Operations & Supply Chain

Humanitarian and Emergency Logistics

In disasters and humanitarian crises, logistics determines whether aid reaches people in time. This course covers humanitarian logistics: needs assessment, procurement in emergencies, warehousing and pre-positioning, transport in difficult environments, last-mile distribution, coordination with partners and accountability.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Humanitarian supply chains save lives when they are well prepared. You will learn principles and practical tools used by experienced humanitarian logisticians.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Emergency simulations, case studies of disaster responses, planning exercises and coordination role plays.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the humanitarian logistics context
Conduct logistics needs assessments
Procure goods and services in emergencies
Manage warehousing and pre-positioned stocks
Plan transport and last-mile distribution
Coordinate with partners and ensure accountability

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Humanitarian and NGO logisticians
Government emergency management staff
Supply chain professionals volunteering in crises
Military and civil defence logistics staff
Donor agency staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Emergency logistics planning
Rapid procurement
Warehousing
Distribution
Coordination

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Humanitarian Context

09:00–10:08Principles of humanitarian action
10:08–11:00Actors and coordination
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Actors and coordination (continued)
11:45–12:53Challenges
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 2Assessment and Procurement

09:00–10:08Needs assessment
10:08–11:00Emergency procurement
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Emergency procurement (continued)
11:45–12:53Supplier frameworks
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 3Warehousing

09:00–10:08Pre-positioning
10:08–11:00Temporary warehouses
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Temporary warehouses (continued)
11:45–12:53Stock control
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 4Transport and Distribution

09:00–10:08Access constraints
10:08–11:00Last-mile distribution
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Last-mile distribution (continued)
11:45–12:53Security
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 5Accountability

09:00–10:08Tracking and reporting
10:08–11:00Beneficiary accountability
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Beneficiary accountability (continued)
11:45–12:53Lessons learned
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

All courses

The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.