Head Travel Section

ITU • Geneva, IL

1d • $71,335 • Onsite

About The Position

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is seeking a Head Travel Section to manage the overall approach to travel management across the Union. This role involves ensuring coherence between policy, service delivery, and contract management, with a focus on organizational priorities and cost optimization. The Head Travel Section will negotiate fares with airlines, supervise reservations, define requirements for travel agency tenders, and develop/implement new procedures for effective travel services and savings. This position also involves planning and coordinating travel for large groups, ensuring necessary official documents are in order, providing advice to staff, verifying security measures, overseeing travel claims, and managing requirements for new and separating staff members. The role requires coordination with various organizations, including moving companies and national authorities.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in business administration, management or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above. For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
• At least five years of experience in travel management and/or travel administration at the international level, including the establishment and management of travel service providers, the operational management of travel arrangements, as well as the use of online booking tools and internal travel management system.
• Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level.
• Working knowledge of airline reservation systems (such as Amadeus or Galileo).
• Proficiency in the use of office automation tools (Word for Windows, Excel, SAP Travel Management database software etc.).
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relations at all levels with staff members from different countries and cultures.
• Service-oriented mindset, initiative, problem-solving skills, ability to improve working conditions, and excellent organizing abilities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and under pressure.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage.
• Experience in a similar position within another United Nations organization or an international organization would be considered an asset.
• A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.

Responsibilities

• Defines and manages the overall approach to travel management across the Union, ensuring coherence between policy framework, service delivery and contract management, in line with organizational priorities and cost optimization objectives.
• Negotiates preferential fares with various airline companies and supervises air travel and hotel room reservations.
• Defines the requirements for the preparation of invitations to tender related to ITU’s use of travel agencies or other travel service providers.
• Identifies need, develops and implements new procedures, working methods and systems, aimed at ensuring an effective travel services while generating savings for the Union.
• Plans and coordinates official travel arrangements for large groups of staff members attending conferences or other events held outside Geneva.
• Ensures that any required official documents (e.g. visas, health formalities, or laissez-passers) are in order.
• Provides advice and information to the Union staff members, prepares service orders as required and drafts information circulars to clarify and facilitate the application of travel regulations.
• Verifies compliance with security measures related to the safety of travelling staff members, as prescribed by the United Nations Security Coordinator.
• Oversees the coordination of staff members’ official travel arrangements to ensure efficient and effective planning and processing of travel claims, in accordance with all applicable regulations.
• Oversees the establishment of inventories for moving-insurance purposes.
• Checks and verifies itineraries proposed by travel agencies in accordance with the Staff Rules and oversees ticket orders.
• Authorizes expenditures related to invoices submitted by the travel agency addressed to the Finance Department.
• Ensures the proper processing of requirements for new staff members (visas, laissez-passers) and for the repatriation of staff members separating from the ITU, including providing information on regulations, rights and obligations.
• Coordinates with and communicates as needed with various involved organizations, including moving companies and national authorities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary: Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance).
• The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.
• Annual salary from $ 71,335 + post adjustment $ 64,558
• Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree