TRAVEL OFFICER

Contract

This is a FS-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as Field Service. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education. More about FS-6 contracts and their salaries.

Org. Setting and Reporting UNTSO was the first peacekeeping operation established by the Security Council, in its resolution 50 (1949), and continues to represent the commitment of the Council to assist in the implementation of the 1949 Armistice Agreements and their attendant ceasefires. In its resolution 73 (1949), the Council requested the Secretary-General to arrange for the continued service of such UNTSO personnel as might be required in observing and maintaining the ceasefire, as requested by the Council in its resolution 54 (1948), and as might be necessary in assisting the parties to the Agreements in the supervision of the application and observance of the terms of those Agreements. UNTSO is mandated to observe and maintain the unconditional ceasefires and assist the parties to the 1949 Armistice Agreements in the supervision of the application and observance of the terms of those Agreements. Its mandate derives from Security Council resolutions and decisions, including foundational resolutions 50 (1948), 54 (1948), and 73 (1949). UNTSO ’s activities are spread over Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic to maintain the regional liaison architecture established under the Armistice Agreements.

This position is located under Human Resources Management, United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), Jerusalem. The Travel Officer will report to the Chief Human Resources Officer.

The incumbent is expected to oversee the administration of all official mission travel and shipment requirements within UNTSO, including the management of Travel Unit staff.

Responsibilities Administration of travel and shipment - Within delegated authority, the Travel Officer, FS-6 will be responsible for the following duties: - Supervise the day-to-day functions of the Travel Unit, coordinate all travel related matters within the Mission and supervise a team of Travel Assistants. - Prepare work plans for the unit, oversee, review and evaluate the work of Travel Assistants for accuracy and correct application of the relevant rules and regulations. - Oversee the administration of all official Mission travel, incoming and outgoing official shipments of personal effects. - As Travel Processing Officer, approve travel authorizations after reviewing the supporting documentation for accuracy, validity, and conformity with United Nations, ascertaining that the most direct and economical route is applied. - Ensure that charges for deviation from the authorized itinerary and shipment allowance in excess of entitlements are highlighted upfront and arrangements are made for collection of such costs from the travelers/shippers. - Review bid responses and proposals and conduct technical evaluation through analysis of quotations for most advantageous rates and advise on most effective travel arrangements. - Liaise with airline representatives, travel agents and airport authorities as required. - Verify invoice for payment from travel agents for conformity with the agreed terms and conditions of the contract. - Work closely with defense focal points for the various Troop Contributing Countries, including liaising with the Office of Military Affairs (OMA) in FGS, UNHQ to ensure seamless deployment and repatriation travel and movement of shipments of all military personnel assigned to UNTSO. - Establishes and manages local contracts for travel and shipment services, including preparation of the Scope of Requirements (SOR) and the technical evaluation criteria; monitors the performance of travel and shipment service providers, verifying that the services are rendered as per the terms of the contract. - Projects funding requirements for official travel and shipments for staff and military personnel, manage all budgetary and financial aspects on travel and shipment; provides expert advice on travel and shipment policies and procedures, produces reports, and delivers briefings. - Participates in the annual DSA surveys for Jerusalem and Israel. - Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and process workflows for travel and shipment operations and regularly updates on required changes to procedures and process workflows. - Maintains database system and prepares periodic and ad hoc reports through Business Intelligence (BI), including monitoring UNTSO’s performance to ensure policy compliance. - Negotiate special hotel agreements and discounted rates with major Hotels in Israel to accommodate UNTSO military personnel for the monthly induction briefing and for use by other UNTSO guests.

Competencies Professionalism: Thorough knowledge of travel related processing requirements; ability to apply sound judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to plan, manage and resolve conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education High school diploma or equivalent is required. Technical or vocational diploma/certificate in the field of business administration or travel and related matters or related fields is required.

Job - Specific Qualification Technical or vocational deploma/certificate in the field of business administration or travel and related matters or related fields is required.

Relevant technical training in business administration or travel-related matters is required.

Relevant training in IATA Travel Management or similar field is required.

Work Experience At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of travel related matters is required. The minimum relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first level university degree.

At least two (2) years of supervisory experience is required.

At least two (2) years of experience working with IATA rules and regulations as well as Amadeus, SABRE or similar platform is required.

At least five (5) years of experience in UN common system operations or in similar settings dealing with travel related matters at national or international level is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written), is required.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 June 2023, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.