Travel Officer, AfCFTA at African Union(AU)

Purpose of Job

• Support to the development and deliver a range of travel related activities within the AfCFTA Secretariat and ensure compliance with Travel policy.

Main Functions

• Assist on the following up on the activities of the division, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan;
• Provide support in implementation of programs, policies and procedures within the division;
• Assist in conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective Unit/Division and AU’s internal use;
• Provide support to senior officers in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area;
• Participate in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders;
• Assist in engagement with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop relationships as may be delegated;
• Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets;
• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide support on the administration of all official Mission and entitlement travel requests and processing of shipment requests
• Review travel claims and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, validity and conformity with United Nations rules prior to approval and certification
• Coordinate with the Finance Section, regarding reimbursement of travel, which took place after the financial period was completed
• Closely liaise with Certifying Officers (TSA), Travel Shipment Processors (TPO), and Travel Claim Processors (TCP)
• Prepare and coordinate amendments to existing obligations as and when required, ensuring validity of budget allotment and cost centers assigned
• Compile data and information and prepare travel related reports for various clients groups on regular basis
• Coordinate with the appropriate office for clarification or additional information and meet with officials from relevant substantive units/divisions in order to discuss the details of particular claims and to explain the nature of problems, delays and backlogs when occurred;
• Ensure that the established Invitation to Bid (ITB) system is complied with and that airline tickets are purchased at the most competitive market prices
• Advice substantive sections/offices, and other relevant staff of arrival information
• Adhere to the African Union Travel Policy and advise on any improvements.
• Reconcile travel expenses and manage debit card operations.
• Assist in negotiation of travel service provider’s contracts on behalf of AU with travel service providers and ensure compliance
• Assist in the management of the recruitment, on boarding and administration of Travel Management Company
• Make recommendation for service enhancements and initiate process, procedures and policy improvements.
• Develop and maintain content for travel’s Communications App.
• Lead the training strategy, skill development and performance assessment of the Travel Procurement Assistant under his/her supervision
• Plan, advise and provide information and reports for management decisions.
• Ensure timely and regularly reporting of Travel data;
• Ensure service excellence of the Travel section for the customer service and satisfaction for stakeholders
• Supervise the work of Travel Assistants for accuracy and correct application of the relevant rules and regulations
• Perform any other related duties as may be assigned.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation, Logistics, Tourism Administration, Fleet management or related hospitality fields of study with 2 Years relevant experience
• IATA Diploma or formal academic training or education on passengers’ air travel is desirable
• Certificate in Amadeus Reservation System is an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Sound planning and organizational skills
• Ability to successfully manage ambiguity  
• Ability to work across business units / geographies; cultural sensitivity
• Proficiency in one of the AU officials working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic, Kiswahili or Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk.

Core Competencies:

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountable and Complies with Rules
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence.

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous improvement focus.

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming:

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Language:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration

• Indicative basic salary of US$  25,523.00  (P1 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 18,547.20 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.