Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

Organizational Context

The Bureau for Management Services (BMS) is the central operations Bureau in UNDP that supports the organization in the provision of management services. Drawing on sound analytics and risk-management approach, BMS provides policy, oversight, advisory and transactional services and solutions for UNDP to achieve programme and development results. In doing so, it keeps pace with the evolving needs and expectations of development partners and international best practice through strengthening and innovating business operations.

The provision of client-focused, integrated management services is a key element of the BMS operating model. General Operations must present to UNDP stakeholders, partners and clients a holistic service and lead the promotion and implementation of continuous improvements in efficiency and productivity.  This role ensures internal control, vendor coordination, and the delivery of high quality, compliant operational functions for the organization. It helps achieve that through a focus on optimizing service delivery; including cross-unit integration towards innovation, promotion of best practices, and client-oriented solutions.

Job Purpose

Under the guidance and supervision of the Travel Manager (P4), the Travel Analyst is responsible for day-to-day management of travel activities and provides analytical support to the administration and monitoring of travel-related services ensuring high quality and accuracy of work in order to obtain the optimum travel services. He/she analyzes and interprets rules and guidelines regarding travel and entitlements and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to travel.  The Travel Analyst ensures proper monitoring of travel expenditures and internal cost, as well as their timely and accurate billing, settlement and cost recovery.   The Travel Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the delivery of travel services.  He/she works in close collaboration with the partner agencies, Regional Hubs, Programme and Operations Teams at HQ and in the field, and travel related vendors to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across  interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions,  teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

1.)    Substantively contribute to formulation and implementation of UNDP Travel strategies and policies

  • Contribute to the development of travel category strategy, analysis, and policy formation, leveraging industry best practices and insights to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Ensures effective implementation of operational strategies and travel-related management processes.
  • Analyze travel data and prepare regular and ad hoc robust travel reporting and insights. Identify trends and opportunities for travel program, as well as potential cost savings and process improvements based on analysis of travel data.
  • Effectively communicate with UNDP personnel and partner agencies the end to end travel process, the logic and rationale for the importance and benefits of the travel policy and program
  • Interpretation of UNDP's travel policy, the Staff Rules, administrative circulars and financial regulations and rules on travel-related matters; take action in the best interest of the Organization and manage exceptions to travel policy
     

2.) Oversees effective implementation and monitoring of travel-related management processes

  • Coordination with travel related vendors to ensure provision of high-quality professional service and most competitive price.
  • Develop and maintain appropriate training materials on travel management and processes for personnel to ensure regular delivery.
  • Approval of Purchase Orders and Invoices related to UNall Travel Requests and Travel Claims to make sure they are in line with travel entitlements for personnel and meeting participants, and that the travel arrangement follow the UN rules at the most competitive prices. 
  • Ensure that all travel-related queries have been followed up (verbally and in writing) and action taken with tact and discretion, or have been referred to appropriate office. 
  • Compile summary reports and identify trends in travel service area; based on findings, recommend amendments to travel policy to ensure   increased economy and cost savings for the organization.
  • Proposal and in collaboration with Business Applications Developer and travel related vendors, implementation of tools to streamline and enhance the travel process for the effective delivery of policy and programme support services.
  • Attend all meetings relating to travel services and management related meetings and those assigned from time to time.
  • Endorsement of UN travel documents
  • Serve as alternate focal person for Travel Services Section to support travel arrangements for Senior Officer and travelers requiring exceptional ticket approval, which may include work after hours.
  • Develop systems and procedures for travel-related tasks to provide monitoring and quality assurance of the services. 

3.)  Ensure an effective analysis of the reports

  • Analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposals for cost saving and reduction strategies.
  • Contribution to the monthly analysis and reporting of the travel services in terms of income and expenditures.
  • Preparation, review, analysis and distribution of reports including but not limited to spend analysis, compliance, and service level results.
  • Review and approval of Purchase Orders and Invoices related to UNall Travel Requests and Travel Claims verifying they are in conformance with UNDP rules and regulations. 
  • UNall workforce case assignment

4.) Promotes knowledge building and knowledge sharing

  • Organization/conduct of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on travel management and development of training material.
  • Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in travel-related management.
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice
  • Coordination of travel application testing and reporting of results
  • Coaching and development of team members

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

The incumbent will supervise the work of 3 Travel Associates (G7 level). [D

Competencies

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

  • Business Direction and strategy     System Thinking     Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
  • Business Management     Portfolio Management     Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management
  • Business Management     Communication    Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. .Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
  • Administration and Operations     Travel contract management     Knowledge of policy and procedures related to contract 
    management, incl. oversight of the Long Term Agreement (LTA) with the Travel Management Services (TMS) provider; UN airline agreement management covering all major and rail providers; ability to negotiate airline discounts
  • Administration & Operations     Travel policy and procedures     Knowledge of travel policy and procedures; ability to interpret travel policy, the Staff Rules, administrative circulars and financial regulations and rules on travel- related matters
  • Business Management     Partnership Management     Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Public Administration or any other relevant discipline is required. Or 
  • A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in administration of travel at the national and/or international level is required. 
  • Experience and sound knowledge of UN travel policies is a distinct advantage.
  • Demonstrated experience in operational issues on the ground related to humanitarian sector is desirable.
  • Professional association or certification in travel management/administration will be an advantage.
  • Proven experience in analyzing travel related reports is an asset. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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