Summary
Content
OVERVIEW
The LRT is a unique logistics training initially put together by the UN World Food Programme in 2007, following WFP’s designation by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) as the lead agency for logistics in emergency response (sudden onset and protracted) as part of the Cluster system. The LRT’s purpose is to enhance the response capabilities of the international community through the establishment of clear accountability, enhanced predictability and strengthened partnerships, within the context of humanitarian interventions. To date the LRT, with support from over 130 experienced logisticians and representatives from a wide variety of organizations including academics, donors, NGOs and the military, has successfully trained almost 200 logisticians from more than 30 different organizations.
OBJECTIVE
The Logistics Cluster’s Logistics Response Team (LRT) training is an intensive seven-day simulation exercise, designed to develop comprehensive emergency response management knowledge and build capacity among senior logistics managers from a wide range of humanitarian organizations. The objective of the training is to prepare logistics staff to be part of skilled Logistics Response Teams, deployable when immediate operational logistics surge capacity is required, and tasked with assuming an initial coordination role at the onset of emergencies. Furthermore, LRT training aims to build up and maintain a roster of trained logistics professionals who are available for Logistics Cluster deployments, and also seeks to facilitate greater interaction between humanitarian actors during emergencies by improving the awareness of the Cluster system. Thus, emphasis on the coordination aspect of cluster response is a major point of focus during the training. With the support from the Global Logistics Cluster Support Cell, the WFP Logistics Development Unit has organised nine LRT trainings since 2007. More than 300 logistics officers have participated in the program to date, either as facilitators or trainees.
SIMULATION
The 7-day simulation is designed to allow the participants to apply their skills, knowledge, and abilities in a disaster situation, with a strong multi-organisation facilitation team supporting them and providing them with necessary guidance and feedback The training provides a forum for a clearer understanding of the role of participants in the logistics inter-agency mechanism vis-à-vis their respective organization. Upon completion, in addition to the personal and profession benefits of the training for the participants, those who take part are also in a position to raise awareness within their organisation about both the Logistics Cluster, and their organisation’s role within the Cluster system.