Training on Logistics Cluster Coordination and Humanitarian Supply Chains

Module 1: The Logistics Cluster Architecture

• The cluster approach in humanitarian response.

• The Logistics Cluster mandate: coordination, information management, and common services.

• Global Logistics Cluster and country-level clusters.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze the activation of the Logistics Cluster in a recent major emergency, identifying successes and challenges in coordination.

Module 2: Logistics Cluster Activation and Governance

• Criteria for Logistics Cluster activation.

• The lead agency role (usually WFP) and cluster partners.

• Governance structures: cluster meetings, steering committees, and strategic advisory groups.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop an activation plan for the Logistics Cluster in a rapid-onset emergency, including stakeholder mapping, initial priorities, and governance setup.

Module 3: Information Management for Logistics Coordination

• Logistics needs assessments and gap analysis.

• Information management tools: Logistics Cluster website, operational dashboards, and 3W (Who, What, Where).

• Common operational datasets and logistics mapping.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Create a logistics operational dashboard for a humanitarian response, including partner presence, warehouse locations, and transport capacity.

Module 4: Common Transport Services

• Coordination of common transport: air, road, rail, and water.

• Humanitarian air services: UNHAS (UN Humanitarian Air Service) and other common air services.

• Common road transport and logistics convoys.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Plan a common transport coordination mechanism for a response with multiple NGOs needing to move supplies into an inaccessible area.

Module 5: Common Warehousing and Storage

• Common storage facilities: hubs, transit warehouses, and forward stockpiles.

• Storage allocation, management, and handover procedures.

• Cold chain and temperature-sensitive storage coordination.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a common warehousing strategy for a response, including hub locations, storage allocation criteria, and access procedures for partners.

Module 6: Common Fleet and Equipment Management

• Coordination of common fleet services: vehicles, fuel, and maintenance.

• Equipment sharing: forklifts, generators, and handling equipment.

• Fleet management standards and safety.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a common fleet management framework for a response, including vehicle allocation, fuel management, and maintenance schedules.

Module 7: Government, Military, and Customs Coordination

• Engaging with government logistics and disaster management agencies.

• Military logistics support: civil-military coordination (UN-CMCoord).

• Customs facilitation and expedited clearance for humanitarian goods.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a customs facilitation strategy for a rapid-onset emergency, including pre-clearance agreements, waivers, and coordination with border authorities.

Module 8: Private Sector Engagement in Logistics

• The role of private sector logistics providers (trucking, warehousing, freight forwarding).

• Logistics Capacity Assessments (LCA) and private sector mapping.

• Public-private partnerships in humanitarian logistics.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a private sector engagement strategy for a Logistics Cluster, including criteria for partner selection and coordination mechanisms.

Module 9: Logistics Cluster Advocacy and Resource Mobilization

• Identifying logistics gaps and advocating for resources.

• Resource mobilization through humanitarian response plans (HRP) and flash appeals.

• Logistics funding mechanisms: pooled funds, bilateral contributions, and in-kind support.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop an advocacy note on logistics gaps for a humanitarian response, targeting donors and humanitarian leadership.

Module 10: Logistics Cluster Performance and Transition

• Monitoring Logistics Cluster performance: indicators, feedback, and after-action reviews.

• Transition and exit strategies: phasing down common services and handing over to government or development actors.

• Learning and continuous improvement in logistics coordination.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Conduct an after-action review for a Logistics Cluster response, identifying lessons learned and recommendations for future activations.