Logistics Cluster TOR 

 

Objective 
The Country-Level Logistics Cluster (Field Cluster) strives to build up inter-agency 
interoperability and collaboration to enhance predictability, timeliness and efficiency of the 
logistics response to meet beneficiaries’ needs.  
The Field Cluster identifies and addresses logistics gaps, bottlenecks and duplication in 
humanitarian operations and ensures that they are appropriately addressed. 

 

Role of the Lead Agency and Cluster Participants 
As the Lead Agency WFP is accountable for the performance of the Logistics Cluster and reports to 
the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC). In the exceptional circumstance that the Logistics 
Cluster identifies logistics capacity gaps that cannot be addressed by Cluster Participants, WFP as 
provider of last resort is responsible to address such gaps: Where there are critical gaps in the 
response plan, the Cluster Lead, will do its utmost to ensure that these are addressed, calling on 
relevant humanitarian partners. If this fails, then depending on the urgency and priority that the 
cluster gives to addressing this gap, the Cluster Lead may need to commit itself to filling the gap. 
 
The Country-Level Logistics Cluster activation does not automatically translate into setting up a 
“logistics cluster unit/support cell”. 
 
The Cluster Participants meet on a regular basis to share information and set priority activities of 
the cluster. 
 

Reporting Lines -  in separate document 

 

Organizational Chart - in separate document 

Activities 

Activities may be carried out by dedicated staff of the Field Support Cell or the Cluster Participants. 

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The Field Cluster formalises existing logistics coordination mechanisms among humanitarian 
actors, and local and national authorities.  

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The Field Cluster strengthens partnerships between UN agencies, the Red Cross Movement, 
International Organizations, national and international NGOs, donors and national authorities. 

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The Field Cluster provides a platform for exchanging information and making decisions to 
improve strategic coordination and prioritization. 

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 The 

Field 

Cluster 

collects, analyzes and disseminates logistics information within the 

Cluster, across other clusters and to stakeholders. 

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The Field Cluster gathers and shares logistics capacity information/assessments amongst 
Cluster Participants 

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The Field Cluster develops and maintains common logistics operational plans together with 
the humanitarian actors and other clusters to ensure most efficient logistics operations 

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 The 

Field 

Cluster 

identifies and adresses gaps, bottlenecks or duplications in the over-all 

logistics operations. 

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  The Field Cluster provides operational advice, best practices and troubleshooting 

assistance to Cluster Participants  

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  The Field Cluster negotiates facilitation measures (i.e. customs procedures) with local 

authorities and/or government counterparts on behalf of the Field Cluster if requested 

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  The Field Cluster communicates/liaises for logistics needs with OCHA CMCoord for 

MCDA/MCDU and ensures that available military assets are included into a common pool and 
efficiently used for humanitarian operations 

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  The Field Cluster coordinates humanitarian air operations and ensures airport de-

congestion, cargo prioritization and optimizes the use of pooled air assets. 

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 The 

Field 

Cluster 

represents the Logistics Cluster in other cluster meetings and high-level 

events and provides logistics input and support. 

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The Field Cluster may request the Lead Agency to become provider of last resort to ensure 
adequate response 

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The Field Cluster may identify and mobilize resources (i.e. financial, HR, assets) for services 
provided by the Cluster or other Cluster Participants 

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  The Field Cluster ensures adequate logistics preparedness through capacity building and 

contingency planning. 

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The Field Cluster defines its priorities, workplan, specific terms of reference, duration and 
exit strategy 

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 The 

Field 

Cluster 

monitors and evaluates its performance against the workplan/identified 

benchmarks.