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Eric Branckaert

Head of ODL- Logistics Systems Unit, World Food Programme

Biography

Eric Branckaert has several years of experience within majors International Non Governemental Organizations and United Nations as well as extensive travels and duty station abroad, with a previous experience in the telecommunication business and lecturer/researcher  at the University. Furthermore he has extensive knowledge of, and strong interest in, Information Management and its use within Humanitarian crisis with strong knowledge of modern information technology and various information sharing platforms. He has a deep interest in new tools and techniques, understanding their limitation within the Humanitarian world and their, most of the time, hostile data communication environment.

Eric is currently the Head of the WFP Logistics System Unit, focal point and adviser on the various Information System projects within WFP Logistics. Some of the current project his unit is working on are focusing on the identification and development of Information Management technologies and applications in support of WFP  Logistics information collection & dissemination to deep field locations where connectivity is a major issue.

World Food Programme

WFP, The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. In emergencies, WFP get food to where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters. After the cause of an emergency has passed, they use food to help communities rebuild their shattered lives. WFP is part of the United Nations system and is voluntarily funded

In 2010, WFP aims to reach more than 90 million beneficiaries in 74  countries. To achieve this goal, WFP will rely on its impressive logistics capacity. When the areas needing food are not accessible by road, rail or river, other methods are brought into play. An emergency may require a cargo drop from aircraft or a helicopter airlift, but there are other options too. Locally engaged porters, as well as teams of elephants, yak, donkeys and camels are also used when necessary.

In order to support its Logistics Operations, information plays a critical role, especially where Internet connectivity is a challenge.

Presentation

Collaboration and information delivery in difficult contexts

Track: Collaboration
Conference Day #2, Thursday November 4th, 13.00-14.00

  • The challenge: To provide and distribute relevant, updated information.
  • The context:  A geographically distributed organisation, limited connectivity in time and bandwith.

Learn how the Logistics System Unit at World Food Programme implemented an online platform for collaboration, that:

  • Can be used online AND offline (it can even run from an USB key)
  • Works across platforms
  • Is easily managed by non technical staff
  • Is lightweight in data storage

See slides online