Supply Chain Operations Manager

PRABHU GOVINDARAJ

Chennai, India, Phone +919********* – Email ad5pce@r.postjobfree.com, LinkedIn Profile Prabhu Skype: chennaig

Experienced Humanitarian Professional with nearly 32 years of extensive experience in program and project management; supply chain management; emergency response; logistics; operations management; CRM; commercial affairs (sourcing/exports); compliance; monitoring and evaluation. International experience in Angola, Guinea, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan and Zimbabwe. Fluent in English, Portuguese, Tamil, proficient in French and Telugu, beginner in Hindi and Arabic.

Keen strategist with expertise in managing entire operations with a key focus on operations management by ensuring optimal utilisation of resources in the emergency Programs.

Proficient in developing & streamlining systems with proven ability to enhance operational/administrative effectiveness and meet operational goals within the cost, time & quality parameters.

Demonstrated efficient program management in Africa and Asia

Experience managing USAID, WFP, ECHO, UNICEF, GAC funding in various countries in Africa

Procurement, shipping, and accounting 100% of received inventory.

Good knowledge in operations under Supply Chain Management encompassing operations, emergency response, global sourcing, imports, storage, inventory, quality, legal & statutory requirements, and cost control to ameliorate efficiency and delivery of the supply to end-use customers.

High integrity with experience in all aspects of project development and project cycle management including investigation, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of multi-faceted emergency, post-conflict, rehabilitation, and development projects using sustainable livelihood approach.

Firsthand experience in Cold chain transportation and huge office construction.

Comfortable interacting with multiple levels of people within an organisation, management, and staff from different locations.

Very effective in managing high stress, conflict zones, and extreme hardship areas.

Experience and knowledge on Generative Artificial Intelligence - Introduction

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND SELECTED CONSULTANCIES

Logistics Expert – Consultant UN FAO, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Dec 2022 - Ongoing

The planning and management of logistics as well as its coordination with planning/ongoing operations in northern Ethiopia. The monitoring of purchase orders, shipments, custom clearances, storage and delivery at final destination of goods. Transportation of Cold Chain Vaccines from Bishoftu to Mekelle through organized manner. The presence of FAO operations and staff in Northern Ethiopia is expanded in a safe manner in accordance with guidance provided by the security and logistics actors in the humanitarian system (preparation of missions, bases have sufficient supplies, etc.), as and when time is available.

Logistics Officer – Consultant CANADEM/WFP, Cunene, Angola May 2022 – Nov 2022

Addressing Drought Emergency in the southern part of Angola. I was contracted by CANADEM for WFP. Due to lack of rain for the past 7 years, drought affected most vulnerable people in the southern part of Angola and people suffering from not having water and food. My involvement in accounting for food commodities that is received from the supplier to dispatch and distribute to over 2900 families in 49 locations. Very difficult road conditions and lack of fuel for trucks making it more challenging to complete the operations. For now, we (WFP) managed to distribute the first round, second round and third round. Providing support to other offices on Logistics issues such as shipment receipt, warehouse management, as and when time available. https://www.standbypartnership.org/post/wfp-standby-partners-stories-prabhu-govindaraj-angola

https://www.canadem.ca/prabhu-govindaraj

Supply Chain Advisor, Consultant, CARE in Turkey Jul 2021 – Sep 2021

Developed Standard Operating Procedures for Procurement, various modalities of transportations and Warehouse management for CARE Turkey. Prepared a JD for Logistics Consultant. CARE Turkey required an expert to assess their support system and provide suggestions on improvement, which was given through SOPs. Supply Chain Activities related to all programs such as Food Security, WASH/Shelter, Protection and SRH, GBV, Livelihoods and Economic Recovery. Created a Training PPT and provided training to all Supply Chain staff members on Supply Chain related activities.

