Press Release
September 27, 2019 • 3 min read
GOAL Logistics and Procurement Manager has been elected to the steering group of the Global Logistics Cluster, which is responsible for coordinating logistics in emergency responses, such as the delivery of relief supplies to millions of people in need around the world every year.
Mary Jelliti, based at GOAL’s HQ in Dublin. was elected to the Global Logistics Cluster Steering Advisory Group (SAG) at its general meeting in Croke Park this week. The meeting was co-hosted by GOAL and Concern Worldwide.
The Logistics Cluster works with partner organisations in high risk countries and regions to strengthen local logistics capacities, and to provide leadership in co ordinating services during protracted crises.
Last year the Logistics Cluster, which is led by the UN World Food Programme, coordinated 69 inter-agency humanitarian convoys, facilitated the delivery of over 43,000 metric tonnes of relief supplies and supported the distribution of 1.5 million litres of fuel.
GOAL Logistics and Procurement Manager, Mary Jelliti and Global Logistics Cluster Coordinator, Athalie Mayo
In what was a highly competitive field, Mary Jelliti, along with four other member of the Global Logistics Cluster, pitched their candidacy to the organisations various members. The outcome of the vote is clear recognition for Jelliti and her contribution to the Logistics Cluster to date, which takes in more than four years. It’s also another important step for GOAL, allowing it to represent similar INGOs at a global level.
This weeks meeting in Croke Park was told that logisticians are the “engine room” of the international development world, whose sustained courage and commitment is making a difference to lives of millions of people, and helping create a better world.
Mary Jelliti joined GOAL in 2015 and took up the role as Logistics and Procurement Manager in 2017. On her election to the SAG she said: “I am really pleased to be representing GOAL and agencies like GOAL in such a prestigious and vital forum, and I hope that my contribution will be part of enabling the community to continue to grow, do better and be better”The group at the Logistics Cluster Meeting at Croke Park Mary Jelliti is elected to the steering group of the Global Logistics Cluster
GOAL CEO, Siobhan Walsh, told the meeting that logistics experts and their teams work in situations that are “unpredictable and often very dangerous”.
“You are on the front lines every day with your colleagues finding solutions. Your work is incredibly complex and the importance of what you do cannot be overstated,” she said.
Ms Walsh pointed out that in a week in which world leaders are in New York discussing climate action, it was worth noting that logisticians see directly the impact of drought, floods, cyclones, and conflict on the lives of the most vulnerable. She thanked the gathering for their sustained commitment, creativity and courage to continue looking for new ways to operate smartly in “these ever changing, complex, risky environments.“”You influence, you make hundreds of decisions that impact the lives of millions of people across the globe every day.”
She said greater investment in both technology and people is needed to develop a better performing logistics and supply change system.
“Technology is changing our world at an astonishing pace. Investment in technology and the development of systems is vital for a contemporary logistics function. To proactively manage the overall performance of supply chain, organizations need to know more than the basics of inventory positions and delivery.”CEO Siobhan Walsh addresses the audience
The Logistic Cluster Steering Advisory Group was established in 2016 to improve decision making and foster shared ownership of the cluster. It consists of seven members, plus the Global Logistics Cluster Coordinator, Athalie Mayo.
The World Food Program (WFP) hold a permanent seat, along with three INGO seats, now consisting of GOAL, Save the Children, and Solidarites International. The group is also represented by two government organisations, the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) and the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). A field cluster coordinator representative from South Sudan makes up SAG’s final representative.
