Posting Title: TRAVEL ASSISTANT, G6
Job Code Title: TRAVEL ASSISTANT
Department/ Office: Economic Commission for Africa
Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA
Posting Period: 3 November 2017-2 December 2017
Job Opening number: 17-ADM-ECA-88041-R-ADDIS ABABA (R)
Staffing Exercise ID: N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notice
This position is open only to internal candidates of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa holding fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointments. This is due to the on-going Recruitment Freeze against General Service positions. External candidates will only be considered when none of the internal candidates are successful. Such external candidates, if selected, will be offered Temporary Appointment the duration of which will be determined upon selection. Recruitment for this position is done on a local basis, whether or not the candidate is a resident of the duty station. External candidates will be responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to take the ASAT examination and, in the event of an employment offer, any cost related to travel and relocation to the duty station on appointment and separation. The candidate will also be responsible to obtain any visas and work permits in order to take up the appointment. If selected, external candidates will be recruited on a local basis and would not be entitled to international benefits. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
The post is located in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Division of Administration, Conference Management Section and Travel, Transport & visa Services Unit, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The incumbent reports directly to the Chief Travel, Transport & Visa Services Unit.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Travel, Transport and Visa Services Unit, the incumbent is responsible for arranging and facilitating travel and related services for ECA staff members, consultants and guests by assisting with all matters relating to airline tickets, confirmations, travel entitlements, visas, hotel accommodation and other travel requirements. Major duties include: Liaising with various Airlines, Travel Agents and UN Agencies worldwide to co-ordinate travel activities on behalf of other parties traveling at the UN expense; performing a wide variety of Administrative tasks, Receiving, providing guidance/information to callers; screening on-line Travel requests for conformity with UN Travel Regulations and Rules; Interpretation and application of the relevant rules; determination of itineraries; calculation of travel entitlements and DSA, standard of accommodation; ticketing, reimbursements, re-issuances, processing of ticket refunds, tracking/tracing lost baggage and preparation of claims, Hotel and ground transportation reservations, and flight confirmation; Drafting correspondence, Information circulars and other documents emanating from the Travel Unit; Maintaining databases relating to: UN Daily Subsistence Allowances applicable to various Countries; Volume of business awarded to each travel agency, discounts and preferential rates offered by various Travel Agents and Airlines; performing other administrative duties as follows: provides inputs to divisions in the preparation of their quarterly plans, provides input to management on policy issues; Provide input on airline negotiation; Prepares weekly and monthly status reports for the Unit Supervisor on the activities of the sub-unit, Preparing accounts, statistics and other statements; checks, verifies and submits for payment, invoices for services rendered to the Commission by vendors; ensure to following with the concerned when invoice payment to vendors delayed or stuck in the process; follow up unused tickets and refunds performing other duties as may be assigned periodically.
Competencies
1.Professionalism: Thorough understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit, In-depth knowledge of Internal Policies, processes and procedures as related to Travel. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. 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.
2.Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be ‘clients’ and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients.
3.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.
4.Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural set-up with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Communication: Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. Commitment to continuous learning: Initiative and willingness to learn new skills and flexibility to adapt to changes in assignment.
- Communication: Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent. Must have passed the United Nations Global General Service Test (GSST) at Headquarters or an equivalent locally-administered test at Offices Away. Additional studies in areas of Business Administration, accounting or management or related field is an asset.
Work Experience
Seven years of progressively responsible experience in the area of reservation and ticketing is required. Relevant experience in the Travel industry is desirable; experience in management of UN travel is an asset.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.
More Information
- Job City Addis Ababa