Travel Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution established to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 1966, ADB has grown to include 69 member countries, with 50 of them located in the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development through financial assistance, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. ADB's mission is to create a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also working towards the eradication of extreme poverty. The bank operates in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, health, and environmental sustainability, and is committed to achieving its goals through its Strategy 2030 framework. ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and employs a diverse workforce that reflects the cultural richness of its member countries.

Job Overview:
As a Travel Analyst at the Asian Development Bank, you will play a crucial role in supporting the travel operations of the organization. Your primary responsibilities will include conducting research and data management, coordinating travel-related activities, and preparing reports that address key issues within the Travel Section. You will be expected to analyze best practices in the corporate travel sector to inform ADB's travel policies and contribute to the enhancement of these policies. Additionally, you will draft memos and updates to administrative circulars, develop travel-related communications, and create content for internal webpages and newsletters. Your role will also involve providing guidance on preferred airlines, hotels, and estimated travel costs for mission planning, as well as assisting staff in using the Concur system for travel itineraries and requests. You will be responsible for reviewing and processing travel requests, compiling briefing kits, conducting internal surveys to gather staff feedback, and collaborating with various internal departments and travel vendors to ensure mission readiness and compliance. Furthermore, you will manage ADB's corporate credit card program and monitor the service performance of the in-house travel agency, ensuring effective handling of visa and documentation processes. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying and resolving travel-related issues, as well as supporting budget tracking and invoice verification related to travel services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Travel Analyst will be tasked with a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting research and benchmarking to support enhancements to ADB's travel policies; analyzing best practices in the corporate travel sector; drafting memos and updates to administrative circulars; developing travel-related communications; creating content for internal webpages and newsletters; providing guidance on preferred airlines, hotels, and estimated travel costs; assisting staff in using the Concur system for travel itineraries and requests; reviewing and processing travel requests and post-mission documentation; compiling briefing kits and drafting responses for interdepartmental reviews; conducting internal surveys to collect staff feedback on travel procedures; collaborating with internal departments and travel vendors; managing visa requirements and travel documents; maintaining relationships with embassy officials; administering ADB's corporate credit card program; managing Virtual Credit Cards for mission travel; coordinating with banking partners; monitoring service performance of the in-house travel agency; onboarding new staff and agency personnel on ADB travel policies; supporting budget tracking and invoice verification; and identifying and resolving travel-related issues as they arise.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the Travel Analyst position, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, management, tourism, or a related academic discipline. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of work experience in the travel industry, which may include roles in airlines, credit card companies, hotels, or travel management companies (TMCs). A strong understanding of established policies, procedures, and guidelines regarding business and mission travel, as well as the requirements for administering ADB mission travel, is essential. Candidates should also have knowledge of the business practices of the travel industry, including visa requirements for various nationalities and diplomatic protocols with embassies. Experience with Travel Management Company operations, airfare tariff calculations, and Global Distribution System software is highly desirable. The ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and individuals from different cultural backgrounds is crucial, as is proficiency in relevant computer-based programs and applications, including databases such as Oracle, Outlook, SharePoint, and Concur.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Travel Analyst position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as accounting, business administration, management, tourism, or a related academic discipline. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of travel management and the operational requirements of the Asian Development Bank.

Experience:
Candidates for the Travel Analyst position should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in the travel industry. This experience should encompass various aspects of travel management, including familiarity with airline operations, hotel services, credit card processing, and the workings of travel management companies. A strong background in travel policy administration and an understanding of the travel needs of international organizations will be advantageous.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given that ADB operates in an international context. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region, as they can enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and clients.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 2 additional years, conversion to a regular appointment, or termination at the end of the initial period based on ADB's needs and the employee's performance. The role is classified at the TL3 level, and ADB offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, medical and health benefits, life and other insurance plans, staff development opportunities, and a retirement plan. ADB is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, particularly women and individuals from diverse backgrounds.