Travel Services Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their plight. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is funded almost entirely through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. UNRWA's services include education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. The organization is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it seeks individuals who share this vision to join its team.

Job Overview:
The Travel Services Officer will play a crucial role in coordinating and managing travel-related processes for international staff during their onboarding and separation phases. This position requires collaboration with the Human Resources department and other relevant departments to ensure that all travel authorizations, ticketing, visas, and other necessary documentation are handled efficiently. The officer will provide guidance to newly appointed staff before their arrival, assist them with travel entitlements upon arrival, and oversee return travel arrangements at the time of separation. The role also involves managing all travel operations, ensuring compliance with UNRWA travel rules and regulations, and monitoring the performance of travel agents. The officer will be responsible for the lifecycle management of travel documents, customs clearance processes, and the development of standardized onboarding plans and protocols. Additionally, the officer will provide operational and managerial support to the supervisor, ensuring that all travel-related documentation is prepared and processed accurately and efficiently. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Travel Services Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: coordinating travel-related processes for international staff, managing travel operations, certifying and approving travel requests and claims, overseeing the lifecycle management of travel documents, managing customs clearance processes, developing onboarding plans, providing operational support to the supervisor, drafting official communications, preparing reports for audit and oversight bodies, ensuring compliance with UN travel document policies, and promoting sustainable travel practices. The officer will also be responsible for monitoring the quality and accuracy of outputs from the Travel Unit staff, providing functional guidance and training, and ensuring adherence to organizational procedures and host country regulations. The role requires a strong focus on accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery, as well as a commitment to continuous learning and improvement within the unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first university degree from an accredited educational institution in Business/Public Administration, International Relations, Transport/Travel Management, or a related field. Additionally, candidates are required to have a minimum of six years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in travel, visa, protocol, or related administrative services, with at least two years in an international or large multi-cultural organization. Experience in handling official travel documents, managing travel claims, and liaising with government authorities is essential. Proven supervisory experience and knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP are also required. Candidates must demonstrate excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first university degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Business/Public Administration, International Relations, Transport/Travel Management, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of travel management and administrative services within an international context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of progressively responsible work experience in travel, visa, protocol, or related administrative services. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in an international or large multi-cultural organization. Experience in managing official travel documents, travel claims, and liaising with government authorities is crucial. Additionally, candidates should have proven experience in supervising staff and managing contracts, as well as familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in both languages according to the UN Language Framework, which includes Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, with a one-year probation period and the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The position is classified at Grade 16, with a monthly basic salary of JD 1098.900 fils, and is associated with a Senior Professional Officer Allowance (SPOA) of 15% of the basic salary. Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and a dependency allowance if applicable. The position is based at UNRWA Headquarters in Amman, Jordan, and candidates must be residing in Jordan and authorized to work in the duty station at the time of application. The agency will not cover relocation costs, and preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates who assist in achieving gender parity within the organization.