2019-07 Factsheet | Shelter Cluster

< Dec 2018

July 2019

Aug 2020 >

Shelter Cluster Vanuatu

Highlights

The Shelter Cluster Vanuatu (SCV) was set up in 2015 and is led by the Public Works Department (PWD), of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU). The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has been leading the Pacific Shelter Cluster since its activation in 2012, and providing support to the SCV Lead, as co-lead in preparedness and response since. During the Ambae Volcano response in 2018, IFRC support focussed on carrying out the core functions of the country-level cluster in support of operational partners, as well as capacity development of the national coordination team. From May to July 2019, IFRC deployed dedicated surge personel for preparedness, to support PWD in leading the Ambae Volcano response review process and SCV workplan update, and continues to support remotely from Suva, Fiji.

Response

The Shelter Cluster Vanuatu (SCV) has enhanced its level of preparedness in 2019 through:

1. Analysis of PWD organisational structure with identification of key staff positions involved in SCV coordination at national and provincial levels. This led to the revision of 3 job descriptions for the Principal Architect (National SCV coordinator), Assistant Architect (National SCV Liaison coordinator), & Division Managers (Provincial SCV coordinators) and inclusion of SCV coordination functions therein. Revisions are yet to be formally endorsed by the Public Service Commission.

2. Update of the SCV Terms of References (ToRs).

3. Drafting of SCV Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for multi-hazard response.

4. Drafting of Self-Induction Modules Package (SIMP), with a self-assesment tool and 7 modules for introduction to SCV (Cluster Approach at global and local levels / Defining the SCV scope / Coordination framework in Vanuatu / Overview of the 7 Core Functions / Key humanitarian Standards / About Shelter Cluster coordination / Gender & Protection deployment briefing). The SIMP will be piloted by PWD staff exposed to SCV coordination, IFRC shelter coordination staff who will potentially be deployed to Vanuatu for surge support to SCV, and key SCV partners.

5. Drafting of Environmental Checklist for Shelter Response. Checklist is complete, annexes are currently in progress.

6. Develoment and printing of the "Selta Hanbuk", that will allow PWD staff involved in SCV coordination quick access to all key resources.

7. Update of key coordination tools such as the contact list, document index and technical guidelines.

8. Update of SCV workplan, informed by recommendations gathered from partners during TC Hola and Ambae Volcano 2018 response review.

9. Development of SCV visibility items such as PWD coordination staff polos and SCV leaflets for events such as the Public Servants National Day.

Key dates

February 2015: NDMO contact IFRC to setup a Shelter Cluster in Vanuatu for preparedness.
12-14th March 2015: Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam impacts on Vanuatu. IFRC deploys surge personnel to support the coordination of the response. The Shelter Cluster started as a working group under Logistic Cluster. Following the decision of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Public Works Department (PWD) becomes the SCV Lead, with IFRC as Co-Lead.
28th May 2015: TC Pam SCV Lessons Learned Workshop.
7 - 11th September 2015: Emergency Shelter Cluster & Evacuation Centre Management training.
September 2015: Capitalisation of SCV response with development and update of technical guidelines & document index for all SCV key resources, including: strategic framework, assessment & evaluation reports, TC PAM 4W and information products, Lessons Learned reports, Guidance notes & key messages on Building Back Safer (BBS), Information Education & Communication material (IECs) and other references.
8th May 2017: Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Donna impact on Vanuatu. IFRC deploys surge personnel to support PWD for the coordination of the response
28th September 2017: Following increase of activity of Manaro Volcano, Council of Ministers (COM) declare a State of Emergency on Ambae Island, and order the mass evacuation of the entire island. IFRC deploys surge personnel to support the coordination of the response.
9th November 2017 : Ambae mass evacuation 2017 SCV Lessons Learned Workshop.
7th March 2018: Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Hola impacts on Vanuatu.
18th March 2018: Increase of activity of Manaro Volcano, with flash flooding on 31st March and heavy ashfall. At the request of NDMO and PWD, IFRC is called for surge support for the coordination of the unfolding crisis.
15th October 2018: SCV facebook page setup, with dissemination of BBS key message communication campaign.
15th November 2018 : SCV coordination workshop
November 2018: Capitalisation of SCV response with update of technical guidelines & document index for all SCV key resources such as 'on the job' coordination training package, BBS new information IECs, assessment reports, SCV Term of References (ToRs), Situation Report template, SCV Coordination org chart, and other references.
May to July 2019: IFRC deploys surge personnel to support SCV preparedness and TC Hola & Ambae Volcano 2018 response review, with Lessons Learned Workshop on 14th June 2019.
July 2019: Capitalisation of SCV response review and updated preparedness outcomes, with update of technical guidelines & document index for all SCV key resources, including 3 PWD job descriptions, SCV response Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), updated TORs, Self-Induction Modules Package (SIMP), and Shelter + Environment checklist.