Logistics Specialist – UN FAO, Chimoio, Mozambique Sep 2019 – Aug 2020

Strengthened the capacity of the Logistics unit. In Mozambique, field logistics operations, Procurement, Finance, and human resources hiring and coaching was undertaken. Took part and managed the Humanitarian Country Team. Completed regular supervision of FAO stocks in warehouses in various locations and updated stock inventory. Coordinated logistics operations with other UN agencies and other organisations. Supervised and coordinated the distribution of FAO supplies (agri inputs and livestock supplies) to partners and others by various means of delivery. Managed well 3PLs with partners. Reviewed logistics and distribution plans and updated. Supported staff members in FAO and agencies in Mozambique on voucher distribution and exchanging for agricultural inputs. Reconciled goods received and dispatched to various partners. Invited and managed partners for the Food Coordination Meeting.

Logistics Expert – UN FAO Seconded thru’ CANADEM, Chimoio, Mozambique May 2019 – Aug 2019

Strengthened the capacity of the Logistics unit. In Mozambique, monitored field logistics operations, procurement, finance, and human resources hiring and coaching. Conducted regular supervision of FAO stocks in warehouses in various locations and updated stock inventory. Worked with other UN agencies and other organisations to coordinate logistics operations. Supervised and coordinated the distribution of FAO supplies to partners and others by various means of delivery. Reviewed logistics and distribution plans and updating. Online inventory database created using Excel in OneDrive and Google Docs. Food Coordination Meeting and Humanitarian Country Team Meetings were also conducted.

Team Leader – SMS, BRAC International, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Mar 2019 – May 2019

Coordinated the assistance of Rohingya refugees through all partners. Organized weekly camp coordination meetings. Supported the camp in charge (CIC) on a daily basis. Provided emergency support and capacity building to staff members. Addressed challenges faced by refugees and partners, encouraged partners for their additional activities. Reported on camp updates to donors on a weekly and monthly basis. Trained Site management support members on project monitoring, budget monitoring, and using resources effectively.

Logistics and security Coordinator, CARE International, Chad Oct 2018 – Dec 2018

Managed the procurement of project materials (USD 13M), provided training to the country office on procurement handling. Maintained supply Chain activities, streamlining supply of items to various offices and, provided security updates for CARE Chad. Involved in Information Technology and helping to set up a shared folder for the country office. Supported audit teams for their audit and implemented recommendations. Supported staff on budget preparation and guided staff members on financial coding. Provided safety and security for the Country office.

Logistician, CARE Mozambique Apr 2018 – Sep 2018

Pre-positioned emergency supplies for a consortium and a government department in Mozambique. Procured $3.2 M worth of emergency supplies. Managed international and local procurement, shipping, port operations and customs clearance, transit warehouse, moving supplies to upcountry, and handing it over to the Government Department in various provinces. Trained warehousing and government department and CARE staff members. Saved over $100K and returned the money to the donor.

Senior Program Manager, CARE South Sudan Aug 2017 – Mar 18

Provided support to various project activities in Greater Mayom County and Abiemnom County in South Sudan. Ongoing support and managing, ECHO, GAC, WFP funded GFD activities. Managed the sub-office with human resource team, finance team, Administration and Logistics. Provided blanket supplementary feeding, nutrition activities like TSFP, MAM, SAM, administration support, and logistics support for health commodities and food commodities. Established internal control for commodity movement and fleet management. Coordinated and supported the field office, other agencies in the field, and sending one voice to Juba level for HQ support. Managed Administration, Finance, procurement and Logistics in Mayom. Overseen construction of office in Mankien and its completion. Provided support to other agencies and coordinated issues relating to information sharing and logistics activities. Implemented quality programs in Mayom. Conducted people management, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning, effective operations in sub-office, good representation to run the program effectively.

Commodities Specialist, CARE South Sudan May 2017 – Jul 2017

Supported WFP funded program, to people in desperate need of assistance and malnutrition rate is at the peak. WFP GFD was given to a total of 107,500 people and 20,250 U5s through BSFP. Airdrops were conducted by WFP due to insecure and in-accessibility routes to 3 out of 5 locations. Coordinated well with local authorities and maintained a good working relationship with the RRC Coordinator. Managed the Program well. My responsibility included hiring, training, managing teams, administration, Logistics, and implementation of WFP distribution.

