,Topic 1: Humanitarian Logistics
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Humanitarian Logistics
Sub-learning goals of Topic Humanitarian Logistics are as follows:
• Explain the basic processes in humanitarian operations, such as logistics and funding, and the key challenges
in these processes.
• Argue how and when preparedness activities can help improve humanitarian operations.
• Argue how and when recent innovations, such as anticipatory action frameworks, cash & voucher programs,
or flexible funding mechanisms, can play an important role in improving humanitarian operations.
Part 1A Introduction to Humanitarian Operations
Disaster Types
Disaster: a disruption that physically affects a system as a whole and threatens its priorities and goals.
Disasters can be:
• Natural or man-made
• Slow- or sudden-onset
Humanitarian assistance used to be dominated by short-term, post disaster
relief.
The last decade has seen a “new normal” of protracted crises.
Mandates & Organizations
Mandate: stated set of policies and procedures agreed on and carried out by an organization in order to define
and pursue its purpose given the organization’s own standards and norms.
The Mandate delineates the scope of the organization’s work:
• Activities it undertakes and contexts in which it operates
• Standards it uses
• Key actors that benefit from its work
Two types of operations:
• Relief operations: emergency response usually to sudden-onset disasters
• Development programs: long term projects to increase quality of living
Multi-Lateral and Non-Governmental Organizations: Multi-lateral agencies, such as United Nations agencies, are
governed by representatives of governments, unlike non-governmental organizations.
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,Humanitarian organizations can be classified as multi-lateral or non-governmental (NGOs).
NGOs can be:
• Large, International NGOs (INGOs)
• Small, Local NGOs (LNGOs)
It is not uncommon for multiple organizations to have to coordinate their response.
Humanitarian organizations adhere to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality:
• help everyone in need wherever found
• do not influence the outcome of a conflict with interventions
• do not favor one group of beneficiaries over another
Humanitarian Supply Chains
IFRC Haiti Earthquake Response
On 12 January 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti close to the capital Port-au-Prince:
• Estimated 3M people affected
• Estimated ~100-160K death toll
The IFRC played an important role in the early response, directly after the disaster.
World Vision Venezuela Refugee Crisis
In 2015, Venezuela experienced over 100% inflation.
By 2018, the poverty rate became almost 90% of the population.
People migrate due to:
• Lack of available basic provisions
• Gang violence
• Extreme weather conditions
By now, over 7M have left Venezuela, taking very dangerous routes.
Challenges in Humanitarian Operations
• Need for robust equipment • Time pressure
• Limited resources • High staff turnover
• Bad environmental/logistic conditions • Politicized environment
• Need to be very adaptable and prepared for the unexpected • Incentive misalignment
• Safety issues • Ambiguous objectives
• High levels of uncertainty • The human factor: people not goods
• Many actors (donors, agencies, beneficiaries, media & public opinion)
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, Part 1B A Supply Chain Management Perspective
Challenges in Humanitarian Operations
Humanitarian Operations truly is “supply chain management in high gear”...
What are the different (non) supply chain components of a humanitarian operation?
• Needs Assessment: Conducting assessments to identify and understand the needs of the affected population.
This involves gathering data and information on the humanitarian situation.
> Food security, health, shelter, protection, water and sanitation, and protection needs.
• Coordination: Effective coordination among humanitarian actors is essential to ensure a well-organized and
coherent response.
> Working groups, facilitate collaboration, information sharing, and resource allocation between stakeholders.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management: This component focuses on the efficient and timely movement of
personnel, equipment, and relief supplies.
> Procurement, transportation, warehousing, distribution, and inventory management
• Emergency Shelter and Infrastructure: Providing adequate shelter and essential infrastructure.
> Water and sanitation facilities, health centers, and schools, hygiene promotion.
• Health and Medical Services: Addressing health needs and ensuring access to medical services.
What is the relative amount of supply chain costs? “73% of total operations expenditures is in the supply chain”
Components Humanitarian Operations
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