Head Travel Section

Job Posting Organization:
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies. Established to connect the world, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level. The organization works to improve communication infrastructure in developing countries and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of various communication systems. ITU also organizes global Telecom events that bring together influential representatives from government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU, and the organization applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.

Job Overview:
The Head Travel Section position is crucial within the General Secretariat of ITU, which directs the administrative, human, and financial resources of the Union. The incumbent will be responsible for negotiating preferential fares with airline companies, supervising air travel and hotel room reservations, and defining requirements for invitations to tender related to ITU’s travel services. This role involves planning and coordinating official travel arrangements for large groups attending conferences or events outside Geneva, ensuring compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures, and overseeing the processing of travel claims. The position requires collaboration with various operational units and departments to develop and implement new procedures aimed at enhancing travel services while generating savings for the Union. The incumbent will also provide advice and information to Union staff members regarding travel regulations and ensure that all necessary official documents are in order.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head Travel Section include negotiating preferential fares with airlines, supervising travel and hotel reservations, and defining requirements for travel service tenders. The incumbent will plan and coordinate travel arrangements for large groups, ensure compliance with security measures, and oversee the processing of travel claims. They will also verify itineraries proposed by travel agencies, authorize expenditures related to travel invoices, and ensure proper processing of requirements for new staff members. Additionally, the incumbent will coordinate with various organizations, including moving companies and national authorities, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in travel management or a related field, or equivalent education from a reputable college. For internal candidates, a first university degree combined with seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience in the field, including two years at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can substitute for two years of working experience.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in travel management or a related field. Alternatively, candidates may have education from a reputable college with a diploma equivalent to an advanced university degree. Internal candidates may qualify with a first university degree and seven years of relevant experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in travel management, with a minimum of two years at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field may substitute for two years of working experience, demonstrating the need for a solid background in the field.

Languages:
Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at an advanced level is mandatory, along with knowledge of a second official language at an intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language is considered an advantage. There is a provision for relaxation of language requirements for candidates from developing countries who possess thorough knowledge of one official language.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year with the possibility of renewal. It is open to external candidates and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. The total annual salary consists of a net salary in US dollars and a post adjustment (cost of living allowance), with an annual salary starting from $70,212 plus a post adjustment of $57,15

• Additional allowances and benefits are subject to specific terms of appointment, and candidates must complete an online application providing complete and accurate information. The recruitment process may include tests, assessments, and competency-based interviews, with communication technologies used for evaluation. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.