United Nations Jobs - Travel Assistant at RSCE
Organization: United Nations Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE)Vacancy Announcement Number: RSCE/TJO/TAG4/2014The Regional Service Centre Steering Committee is the decision-making body for RSCE, in compliance with General Assembly resolutions, United Nations Secretariat rules and regulations, strategic guidance from United Nations Headquarters and oversight bodies. The Steering Committee consults with the Global Field Support Strategy Implementation Coordination Team, as required.The Regional Service Centre, as approved by the Member States, is owned, managed and staffed by the regional missions it serves. This framework reinforces the existing missions’ chain of command structures and lines of authority in a manner that does not create an additional layer between Headquarters and the regional missions. It also ensures that staffing for RSCE will be achieved through the redeployment of resources from the regional missions it serves.Key Duties and Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Unit Chief or his/her designated official, the UN Travel Assistant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following functions:Provide information to staff and consultants on the most direct and economical route, and plans routings and itineraries, plus the most economical airfare rates for such travel as permitted by the rules and regulations.Calculate airfare, excess baggage entitlements, terminal expenses, daily subsistence allowance for staff and dependents travelling on missions, etc: Provide timely information about On rates and travel schedules for specific itineraries.Contact airlines or travel agencies to make reservations, and request issuance of tickets.Initiate requests for visas.Review of travel claims and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, reasonableness, validity, and conformity with UN Staff Rules.Advise substantive offices, travelers, and other relevant staff of arrival information, requesting arrangements to be made accordingly for the traveler.Intuitively examines booking files and fare construction created by travel agencies, contacting the travel agent to make modifications in reservations and booking classes to ensure the least costs are applied.Guides substantive offices about alternative solutions including transportation cost differences, terminal expenses, daily subsistence allowances, stopover allowances, etc.Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor.Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The ideal candidate for the aforementioned United Nations Travel Assistant job opportunity should have completed secondary education and hold relevant certification/diploma or other supplemental academic qualifications or training in the field of business administration or contract management.A minimum of four (4) years in the field of travel and visa at the national or international level.Prior experience with the United Nations or NGOs is desirable. Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English with excellent communication and drafting skills. Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.Professionalism: Good knowledge of travel related processing requirements; solid experience; ability to apply sound judgment the context of assignments given; ability to recognize and act in the face of conflicting priorities.Technological awareness: Proficient computer skills and use of relevant software, e.g. word processing, travel and IMIS related software, and data entry processes.Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to develop working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance. Communication: Good communications skills (spoken and written), including the ability to draft standard memoranda and to articulate ideas in an effective style.All suitably qualified candidates who wish to join the United Nations in the aforementioned capacity should submit their applications which should include the following documents:Cover LetterThe United Nations Personal History form (P-11), download hereProof of required academic credentials (for external applicants)Employment verification letter from most recent employer (for external applicants)Last two completed Performance Appraisal or two Reference Letters for external applicants Other: Please State the Reference in the Subject of Your Application (Vacancy Announcement Number) – Please See Top of AdvertAll complete application documents should be sent via to: the Chief RSCE, chiefrsce@un.org and copy Judi Birch, birchj@un.orgOr Send hard copies to: RSCE Entebbe Support Base, Baku Road, P.O. Box 710, Entebbe, Uganda.
