Introduction

In times of crisis, the effectiveness of emergency response operations hinges on the speed, efficiency, and resilience of logistics and supply chain systems. The Emergency Logistics and Supply Chain Management Training Course is a specialized, results-oriented program designed to empower humanitarian responders, government agencies, and logistics professionals with the critical competencies needed to manage complex supply chains during emergencies. This course focuses on the principles, practices, and technologies that ensure life-saving supplies reach affected populations quickly and efficiently under challenging conditions.

Participants will acquire practical skills in emergency procurement, inventory management, last-mile distribution, transportation coordination, and real-time supply chain visibility. The training incorporates case-based learning, simulation exercises, and global best practices to prepare individuals and institutions for both rapid-onset disasters and protracted crises. The program aligns with international humanitarian logistics standards and equips learners to build agile, scalable, and transparent emergency logistics systems that save lives and uphold accountability.

Target Audience

• Humanitarian logistics and supply chain officers
• Emergency and disaster response coordinators
• Procurement and warehousing managers
• Government officials in disaster preparedness and response units
• NGO and UN agency logistics personnel
• Public health emergency logistics teams
• Transportation and fleet management professionals
• Professionals in supply chain continuity and risk management

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of emergency logistics and supply chain operations
• Analyze supply chain needs in disaster and humanitarian settings
• Design effective logistics response plans for emergencies
• Manage procurement, warehousing, and distribution under pressure
• Apply tools and technologies for real-time logistics tracking
• Ensure compliance with humanitarian logistics standards and policies
• Optimize transportation routes and last-mile delivery operations
• Coordinate with stakeholders and partners in multi-agency responses
• Build contingency plans and logistics preparedness systems
• Integrate risk reduction and resilience into logistics planning
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve logistics performance in emergencies

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Humanitarian Logistics and Emergency Supply Chains

• Overview of emergency logistics concepts and frameworks
• Characteristics of crisis-affected supply chains
• Humanitarian supply chain actors and coordination mechanisms
• Types of emergencies and their logistics implications
• Principles of timely, accountable, and needs-based delivery

Module 2: Emergency Needs Assessment and Supply Chain Planning

• Assessing logistics needs during different types of disasters
• Supply chain mapping and gap identification
• Planning for sourcing, transport, warehousing, and distribution
• Pipeline design for essential goods and medical supplies
• Linking supply chain strategies with response plans

Module 3: Procurement and Inventory Management in Emergencies

• Emergency procurement methods and compliance procedures
• Supplier selection and rapid contracting mechanisms
• Inventory tracking systems and stock control strategies
• Cold chain and medical supply considerations
• Ensuring transparency and minimizing procurement fraud

Module 4: Transport, Distribution, and Last-Mile Delivery

• Planning and routing of emergency transportation
• Fleet management and logistics coordination in crises
• Last-mile challenges in hard-to-reach areas
• Distribution models and delivery monitoring
• Handling bottlenecks and access constraints

Module 5: Information Systems and Technology in Emergency Logistics

• Real-time tracking and digital logistics dashboards
• Mobile data collection and remote warehouse management
• Use of GIS and GPS for logistics route optimization
• Integration of logistics data into decision-making
• Blockchain and other innovations in humanitarian logistics

Module 6: Coordination, Partnerships, and Supply Chain Integration

• Working with clusters, donors, and local partners
• Inter-agency logistics coordination platforms
• Logistics Service Provision (LSP) and outsourcing
• Aligning private sector and humanitarian supply chains
• Legal and ethical considerations in emergency logistics

Module 7: Resilience Building, Risk Management, and Performance Monitoring

• Risk identification and contingency logistics planning
• Developing logistics preparedness and response frameworks
• Continuity of supply during prolonged emergencies
• KPIs and performance metrics in humanitarian supply chains
• Building adaptive and sustainable logistics systems

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.