The Division of Emergency, Security and Supply (DESS) is the central support mechanism for emergency preparedness and response within UNHCR, consisting of four areas: emergency coordination, preparedness and response; security for field operations; supply and logistics; and procurement and contracting. The goal of DESS is to support the protection of people of concern through the optimal delivery of assistance in emergencies and ongoing programmes, and effective emergency response management.
The Emergency Capacity Management Service was reconfigured to the Emergency Services in 2014, and is made up of three components. The standby teams, led by principal or senior emergency coordinators, are responsible for providing emergency preparedness support to country operations, and are on permanent standby for deployment within 72 hours upon declaration of a level-2 or level-3 emergency. The Emergency Partnership and Deployment Unit strengthens UNHCR’s engagement with the extensive network of NGOs, government and civil response partners, standby partnerships and other arrangements. The Unit also strengthens UNHCR’s systems to ensure rapid deployment and that deployed staff receive appropriate support. The Emergency Policy and Capacity Development Section is responsible for ensuring that policies, guidance and training are innovative, up to date, reflect best practice and capacitate field-level delivery, with a particular focus on accountability to people of concern. It ensures that lessons learned are incorporated into emergency policy, guidance, capacity development and internal procedures, drawing on field experience, operational reviews and evaluations.
The Regional Centre for Emergency Preparedness (eCentre) is based in Bangkok, Thailand. This regional centre works with emergency management stakeholders in Governments, civil society and UN agencies throughout Asia and the Pacific to promote inter-agency preparedness in the context of humanitarian emergencies. The eCentre conducts innovative field exercises and capacity-building activities; organizes fora to facilitate structured information exchange; and provides tailored training and technical support to field operations. It also promotes strategic and operational partnerships, drawing upon its network of alumni in the region.
Many of UNHCR’s emergency operations take place in environments where the organization is exposed to various security threats. In October 2014, responding to the changed security environment, UNHCR upgraded the Field Safety Section to the Field Security Service (FSS). The decision recognized the expanded role and growing challenges of security in UNHCR’s operating environment. The mission of the Service is to strengthen UNHCR’s culture of security, based on sound risk management, allowing it to stay and deliver critical programmes in high risk contexts. Main areas of focus include: continuing to provide support and analysis to field operations; strengthening UNHCR’s security workforce through recruitment of a suitable staff and professional training; ensuring Headquarters governance and oversight of security measures; maintaining constructive engagement in inter-agency security management forums; and continuing to build staff capacity, with a particular focus on senior managers and staff members who are exposed to greater risks.
The Supply Management Logistic Service (SMLS) ensures timely and efficient delivery of relief items to people of concern, both during emergencies and for ongoing operations. In emergencies, SMLS arranges for the swift delivery of core relief items from UNHCR’s seven global stockpiles. This global stock management ensures the sustainability of the pipeline for core relief items and shelter materials. The Procurement Management and Contracting Service enhances global procurement and provide advice, guidance and training to field offices on the procurement process. The Service is responsible for services and goods procurement, quality and vendor performance management, market research, reviews and forecasting, development of supplier contracts, and management of the supply catalogue and global frame agreements. Global Fleet Management provides professional fleet management service organization-wide and is responsible for the rental, tracking, insurance and disposal of vehicles.