The Cluster Approach  was endorsed by the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) in Sept. ‘05 The IASC, in its own words, is "the primary mechanism for inter agency coordination of humanitarian assistance. It is a unique forum involving key UN and non-UN humanitarian partners".  http://www.humanitarianinfo.org/iasc/

The IASC committee is chaired by the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC), Sir John Holmes. The full members are the heads of the UN humanitarian agencies, standing invitees include OHCHR, World Bank, IOM, ICRC, IFRC, Inter-Action, ICVA (represented by World Vision International) and the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (represented by Oxfam).

Nine Clusters were agreed with a lead agency for each. WFP is the lead agency for Logistics Cluster.

The global cluster leads are "accountable to the Emergency Relief Coordinator for ensuring predictable and effective inter-agency preparedness and response within the concerned areas of activity". This entails the very important element of accountability and where necessary the lead agency becomes the provider of last resort.

Useful external links related to the Global Logistics Cluster

• Humanitarian Reform
• Humaniatarian Appeal
• Cerf

For an explanation on clusters vs. sectors please see the IASC Revised Guidance Note on Clusters dated 24 November 2006. 

Cluster Activations:

Clusters can be activated in response to "sudden major new emergency requiring a multi sectoral response with the participation of a wide range of humanitarian actors" as well as during ongoing emergencies.

-    When clusters are needed:
1.    HC / RC informs the ERC
2.    ERC informs the global cluster leads
3.    Global cluster leads assess to determine nature of response required.
4.    Some of the clusters might not be needed
5.    Country level clusters are activated according to scale/nature of need

Logistic Cluster Lead

WFP is the logistics cluster lead at global level. Cluster leadership at field level is generally the same as at global level. However, in exceptional circumstances where WFP is unable to fulfil this role at field level, another field level cluster lead agency/organisation can be allocated the responsibility.

Logistics Cluster Operations

Logistics cluster operations vary in scale from information sharing/coordination (such as infrastructure assessment, port & corridor coordination, transporters & rates, customs, equipment supplier information) to those involving information sharing and common air, ocean and overland transport, storage etc. Regular coordination meetings will be established involving all stakeholder (UN agencies, Government, International and local NGOs)

Where there are gaps such as lack of transport capacity the first option will be for organisations to help each other with capacity. Where this is not possible the logistics cluster lead will be required to act as a provider of last resort.

Reporting Lines

At field level, the logistics cluster reports to the HC/RC. There is a technical reporting line between field level logistics clusters and the global logistics cluster support cell (based in Rome HQ). The global logistics cluster support cell provides guidance and support to field level logistics clusters.