1. Global Logistics Cluster Meeting
Upstream Pipeline
Global Logistics Cluster Meeting
Nairobi, November 8-9, 2010

2. What is the Logistics Cluster?
A Group of organisations working together to improve the logistics response during emergencies
ICRC and IFRC are “observers” 2

3. Global Logistics Cluster Meeting
Upstream Pipeline
Upstream pipeline in a humanitarian context refers to the supply chain including sourcing and delivery of the goods/cargos sourced outside of the country of operation.
This includes goods allocated/consigned to the country programmes and in transit (en route) to the country of operation. 3

4. Global Logistics Cluster Meeting
Upstream Pipeline
WHY is it important for the Logistics Cluster?
to understand capacity and scale of services/support that the Logistics Cluster will have to provide to the customers in a country;
to make the necessary operational plans, preparations and mobilization of the resources to respond to the requests;
as necessary, advise to the customers/agencies on the alternative or more effective ways and means of bring in the aid in to the country. 4

5. Global Logistics Cluster Meeting Upstream Pipeline
HOW the information is updated and by WHOM?
to the extent possible the pipeline information and its submissions shall be synchronised (timing and minimum information) among all the participating agencies;
the primary managers and owners of the pipeline i.e. the AGENCIES, to provide pipeline information to the Logistics Cluster (global and/or field level);
LOGISTICS CLUSTER to consolidate all the pipeline information in an easily understandable format and disseminate it to all the agencies with the relevant observations and recommendations. 5

6. Global Logistics Cluster Meeting Upstream Pipeline
WHEN
the pipeline information is required from the agencies?
as soon as the purchase orders are placed or shipping instructions are issued;
as soon as there is any change in the pipeline. 6

7. Global Logistics Cluster Meeting Challenges and Constraints
Upstream Pipeline
Challenges and Constraints
irregular feedback on the pipeline from the agencies;
at times no information, or feedback at all; 7

8. Global Logistics Cluster Meeting Unsolicited in-kind donations
Upstream Pipeline
Unsolicited in-kind donations
No prior information on the pipeline;
Sporadic and spontaneous – not planned in advance, and not part of the programmes;
Non standard goods;
Political aspect; 8

9. Global Logistics Cluster Meeting Open discussions and questions
Upstream Pipeline
Open discussions and questions
How to improve information flow and feedback from the agencies to the Logistics Cluster?
e.g. focal point system of the senior managers in each organisation?
Other ideas?
Unsolicited in-kind donations: how do they fall within the prioritisation?
e.g. political aspect vs. actual need and relevance/appropriateness of a donation . Should such donations be accepted unconditionally, or should they be pre-screened and decision taken by the RC/HC, Government, Clusters?
Other issues
Regular use and update of the joint UNOCHA and Global Logistics Cluster web-based tool Global Mapping of Emergency Stockpiles
Dedicated, common portal where all agencies can regularly update their upstream pipelines for each country by programmes; 9

10. Questions ? Website: www.logcluster.org E-mail: 10