Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Humanitarian Response Operations Section
April – June 2022
The Challenge
In recent years, the urgency for effective humanitarian assistance has become increasingly evident, especially in the Pacific region where natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies occur with alarming frequency. Responding to simultaneous crises within a limited timeframe poses a significant challenge for any nation, and Australia is no exception. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) recognised this necessity and set ambitious goals to enhance its Humanitarian Logistics Capability (HLC), aiming to mobilise resources within 48 hours of a request for assistance. The task was not just about speed; it was also vital to ensure that the logistics support provided was timely, effective, and flexible, all while maintaining a high standard of quality in humanitarian supply chains. In 2018, an investment design for Australia’s HLC was introduced, spanning a decade from 2018 to 2028, with a budget that grew from AUD20 million to AUD100 million due to the growing response needs during that period. With such significant investment and commitment, ongoing assessment and improvements are crucial to maximising the effectiveness of these resources. Strategic was contracted to conduct a mid-term review of the Humanitarian Logistics Capability, aimed at evaluating the accomplishments and areas for improvement of the investment thus far.
The Solution
Strategic conducted a comprehensive mid-term review of the HLC investment. This review served as a pivotal moment to assess not only the performance of the Humanitarian Logistics Capability but also to identify areas for improvement for the remaining duration of the investment. By aligning the evaluation with the midpoint of the investment, the review ensured that DFAT could refine its approach based on real data and feedback, ultimately facilitating better support for humanitarian response. The review involved engagement with a number of Australian government agencies, including DFAT and ADF, as well as international NGOs and regional National Disaster Management Offices, along with the implementing agency. The findings of the mid-term review underscored the importance of refining governance arrangements and enhancing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. Recommendations highlighted the need to improve approaches towards Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations. Additionally, it emphasised the necessity for the updating of methods and strategies to better comply with the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of humanitarian crises. The insights gained from the review led to a design refresh of the investment, posturing DFAT to not only meet the ongoing challenges of humanitarian response but to excel in delivering timely assistance.
The Outcome
In 2023, building on the findings from the mid-term review, Strategic was once again engaged to conduct a Compliance Review. The objective was to analyse the effectiveness of the managing contractors in implementing the recommendations agreed to by DFAT and the implementing agency during the Mid Term Review process. This compliance assessment was not merely a follow-up; it represented a critical step in assuring that DFAT’s logistics capability would be robust and responsive to future humanitarian needs.
