capacity Building Lead is responsible for organizing workshops, mapathons, and field training sessions to enhance the mapping skills of community members. They develop training materials and adapt them to the specific needs of the community.

Field Data Collection Lead: This role coordinates data gathering activities, including surveys and community mapping efforts. The Field Data Collection Lead ensures that field data collection is conducted efficiently and effectively, adhering to established protocols and ethical guidelines.

GIS & Innovation Lead: The GIS & Innovation Lead explores and implements new geospatial technologies to enhance the capabilities of the OSM Liberia community. They develop data visualizations, create map products, and explore innovative ways to utilize OSM data for various applications.

4. Communications & Outreach Team

The Communications & Outreach Team is responsible for promoting the OSM Liberia community and engaging with external stakeholders. It comprises the following roles:

Communications Lead: The Communications Lead is responsible for crafting compelling stories about the OSM Liberia community and its impact. They manage online engagement through social media and other channels, ensuring the community maintains a strong online presence and visibility.

Partnerships & Engagement Officer: This role focuses on building collaborations with institutions, donors, and civil society organizations. The Partnerships & Engagement Officer identifies potential partners, develops partnership proposals, and maintains strong relationships with existing partners.

Community Mobilization Lead: The Community Mobilization Lead is responsible for engaging volunteers, youth groups, and regional mapping teams. They organize outreach events, recruit new members, and foster a sense of community among OSM contributors in Liberia.

5. University Chapters

  • University of Liberia
  • United Methodist University (UMU)
  • African Methodist Episcopal University (AME)
  • Stella Maris Polytechnic University (SPMU)
  • Stars College of Science and Technology (SCST)
  • Blue Crest University
  • Cuttington University

Chapter Leads: These individuals coordinate mapping and outreach activities within their respective counties, campuses, or local areas. They serve as liaisons between the central OSM Liberia community and local contributors, reporting to the Community Coordinator through the Mobilization Team. This structure allows for more targeted mapping efforts and greater community involvement at the local level.