Proceedings - General Assembly 2009

General Assembly 2009

PROCEEDINGS

 

  (Download full Proceedings in PDF file here)

 

NETWORKING, LEARNING, AND PREVAILING IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES

Monday, April 27th 2009

Ramada Park Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland

 

OPENING REMARKS

By Philippe Guiton

Philippe Guiton, Geneva Director from World Vision International, opened the general assembly by sharing his personal experience and observations on how logistics has evolved through the past decade.  Mr. Guiton noted the increased recognition and importance of logistics in field operations. He emphasized that today, logistics is no longer considered one of the "small jobs," and the success of an operation is increasingly being attributed to logisticians. Logisticians have slowly become more proficient.

 

I. INTRODUCTION

By All Participants

This was the second General Assembly of the Humanitarian Logistics Association.  The first HLA event was held on 22 April 2008 in Geneva, and the output of this conference has provided the necessary direction to advance the development of programmes and initiatives that reflect the priorities of our members.

This year, HLA continued to build on the foundations that support the development of the professional humanitarian logistician. The discussions were focused on how to enhance the growing network of humanitarian logisticians, reinforce connections to a variety of stakeholders, and activate plans to promote the future development of this important and challenging sector.

The general assembly began with self-introductions by participants. There were over 50 participants from various 27 organizations.

 

II. HLA ORGANIZATION

By George Fenton and Marin Tomas

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Why are we here?

HLA's vision is to act as a global association of logistics professionals committed to increasing humanitarian logistics effectiveness to improve the lives and dignity of beneficiaries by creating opportunities for dialogue and cooperative relationships with its members and partners.

Marco Polo Declaration:

In a groundbreaking initiative at HLC 2005, participants created and signed the Marco Polo Declaration, forming a professional humanitarian logistics association. The Declaration is about collaboration; sharing knowledge, best practice, and experiences; improving skills and training opportunities; seeking efficiency and effectiveness in our operations; improving accountability and transparency; leveraging public-private partnership; working with academia; increasing the profile and promoting awareness of the value of humanitarian logistics; supporting our fellow professionals in the field; setting common standards; promoting appropriate use of new technology and information systems, etc.

Our shared vision is for HLA to be a single entity that can act in a neutral way as an interface between all the actors (donors, private sector, public sector, UN and Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies, NGOs) in the humanitarian logistics arena.

While we meet as individuals, we need to find ways to influence our organizations to gain support in recognizing that humanitarian logistics is a sector in its own right.

Read more on HLA Organization here...

Download HLA Organization Presentation here (PDF)...

III. CAPACITY BUILDING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Humanitarian Logistics Certification Programs

By Bernard Chomilier

Humanitarian Logistics Certification (CHL) Programme

The Certification programme aims to increase professional recognition of logistics internally and externally and to establish a community of professionals worldwide. CHL is also committed to creating common processes, standards, and vocabulary across organizations, and developing a pool of institutional knowledge to enable continuous improvements. The programme aims to ensure better accountability and provide standards and metrics.

Download Certification Presentation here (PDF)...

 

• Evaluation Project: CHL Programs

By Nigel Lloyd

The Certification Programme is now at a critical point after three years in operation, and its sponsors have decided to evaluate its impact. Students are invited to provide their feedback on the programme. The CHL, a seven-unit competence-based qualification, is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of those working at an operational level in humanitarian logistics.

The evaluation is being performed by a team from Cambridge Professional Development: Thierry Schweitzer (a member of the British Red Cross ERU), Nigel Lloyd, and John O'Sullivan. The project is being managed by Jane Macdonald of Fritz Institute.

Download Evaluation Project Presentation here (PDF)...

               

IV. INTER-AGENCY HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS COMPETENCIES PROJECT

By Paul Molinaro

Overview
Supply Chain and Logistics is gaining more and more strategic importance in the sector today. Organizations are facing increased costs and complex supply chains that contribute to recognition of logistics as a profession.

UNICEF is a large organization committed to the Certification, and has also made a commitment to newly trained talent. A group of 500 people will finish certification with clear expectations.

UNICEF is planning ahead for questions from the newly certified – "now what?" and hoping to develop career ladders to accommodate certifications. We have reached a point where humanitarian logistics competencies (CHL/CLH, CHSCM, MedLog) need to be integrated into HR strategy.

Next phase in Certification is to involve Human Resources. Goal is to establish competencies linked to formalized job descriptions and requirements for jobs (certification becomes a requirement or equivalency).  The model would establish technical requirements for logistics jobs, established by technical function vs. arbitrary academic profile.  

Read more on Competencies Project here...

Download Competencies Project Presentation here (PDF)...

 

Group Break-Out Session

 

Download Report back from Break-out Groups here...

 

V. PREVAILING THROUGH TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES

1. COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES - THE CASE FOR LOGISTICS

PLENARY DISCUSSION

Facilitated by Mich Mizushima

Organizations feel pressures in SCM: they need to survive during tough economic times but prepare for the future when the economy regains momentum. Logistics is the area that is still not always visible or recognized, but SCM costs are a major and growing part of organization. However, beneficiaries depend on SCM to deliver vital products and services when the economy is booming and when it is not.