Food Security Manager – Maiduguri, DRC Nigeria Jan 2017 – May 2017

Provided support to Maiduguri operations, where Boko Haram disturbance displaced over 5 million people and WFP direct assistance to 1 million people. WFP food commodities distributed by DRC in Ngala, Konduga, Bama, Mafa, Mainok, Ngamdu, and Jere LGAs. Over 188,000 beneficiaries were registered and provided with food assistance, protection. Provided special assistance to pregnant and lactating women, vulnerable and old age people, registered U5s for BSFP and distribution. Daily update to WFP, Monthly report to WFP, and took the lead in Coordination meetings, sharing information, and providing support to other departments within DRC. Developed Beneficiary registration database using Kobo Collect through phones and registered people in the distribution sites. In Borno State, coordinated with other agencies. In general, Project Management, Coordination, Donor relations, and Administration (Finance, Human Resource, and Logistics).

Commodity Assistance Program Manager – Consultant, Save the Children International Jan 2016 – Jan 2016

Addressed all the comments received from WFP and prepared a response to WFP. Field records reviewed and confirmed final numbers in Final Report to WFP including Commodity quantities, and reconciled GIK details.

Commodity Tracking System – Consultant, CARE Nepal Sep 2015 – Sep 2015

Trained CARE Nepal in Commodity Tracking System (CTS). Supported field staff in the transition to the new CTS system; provided final training report; and additional actions required to resolve issues identified during the pilot.

Commodity Assistance Program Manager, Save the Children Nepal Jun 2015 – Sep 2015

Managed WFP funded in-kind program during the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Provided support to Country Offices in the areas of planning, implementing, and reporting on food assistance interventions (with a focus on commodity management and distribution), as well as technical assistance to, and management of, food program staff members ensuring the delivery of the quality food assistance programs meeting the required standards of Save the Children (SC) and its donor(s). Overseen CBT activities in Nepal. Trained and managed teams for registration and distribution in Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Gorkha, and Dolokha districts. Provided reports on all food commodities, materials, and equipment. Maintained a good relationship with WFP for better communication and proper implementation. Prepared an additional budget for USD 1M and budget narrative for an extended period and negotiated with WFP to obtain the budgeted amount. Contributed to the CBT team supported them to disburse vouchers for cash to vulnerable people.

Commodity Tracking System Specialist, CARE USA Jul 2012 – June 2015

Developed requirements for Commodity Tracking System (CTS) an ERP and provided support to Aid matrix (Software developer). Developed pre-defined reports in Visual Basic. Implemented CTS and other supporting functions relating to CTS in 7 different CARE countries and providing continuous support to staff members (Kenya, Zimbabwe, Haiti, Chad, Djibouti, Bangladesh, and the USA). Helped the countries tracking inventories of Food, NFI, Office Supplies, Fleet items, and Health and Pharmaceutical items on online methods from origin to endpoint. Supported CARE Atlanta for Emergency Group Pre-positioned stock to be uploaded in CTS and trained staff to use CTS and able to see the goods globally.

Food Sector Manager & Head of Base, CARE Int. Switzerland, Sudan Jul 2010 – June 2012

Developed WFP proposal, created a budget, budget narrative, and log-frames and negotiated. I managed a food program that reached over 300,000 people. Established a new field office in a remote location. Handled Administration, finance, Human Resources, and procurement. Transferred programs from WFP Food & ICRC WASH, and staff members to CARE International Switzerland. Led the team in Gereida, South Darfur. Diplomatically handled community leaders and government authorities and ensured quality program implementation. Coordinated between two field offices (Kass and Gereida) for Food program implementation and coordinated well with WFP for information sharing and funding approvals. A total project portfolio handled was USD600K.

Operations Manager, CARE Int. Switzerland, Sudan Dec 2009 – Jun 2010

Supervised Finance, sub-office HR, and Administration, creating a sub-office administration budget, in collaboration with the Team Leader, Finance Manager, and ACDPS. Served as a member of the Management Team, ensuring organisational effectiveness by providing leadership for the organization’s financial, HR Admin, logistic functions, and Implementation of organisation strategies, policies, and practices. Managed and increased the effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, IT, logistics, and Finance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between supports and program functions.

