Humanitarian operations are based on the timely provision of supplies and services, without which the entire operation might fail. As humanitarian emergencies often take place in areas far from main sources of supply and communication, the establishment of a relevant, efficient and flexible emergency logistics and transport system is paramount to the success of the operation.

For DRC the definition of emergency logistics and transport management is:
Emergency logistics and transport management is the support function ensuring the timely delivery of supplies and services needed for the humanitarian operation.

Central to the timely delivery of supplies and services is the “supply chain” with standardized procedures and coordinated with colleagues in other departments and external partner agencies.

Logistics and transport management is a cornerstone in all DRC programmes as a support function to the operation. DRC also provides emergency logistics and transport management services and support to partner agencies in the UN. DRC has substantial experience with this kind of provision of logistics and transport services in large-scale and complex emergencies. In Bosnia, DRC managed all aspects of a fleet comprising more than 100 trucks and in Kosovo DRC managed workshops maintaining 360 light vehicles and 50 buses/trucks at the height of the operation. Through our Stand-by Roster, DRC has constant access to a large pool of human resources with relevant competencies and experience from complex emergencies.

DRC operates in partnership with various UN agencies in emergencies, with DRC operationally responsible for either part of, or the entire logistics set-up in the relief operations. Regardless of the set-up, the implementation of any given project is closely coordinated with the donors involved and the designated UN lead-agency.

Principles
The crucial role of the supply chain may not be overlooked in the assessment and planning phase, and in a larger operation with a strong logistics component the participation of a logistics specialist is highly recommended in an assessment mission, and during the initial stage of planning the operation. The more remote the location of the displaced, often the more complex will be the logistical challenges, yet these are the situations where logistics support or lack of same becomes a determining factor to the success or failure.

Assessment/feasibility/planning

• Draft a logistics plan covering the supply chain and other relevant aspects based on the operation. Three key aspects of a good supply chain are rapidity, flexibility and security. Rapidity as the commodities are in most instances urgently needed to save lives, flexibility because circumstances change and there frequently is an urgent need to adapt to a changed situation, and security to reduce hazards for staff and so as to reduce theft and looting.
  
  
• The logistics plan should provide an overview of the whole operation, planning for and managing services, materials, staff and time. The plan additionally needs to take into account the need for spare capacity and build in ways of ensuring cost-effectiveness.
  
  
• A comprehensive understanding of the overall requirements of the activities is crucial. Needs assessment should be carried out in cooperation with the most important actors/colleagues. As part of this, a comprehensive list of requirements for meeting the basic needs of the displaced population et al is essential.
  
  
• A mapping of the transport corridors with their limits and possibilities, existing storage facilities and possibilities for local procurement is very important.
  
  
• Further to this a strong element of coordination is crucial to ensure that there is no duplication of interventions.

Implementation

• Ensure that all procurement adheres to the DRC Procurement Guidelines, as well as the more specific donor guidelines of concern. As part of this, it is worth noticing that DRC by UNHCR has been received a Pre-qualification of Implementing Partner Procurement Procedures, and by ECHO has been given a Partner Status. This implies, that DRC is authorized to follow our standard procurement procedures.
  
  
• Assess the local markets and do local procurement where commodities are available in acceptable quality and price.
  
  
• Vehicle fleets should be standardized.
  
  
• Ensure that the relevant partners and colleagues are fully informed on the stock holdings, lead time on ordered commodities and any delays in deliveries that might occur.
• Build capacity of relevant partners, and hand over activities when relevant and possible.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Ensure proper storage, stock management and distribution procedures, including checks and balances, with proper documentation of all movements.
  
  
• Confirm that national regulation on distribution, storage and control systems are observed. This is especially relevant concerning food, pharmaceuticals, petrol, chemicals and other items with special requirements for storage and handling.
  
  
• Ensure in cooperation with the relevant project sectors that comprehensive distribution and post-distribution monitoring are in place, this to ensure that misappropriation of relief items is not taking place, all legible beneficiaries receive the stipulated items, and most importantly to prevent and ascertain that no exploitation (sexual and other) of beneficiaries is taking place.
  
  
• Ensure that you receive feed-back from partners and colleagues on the performance of the logistics and transport unit, and put corrective measures in place as needed.

Partnership

• DRC in many operations links up to the UN supply chain and logistics set-up.

Capacity Development

• Advocate emergency preparedness towards government institutions, train counterparts and partners and hand over tasks and assets to national actors when feasible and relevant.

Do-No-Harm

• Local procurement has a lot of advantages. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risk of distorting the market by buying commodities in too large quantities. This can have the unintended consequences of leading to price increases, to the detriment of the local population.