Travel Specialist

Duration: 11 months

Organizational Setting

The Logistics Services Division (CSL) is responsible, inter alia, for ensuring effective and efficient administration and enabling functions to support the Organization's programmes in achieving the Strategic Objectives while meeting the requirements of Members, UN partners and resource partners.

The Travel and Transportation Unit is located in CSL and responsible for leading the efficient and sustainable implementation and management of the Organization’s global travel and fleet management functions, ensuring alignment with Organizational policies, operational requirements, and evolving business needs.

Reporting Lines

The consultant/PSA will report to the Travel and Transportation Officer, Head of the Travel and Fleet Management Unit.

Technical Focus

The consultant/PSA will assist with the development, implementation and monitoring of the Travel Management functions at FAO.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist with the provision of policy guidelines and information related to FAO travel programme and process requests for policy exceptions though the Head of Unit, as required.
• Contribute to the preparation, organization and roll-out of travel trainings to staff on travel related policies, process, procedures and systems;
• Participate in the review and monitoring of FAO travel programme monitoring in Headquarters and in decentralized Offices;
• Generate data, reports and information for submission to various internal and external stakeholders including management, auditors and governing bodies;
• Contribute to the monitoring of data reports to ensure accuracy identification of data quality issues;
• Support the implementation of the various travel projects including the implementation and support of the global travel agency contract, online booking tools and any other identified initiatives;
• Track and monitor service issues with the contractors managed by the unit and follow up for timely resolution;
• Participate in the identification of travel system issues including drafting of requirements, development and testing of system changes and enhancements;
• Support the roll-out of travel initiatives, including delivering trainings and building capacity within the user community;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants:
Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in business administration, public administration, data analytics and management, economics, general administration or related fields. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
For PSA:
University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in business administration, public administration, data analytics and management, economics, general administration or related fields
• Five years of relevant experience in management and administration of corporate travel programmes, including data reporting and travel management systems
• Full proficiency/working knowledge of English, French or Spanish

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in travel programme management in the humanitarian sector and detailed knowledge of industry standards, best practice, preparedness and cost effectiveness
• Extent and relevance of experience in data analysis, project management

Selection Criteria

• Length and extent of experience in the area of travel programme management, including travel operations, programme monitoring and data analysis and experience with travel administrative systems, particularly in a humanitarian context
• Experience in project planning, management and coordination skills, with the ability to organize a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities
• Ability to work independently and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Ability to find innovative solutions
• Verbal and written communication skills, including speaking, networking, presenting and writing
• Knowledge and experience of the UN system will be an asset