Food Program Coordinator, CARE International, Zimbabwe Nov 2007 – Jun 2009

Implemented WFP funded program in the southern part of Zimbabwe. Provided support to staff in delivering their duties in the field, coaching, and mentoring. At the provincial level, represented CARE. Managed the Drought Response Program and implemented it in six districts with staff members support. Distributed on average 40,000 MT of food commodities per year for close to one million beneficiaries of the program. Monitored beneficiary registration and data entry in a newly developed database. Managed the M&E team for the program and analysed their Quantitative and Qualitative reports to share with WFP and higher authorities. Effectively formulating & ensuring expenditures to ensure spending is maintained within the budget allowed parameters and ensuring effective use of funds to deliver project outputs to participants. The total project portfolio was USD2M.

Operations Manager and Office Administrator, CARE International in Zimbabwe, Gweru Sep 2004 – May 2007

Under CARE C-SAFE (USAID/FFP contract) – Livelihood Program (Agriculture, Health, Infrastructure Rehabilitation utilising food resources). Planned & supervised the implementation of CARE C-SAFE programming activities in four districts of Zimbabwe. Overseen Human Resources, Finance for programs and Admin, Procurement, Safety and Security. Developed distribution plans in coordination with Consortium members and coordinated with district and state authorities and with warehouse and transport companies. Supervised the implementation of project activities such as warehouse management, School Feeding, targeted food assistance, Food for Assets (FFA), HIV/AIDs mainstreaming, and developing FFA for HIV/AIDs affected households and overseeing the implementation of Market Assistance project activities and ensuring 100% proceeds accounted. With the help of the M&E unit, I evaluated project activities, collected qualitative and quantitative data for analysis. Budget preparation and expenditure control. Trained staff members to prepare and submit reports such as Commodity Status Report, Recipient Status Report, Monthly narrative reports, Evolution reports, and ad-hoc reports, staff supervision, training and guidance, and contributing to overall project and Country office management. Training Consortium members on GIS Arc View and collecting data for map creation. Managed the sub-office fleet supervision, fuel and spares control and supported five other programs such as Market Assistance, IGA, Agriculture, Food Assistance, Micro Finance, Procurement, Finance, and Human Resources. The total project portfolio was USD 7M.

Commodities Manager, CARE International in Zimbabwe, Gweru Feb 2004 – Sep 2004

Work plans coordinated and Supervised team members and field staff. Participated in the receipt of food commodities daily and storing them according to CARE Commodity Management Standards. Over 20,000 MT of food commodities are distributed to four vulnerable districts yearly. Planned quantities dispatched on a timely basis to Food Distribution points for distributions. Maintained the documentation process in warehouses and ensured that accurate CSRs prepared and submitted to C-SAFE Consortium leading agency in Zimbabwe on or before the deadline. Overseen data input in SCALA (Financial Software) for commodity accounting as per CARE USA Finance requirements and uploaded every month to the Finance Department for their transaction.

Deputy Project Manager, CARE International in Sierra Leone Jul 2003 – Jan 2004

Rehabilitation Livelihood Security Initiative - RLSI (USAID/FFP contract) – Multi-Sectoral Program (Agriculture, Health, Infrastructure Rehabilitation utilising food resources). Oversight of all project implementation and operational procedures covering supervision of 3 senior national staff and coordination of work plans of over 40 middle management and field level national staff. Prepared and revised Job Descriptions for senior staff and developed their skills in various aspects of activity management. Performance Management made for staff members. Over 8,000 MT received FFP Title II commodities for the program in this period alone. RLSI implemented as per Donor requirement. Sensitised the beneficiaries for their responsibilities and entitlements under Food for Work (FFW) activities and that the program goals were met. New FFW activities were developed to meet the needs of the community. Quantity of food distributed to targeted beneficiaries in remote areas as a means of improving their Livelihood Security. On meetings of Committee on Food Aid, National Technical Committee & Ministry of Agriculture represented CARE well. The total project portfolio was USD3M.

