CFAs: Logistics, Warehouse and Inventory Management and Distribution (Rwanda)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting Expressions of Interest from eligible organizations to support humanitarian logistics operations for refugees and asylum seekers in Rwanda. The partnership focuses on warehouse management, inventory control, transportation, and distribution of non-food items (NFIs), core relief items (CRIs), and cooking fuels to strengthen humanitarian assistance delivery.

About the UNHCR Rwanda Logistics Partnership Opportunity

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking qualified partners to support logistics and supply chain operations for forcibly displaced populations in Rwanda.

The partnership aims to improve the efficiency, accountability, and reliability of humanitarian assistance through professional logistics management systems.

The programme focuses on ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers receive essential relief supplies through:

• Effective warehouse operations
• Inventory management
• Humanitarian transportation
• Last-mile delivery
• Distribution of essential items
• Transparent reporting systems

Purpose of the Partnership

The partnership aims to strengthen humanitarian supply chain systems by supporting:

• Timely delivery of relief assistance
• Safe storage of humanitarian supplies
• Efficient distribution processes
• Accurate inventory tracking
• Improved logistics accountability
• Better support for refugee communities

Key Areas of Support

Warehouse and Inventory Management

Selected partners will support:

• Management of central warehouse facilities
• Inventory tracking and monitoring
• Storage and handling of humanitarian supplies
• Stock management systems
• Maintenance of accurate records
• Management of vehicle spare parts storage at the Gahanga logistics base

Distribution of Non-Food Items (NFIs) and Core Relief Items (CRIs)

Activities include:

• Distribution of essential household items
• Delivery of core relief materials
• Management of cooking fuel distribution
• Ensuring safe and timely delivery to beneficiaries
• Supporting last-mile distribution operations

Transportation and Logistics Services

Partners may support:

• Transportation of humanitarian supplies
• Movement of medicines and medical equipment
• Transport of refugees’ personal belongings
• Logistics coordination activities
• Vehicle and transport management

Logistics Reporting and Accountability

Organizations will be responsible for:

• Maintaining auditable logistics records
• Tracking inventory movements
• Reporting programme activities
• Maintaining financial documentation
• Supporting transparent humanitarian operations

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include organizations with experience in:

• Humanitarian logistics
• Transport management
• Warehouse operations
• Inventory management
• Distribution systems
• Supply chain services

Organizations should have experience supporting:

• Refugees and displaced populations
• Humanitarian programmes
• International organizations
• Large-scale relief operations

Required Organizational Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate:

Technical Expertise

Organizations must have:

• Qualified logistics personnel
• Experience managing humanitarian supply chains
• Knowledge of warehouse systems
• Experience distributing humanitarian supplies

Humanitarian Experience

Applicants should understand:

• Humanitarian principles
• Protection standards
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) approach
• Participation of forcibly displaced persons in programme implementation

Operational and Management Systems

Organizations should have strong:

• Financial management systems
• Procurement procedures
• Human resource management systems
• Risk management frameworks
• Monitoring and accountability mechanisms

Required Documentation

Applicants are expected to submit supporting documents, including:

• Concept note
• Budget template
• Financial statements
• Organizational policies
• Procurement records
• Risk registers
• Staff qualification documents
• Evidence of previous project experience

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should prepare and submit their Expression of Interest with complete supporting information.

Application Process Steps

1. Review eligibility requirements.
2. Prepare organizational information and technical documents.
3. Develop a concept note explaining proposed logistics activities.
4. Submit budget information and supporting documents.
5. Provide evidence of previous humanitarian logistics experience.

Applications should clearly explain:

• Proposed logistics approach
• Implementation plan
• Available resources
• Staffing structure
• Risk management measures
• Sustainability and accountability mechanisms

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the following areas:

Sector Expertise and Experience

Evaluation will consider:

• Experience in humanitarian logistics
• Warehouse and inventory management capacity
• Distribution experience
• Previous work with displaced populations

Project Management Capacity

Assessment will include:

• Qualified personnel
• Operational systems
• Monitoring mechanisms
• Ability to deliver humanitarian services effectively

Local Presence in Rwanda

Applicants will be assessed on:

• Existing operational capacity
• Knowledge of local conditions
• Community engagement experience

Financial and Operational Systems

Review areas include:

• Cost effectiveness
• Financial controls
• Procurement systems
• Risk management practices
• Accountability procedures

Previous UN Partnership Experience

Experience working with:

• UNHCR
• United Nations agencies
• International humanitarian organizations

will be considered an advantage.

Why This Partnership Matters

Effective logistics systems are essential for delivering humanitarian assistance to refugees and asylum seekers.

This partnership helps:

• Improve access to essential relief items
• Strengthen humanitarian supply chains
• Reduce delays in assistance delivery
• Increase transparency and accountability
• Support dignified living conditions for displaced communities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is offering this partnership opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support humanitarian logistics operations in Rwanda.

2. What activities will selected partners support?

Partners will support warehouse management, inventory control, transportation, distribution of NFIs and CRIs, cooking fuel distribution, and logistics reporting.

3. Who can apply for this opportunity?

Organizations with experience in humanitarian logistics, supply chain management, transport, and distribution services can apply.

4. Is experience working with refugees required?

Organizations should demonstrate experience working with displaced populations or humanitarian programmes.

5. What documents are required for application?

Applicants must provide documents such as concept notes, budgets, financial statements, policies, procurement records, risk registers, and staff qualifications.

6. How will applications be evaluated?

Applications will be reviewed based on technical expertise, operational capacity, cost effectiveness, local presence, financial systems, and previous humanitarian experience.

7. Why is logistics support important in refugee assistance programmes?

Strong logistics systems ensure that essential supplies reach refugees safely, efficiently, and on time while maintaining accountability and transparency.

Conclusion

The UNHCR Rwanda logistics partnership provides an opportunity for experienced humanitarian organizations to strengthen refugee assistance delivery through effective supply chain management. By supporting warehouse operations, transportation, inventory systems, and relief item distribution, selected partners will contribute to more efficient and accountable humanitarian services for refugees and asylum seekers in Rwanda.