Current focus is on costs: logistics cost is significant part of operations (50% or more). Logisticians feel pressure from their organizations to save money or add value to their performance.

<!--[endif]-->The economic recession did not equally affect all organizations. Mostly it affected staff capacity and learning, contracts got shorter. In terms of staffing, some organizations had planned to increase staff, but for this year were asked to cut back. Lots of other activities, travel, etc. were cut. Cut in staffing in some organizations hindered multiyear projects - seen as not politically favorable.

Read more here...

Download Collaborative Initiative Presentation here (PDF)...

 

2. REGIONAL ACTIVITIES AND HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS COMMUNITIES:  "RED DOTS"

By Martin Ohlsen

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The general assembly discussed possibilities for enhancing the growing HLA network. The set up of the RED DOT at country level was proposed: RED DOT could be an appointed member of HLA (voluntary basis). His/ her responsibility would be to be a country reference point for logisticians working in the humanitarian sector. Goal is to strengthen relationships, communications, and promote membership by creating a community of practice and by working with governments, providing training, support, and encouraging knowledge exchange.

By creating RED DOT at country level, HLA would build the Community of Practice among UN & NGO Logisticians, expert institutions (World Bank, Chambers of Commerce, Forwarders‘ Associations), and potential sponsors/Private transport sector.

RED DOT would also promote Certification and Training: CHLs, provide support training in the community, knowledge sharing (Newsletters, Website).

Question raised: Is it practical to have RED DOT available as the first contact in the country/ region? Website would be the main tool of communication and information sharing.

There was general support for RED DOTs among participants. However, there was concern that promoting HLA to field logisticians and engaging with other bodies (e.g. Governments) is a lot of work for a full time logistician.

Social Networking was suggested as an initial stage in recruiting RED DOTs. This would provide opportunities to share information and knowledge. Using social networking tools, we could start a mapping process of the humanitarian logistics community. Creating a map for RED DOTs was suggested as the next step for this project.

Download Regional Activities Presentation here (PDF)...

 

VI. SYSTEMS , PROCESSES AND NETWORKING

• HELIOS

By Martijn Blansjaar and Fraser Stephens

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The case for HELIOS came from HLC: all organizations were struggling with the same issues and needed to find a common solution - a unified system. HELIOS aims to be a tool that is applicable to all organizations.

HELIOS has been piloted over the last year by Oxfam-GB and World Vision International. In 2008, Oxfam received board approval to implement HELIOS worldwide. Oxfam will be deploying HELIOS to 20 country programme operations over the next 2 years. Oxfam is planning to do more development and testing and start full roll-out in September 09.

Read more on HELIOS here...

Download HELIOS Presentation here (PPT)...

 

• SOCIAL NETWORKING

By Martin Bush

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This year the general assembly of HLA discussed the importance of Social Networking (SN) tools that inform, support and connect field logistics practitioners. SN tools have changed in the present environment. Individuals increasingly use chat rooms and various different networking sites and connections. New web-based sites have become friendlier - picture, videos, file sharing. Networking is the result of sharing content online. It also provides visibility - you get news from several sources; transparency - see the bias; and raises awareness.

There are different types of networking and instant communication - more personal. LinkedIn is a social networking site for professional people. It provides an opportunity to network or stay in touch with people. For example, having HLA on LinkedIn, would offer interaction between members.

<!--[endif]-->(There is now a LinkedIn HLA group - join here...).

 

Advantages of new SN tools:

• Mobile phones - you can access info
• WiFi connection, can be more useful than TV signal
• Speed - what can take 6 hours to get onto TV, is uploaded instantly on Twitter

The general rule of social networking is that you should give more than you might receive. It's a two way street - you have to give in order to receive.

Social networking sites help organizations to establish their presence online. Social media gives control and tools to monitor information. For example, there are tools to provide alerts if there is a disaster. There are also communication and data gathering tools. However, organizations should make considerations and plan carefully when developing an online presence.

Download Social Networking Presentation here (PDF)...

 

VII. THE PATH FORWARD FOR HLA

By Paul Molinaro

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Sustainability of HLA is a major concern. Goal is to keep HLA alive not through subscribers but with organizations supporting the association. It was suggested that organizations might look for funding internally to contribute support to HLA.

 

Outcome Summary for the General Assembly

 

Outcome	Next steps
Certification Programme	Transfer the Certification programme to HLA
Competencies “Standard”	- HLA Website (Create a Page) Managed by Edita - Set up a small group (Interested Party) - Review Group Set Up - Conference Call - Facilitated by Paul M or dedicated person
HLA Governance	Define By-Laws and post on the HLA website
Member Engagement	Sign Up for Committees - Red Dot - Others

 ***

HLA Executive Committee:

     * Martijn BLANSJAAR, Oxfam-GB

    * Bernard CHOMILIER, World Food Programme

    * Jean-Christophe CRESPEL, La Guilde

    * Erland Egiziano, ACTION CONTRE LA FAIM (ACF)

    * George FENTON, World Vision International

    * Mike GOODHAND, British Red Cross

    * Paul MOLINARO, UNICEF

    * Martin OHLSEN, World Food Programme

    * Marin TOMAS, International Medical Corps

   *  Mich MIZUSHIMA, Fritz Institute

    * Edita NICHOLS, Fritz Institute