Operations Manager, Food Program (Sierra Leone) Aug2000 – Jun2003

Managed over four (4) million dollars, worth of food commodities yearly by receiving, storing in a primary warehouse, and dispatching the same to CARE operation areas. M&E unit was supervised for data collection and analysis. Supervised the Monitoring and Registration unit and increased its capacity in monitoring program inputs and activities. Supervised the field operations to ensure that the correct rations were given to the right beneficiaries under the FFW component, free food distribution under Vulnerable Group Feeding, and Food for Agriculture. Played the main role in ensuring 100% commodity accounting up to the distribution centre. Conducted Air-lift operation and dispatched over 12,000 NFI kits to remote villages in the Northern part of Sierra Leone using UN Peace Keeping Mission (UNAMSIL) Helicopters (MI26). Supported Audit teams and implemented recommendations. Commodity storage and transportation are managed with two different private contractors. Contributed to the resettlement process in West Africa. Prepared mid-term and final reports of project activities to FFP. CARE in the National Technical committee consists of CARE, CRS, WVI, WFP, ACF, UNOCHA, and the Government body. The total project portfolio was USD4M

Operations Manager, CARE International in Guinea, Guéckédou Jun1999 – Jul2000

Distributed Food and non-food items to 220,000 victims (refugees) of civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Managed the Country office Human resources, hired, trained staff members during distributions and commodity handling. Monitored daily the movement of 140 staff members to the field along with 05 other International staff members to do distributions in 42 refugee camps. Recruited 60 new staff members in January 2000 and engaged in constructing 35 warehouses under FFW in refugee camps with a total capacity of 3700 MT. Established record-keeping systems for inventory control of incoming and outgoing food and non-food items. Liaised with UN agencies to enhance the smooth operation of food distributions in Guéckédou Prefecture. Saved the lives of 12 staff members who were involved in a vehicle accident on their way to work.

Training and Coordination Officer and Distribution Teams Manager, Guéckédou Nov1998 – May 1999

CARE entered Gueckedou, doing the reconnaissance of all 46-refugee camps, under UNHCR Guéckédou. Over 70 staff members were recruited to the mission for commodity management by following strict recruitment procedures of CARE and Local government. For newly hired staff members, training sessions were conducted on Commodity Management and Food distribution to refugees in various groups at different timings. WFP food was distributed to 220,000 refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia under UNHCR registration. To oversee the whole operation of food distribution with two other expatriate staff functioned as Operations Manager.

Commodities Manager, CARE International in Angola, Luanda Sep 1996 – Oct 1998

(USAID/FFP Contract) Multi-Sectoral Program (Agriculture, Health, Infrastructure Rehabilitation utilising food resources)

Training assistance to the mission and individual staff members to strengthen and improve commodity management systems and accountability for PL 480 Title II commodities. Cost-effective logistics and operations systems managed 15,000 tons of food and non-food items yearly. Significantly introduced effective commodity transport and management systems, including plans for hiring trucks locally for short-term and longer-term to meet the program needs. Port clearing, forwarding agents, and marine surveyors contracted for the incoming and outgoing shipments of food and non-food items by sea and by air. Verified all FFW activity reports which consumed Title II commodities and advised provincial offices in changes of FFW activities and increase of projects. Liaising with other NGOs for better operations in the country and Liaised with Donors for planning project activities in the country. Prepared and forwarded Progress Reports, Commodity Status Reports, and vital information to FFP Mission in Angola and CARE Headquarters.

Administrative, Logistics and Security Manager, Luanda, Angola Jul 1995 – Aug 1996

Assisted in supporting security for CARE staff and properties, participated in all security meetings for Humanitarian Assistance, Security meetings, US Embassy Security meetings, etc. Responsible for radio 24 hours for any security incidents of CARE staff. Taking part in Security meetings in Luanda for all CARE staff to brief on security issues. Handled the dispatch of most medical equipment and supplies to field operations on time. Administrative issues, played a key role such as Human Resources, Transport, Procurement, and Internal Travels.

Assistant Project Manager, Food Program (Menongue – Angola) Jul 1994 – Jun1995

CARE management of food program went through major changes during my stay in Menongue (besieged) city

CARE took over airport operations from WFP in Menongue. Increased CARE’s fleet of Private Transporters to meet the needs of the operations, increased national staff strength to cover all distribution centres continuously, and increased warehouse capacity to accommodate excess commodities and to run smooth operations. Changed community leaders level distribution to centralised and CARE-controlled distribution. Coordinated with other NGOs in Menongue, conducted population census, registered all affected and displaced population, issued ration cards to family heads. Computing all census data was in the DBASE program to organise family size by Zone and by village for easy distribution at the distribution sites. Supervised and monitored the monthly distribution of WFP food rations to 60,000 war-affected and displaced people in the besieged city of Menongue and around the city. On-the-job training Provided to Food Monitors, Warehouse Keepers, Stevedores, etc., in commodity management. Produced statistics information on population movement, new arrivals of displaced people, receipt, and distribution of commodities in the form of monthly reports to the Luanda Office.

