Supply chain and logistics competencies in humanitarian aid

Area of Science:

• Humanitarian Logistics
• Supply Chain Management
• Disaster Response

Background:

• Increasing frequency of disasters necessitates skilled humanitarian logisticians.
• Limited research exists on the core competencies required for this role.
• Professional development pathways for humanitarian logisticians are underdeveloped.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a comprehensive humanitarian logistics competency framework (HLCF).
• To support the professional development of humanitarian logisticians.
• To aid aid agencies in human resource planning and practices.

Main Methods:

• Identification of nine competency domains.
• Definition of 29 specific competencies.
• Development of a four-level structure (entry to senior management).

Main Results:

• The HLCF comprises nine domains and 29 competencies across four career levels.
• The framework provides a standard for individual and organizational competency assessment.
• It facilitates workforce mobility and the concept of certified professionals.

Conclusions:

• The HLCF offers a vital tool for enhancing the humanitarian logistics workforce.
• It supports career progression for logisticians and strategic HR for aid organizations.
• The framework contributes to standardizing and professionalizing humanitarian logistics globally.