Certification in Humanitarian Supply Chain Management (CHSCM)

Certification in Humanitarian Supply Chain Management (CHSCM) is offered as part of the Fritz Institute/CILT (UK) Humanitarian Logistics Certification Program. Humanitarian logisticians are called upon to provide responses in a variety of situations, sometimes planned for, but often happening without warning. In such situations, humanitarian logistics managers must have the ability to quickly construct and operate a supply chain to bring relief to those in need. Developed with funding from DFID, ECHO and USAID, by experienced logisticians from ICRC, the International Rescue Committee, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Holland), Oxfam (GB), Save the Children (US), UNICEF, UNHCR, and WFP, CHSCM offers best practices in supply chain management from the humanitarian community, in combination with leading practices from the commercial sector and academia, in order to teach the essential planning and management skills required of humanitarian logistics managers.

Who should participate?

CHSCM is aimed at humanitarian logisticians who are operating at a tactical level and are engaged in planning, resourcing and managing the supply chain and the implementation of supply chain strategy. Typically, candidates hold positions such as Logistics Coordinator, Logistics Manager and Head of Logistics. While there are no set academic prerequisites, candidates are required to have experience as well as knowledge in humanitarian logistics and operations. A quick checklist (available at www.fritzinstitute.org) confirms candidates’ suitability prior to enrollment. In some cases, candidates may be recommended to take Certification in Humanitarian Logistics (CHL) first; however, CHL alone does not provide sufficient qualification to take CHSCM. The self-paced distance learning is designed specifically for those presently working, with busy schedules, who require flexibility in their learning schedules.

How will you learn?

CHSCM uses the innovative ‘competence model’ approach, which emphasizes application of skills, as opposed to the examination of knowledge. At the start of the course, the candidate (or student) is inserted into a reality-based scenario in which they play a management role in a simulated humanitarian relief operation. The tasks they are requested to complete are designed to facilitate the development and demonstration of the required skills, as defined in the competence model.

Throughout the program, which is administered by the Logistics Learning Alliance (LLA), candidates are supported by LLA’s experienced and professional learning coaches. These coaches also assess candidates’ assignments and determine when they are ready to proceed to the next unit.

Candidates should expect to take 24 months to complete the program, studying approximately 10 hours per week. During that time, a portfolio documenting the candidate’s achievements and skills is compiled for submission at the end of the program to the awarding body (CILT-UK) for final assessment.

"I was able to gain skills and knowledge in other logistics functions other than transport and my analytical abilities in regard to logistics operations have improved tremendously. Excellent content and very enlightening. Upon completion my management congratulated me and pledged assistance in career development." - John Baptist Wamara, completed CHSCM student