The World Food Program (WFP) in collaboration with the Logistics Cluster organised a Warehouse Commodity Management training session for humanitarian organisations in Dohuk, Iraq from 12-16 May.
The 5 day-long course saw the participation of representatives from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Samaritan’s Purse, Save the Children and the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA), and was organised following a request by Logistics Cluster’s partners to train staff involved in the day-to-day running of critical logistical operations in Iraq.
Conducted by logisticians from WFP and the Logistics Cluster, the training provided a comprehensive overview of storekeeper’s responsibilities, but also visits to Dohuk’s warehouses for a practical exercise.
During the theoretical sessions participants were given introductions to some of the key operational activities for good warehouse management, including unloading, checking cargo upon arrival and dispatch, as well as safe handling and stacking of commodities in the warehouse.
In addition, the participants were also advised on documentation and record keeping, briefed on how to record and reconcile commodity losses, conduct stock inventories and inspection of cargo. Using the experience of WFP logisticians, information about pest control of food and best practices for emergency and outdoor storage, were also covered.