Regional Logistics Advisor for DPPCCN, CARE International in Mozambique (LSU) Sep 1993 – June 1994

The distinction of Attaining 80% program efficiency in Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado provinces by having 100% beneficiary coverage. Increased DPPCCN (Provincial Department to Prevent and Combat Natural Calamities) fleet efficiency, receipt of monthly reports from districts by the provinces. The private sector undertaking of port handling and warehousing in Cabo Delgado province handled and privatised warehousing in Niassa province as well. Provincial and District-based DPPCCN staff members trained on the Emergency program to handle on their own by formal and on-the-job training. Effectively assisted over 80,000 Cyclone-affected people in Nacala, Nampula, and provided plastic sheeting along with other non-food items. Undertaking accomplished to counterpart and handed over of materials and equipment to DPPCCN in all three Northern provinces. Strategic studies were conducted for all three provinces and recommendations were given to all DPPCCN provincial Directors for their consideration and implementation.

Logistics Officer, Tete, Inhambane and Niassa Provinces Jun 1990 – Sep 1993

Designed and organised training programs for DPPCCN staff by having a needs assessment completed and training plans designed for the emergency program. The reporting method improved for commodities and transport in accuracy and regularity by training Chiefs of Commodities and Chiefs of Transport in designed computer programs. A team of transport unit staff members effectively trained in truck park fleet control & monitor systems. Chief of Logistics and chief of commodities trained in planning, receiving, and distributing food commodities to war-affected and displaced populations and returnees. District Delegates to improve their performance and conducted Training for warehouse keepers for better management of food commodities in warehouses. Advised the Provincial DPPCCN Directors to improve their performance in DPPCCN program implementation. Managed daily business operations, assisted DPPCCN staff in receiving, planning, transporting, and distributing food and non-food commodities to project sites.

Statistics Manager, CARE – Logistics Support Unit, Maputo May 1988 – Jun 1990

From all provinces in Mozambique, beneficiary information was collected, verified monthly commodity and transport reports for all provinces, and compiled information on the reception, distribution, balance of commodities, and compiled information on fleet and fuel usage. Information is fed back to provinces on their monthly reports. Prepared final commodity utilization reports for all donated commodities and forwarding those to Donors.

EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS and CERTIFICATES

2013/2014 Health and Humanitarian Supply Chain and Logistics course Georgia Tech, Atlanta, USA

2005/2007 Master in Business Administration – HRD Periyar University, Salem TN, India

1985/1988 Bachelor of Science (PCM) Madras University, India

Other Certificate Courses

2023/06 Generative Artificial Intelligence – Introduction FAO/ LinkedIn

2020/10 Safeguarding Essentials Kaya International Leadership Academy

2020/06 Keeping Vaccines Safe in Health Facility Cold Chain IA LEARN

2020/06 Coaching and Mentoring IA LEARN

2020/07 Monitoring Coverage Data at the Health Facility Level IA LEARN

2020.05 FAO Procurement Module UN FAO

2020/04 Introduction to the Core Humanitarian Standard Kaya International Leadership Academy

2020/03 Operational Plan Guide to support COVID19 Prep & Response UN WHO

2020/01 Mid-Level Managers Training Master Certification UN WHO

2019/05 BSAFE UNDSS

2018/02 IPSAS online course CBT 1-7 completed UN IPSAS

2017/07 Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) - Nairobi CARE/RSM

2016/06 DM&E Certificate course ALISON.com

2016/06 Leading Productive Meetings Lynda.com

2016/05 New Manager Fundamentals Certificate course Lynda.com

2016/05 Hiring your team Certificate course Lynda.com

2016/05 Delegating Task to your Team Certificate course Lynda.com

2016/05 On boarding New Hires Certificate course Lynda.com

2016/03 USAID/OFDA Shelter and Settlements Training Course

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