LET to facilitate in UN Global Logistics Cluster's LRT Training

I am truly very excited and looking forward to be part of the above training. Most importantly, to be nominted by Agility, UPS and Maersk to represent the entire LET for the first time as the facilitator for this training. The training begins on 15 April and ends on 21 April 2012.

As this invitation proves that we at the LET had managed to embed ourselves and be recognised as one of the providers to the UN Global Logistics Cluster during disasters and emergency situations. 18 months ago when I first joined the then Moving the World group as he Programme Manager Supporting WFP Operations, we were not able to even attend the UN Global Logistics Cluster meetings but yet now, we are invited to be part of their most prestigious training.

As the facilitator, my role(s) will be as indicated below.

1. To play our own role as HQ for our own agencies/NGOs (if coming from an NGO)
2. To be involved in other role plays as required
3. To supervise the teams and propose injections, changes etc…during the training
4. To actively participate in the debriefing sessions
5. To look at the “performance” of our own staff (if any)

One of the main objectives of this training is to bring everybody together to better understand each other as well as developing a better coordinated approach. The role of the facilitators will be crucial to achieve this objective.

To understand the seriousness of this training, please see the purpose and objectives below.

The LRT training aims at developing comprehensive emergency response management knowledge and capacities of senior logistics managers. The objective of the training is to prepare skilled Logistics Response Teams that are deployed to provide immediate operational logistics surge capacity and assume an initial coordination role at the onset of emergencies.

During the training, participants will develop key technical skills and adopt proactive attitudes through participation in interactive discussions and practical activities, including simulations. The LRT training is a prerequisite to be included on the LRT roster.

During this training, all participants and facilitators will not be staying in hotels but in open areas where the base is located and minimal facilities like bunk beds/sleepong bags, shared shower facilities and meals in mess halls. It will be a very good simulation training simulating an actual disaster.

For this particular training, the scenario is as follows :

• An earthquake occurred in an insecure area (such as civil war). The sub office will be located close to the disaster area.
• The international assistance should reach the most affected areas.
• Access is restricted for security reasons.
• Access is difficult and restricted due to road/infrastructures affected by the earthquake.
• Air operations seem quite complex to organize given mountainous areas.
• Humanitarian organisations will be prevented to operate and circulate mainly due to security and/or security concerns.
• An interagency coordination mechanism will be required to be activated in order to deal with local authorities, organize and prioritize convoys/cargo, airlift if possible, store equipment, etc.

Hope to give you an update on the training, the facility and what I will be experiencing on a day to day basis if possible.

A glimpse of LRT Training http://www.wfp.org/logistics/blog/glimpse-logistics-response-team-training