Travel Analyst

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.
 

• 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
   

• 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. 
   

• 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
   

People Management 

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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

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.