Logistics Cluster Coordinator, Tukastan Photo: Logistics Cluster
Rome, 1-3 December 2015
The Global Logistics Cluster organised a three-day Information Management training at WFP HQ, attended by 38 professionals, from eight different organisations, with experience as Logistics Cluster IM in field operations and/or experience with IM or reporting for WFP, other UN agencies and NGOs.
The purpose of the training was to build the capacity of IM Officers deployed in ongoing Logistics Cluster operations and skilled personnel likely to be deployed in emergencies and work for or with the cluster, by increasing their knowledge of Logistics Cluster IM standards, procedures and tools. In addition, the training aimed at strengthening working relationships between field and headquarters based IM Officers, ultimately to improve the quality of the operations.
To this end, participants were encouraged to engage in interactive discussions and to share best practices in Information Management. WFP-OIM, WFP-GIS, UNHRD, UNHAS, the Emergency Telecommunication Cluster and OCHA took the lead on specific sessions, providing valuable contributions that fueled debate.
The Global Logistics Cluster facilitated the overall training and a simulation exercise that allowed participants to apply their skills, put into practice newly acquired competencies and work on key Information Management products.
Participants from DRC, Irish Foreign Affairs-Trade Department, Logistics Cluster field operations, Map Action, Medair, Shelterbox, THW, UNHCR, WFP HQ, Regional Bureaus and Country Offices suddenly became Logistics Cluster IM Officers deployed to the fictitious country of Tukastan, struck by a devastating natural disaster that has damaged infrastructure and cut off the humanitarian community from bringing aid to the population in the most remote areas.
Submerged with piles of news reports, initial assessments, requests for assistance, the teams had to draw a picture of the situation in Tukastan and put together key information products necessary to inform the humanitarian community on the logistics needs, infrastructure challenges, as well as services and assets made available by respondent organisations.
The teams were faced with significant challenges similar to those they would experience at the onset of an emergency, when accurate information is particularly precious yet hard to gather, but they proved themselves with excellence and creative work.
Information Management is a core function of the Logistics Cluster, crucial to allow humanitarian organisations to effectively and efficiently respond to emergencies: high quality, timely, and accurate information is fundamental to ensure coordination within the humanitarian logistics community, and to support emergency operations.
The Global Logistics Cluster is looking forward to develop a new module taking in the different recommendations received and train another enthusiastic group in 2016.
IM Offices assessing the situation in Tukastan Photo: Logistics Cluster