DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Conference, Facilities and Travel Services - Division of Human Resources and Corporate Services. WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR TRAVEL OPERATIONS EXPERTISE TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN A GLOBALLY IMPACTFUL ORGANIZATION
The Travel Officer will play a pivotal role in managing and coordinating travel services for WMO, ensuring operational excellence, compliance with policy, and a high standard of client service.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Conference, Travel and Facilities Section, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
1. OPERATIONAL OVERSIGHT
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Travel Unit, covering both staff and non-staff travel.
- Ensure travel arrangements are executed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in a client-focused manner while adhering to WMO's travel policies and procedures.
- Oversee travel-related services for WMO client missions, ensuring timely and accurate support.
2. TEAM LEADERSHIP & SUPERVISION
- Supervise and monitor the performance of Travel Assistants, providing guidance and support as needed.
- Assist the Chief of Conference, Travel and Facilities Section in overseeing travel operations and coordinating related matters.
- Provide mentorship and onboarding support to new staff and interns within the Travel Unit.
3. POLICY & COMPLIANCE
- Offer expert guidance on travel administration policies and practices.
- Lead the development of travel-related policies and standard operating procedures, ensuring implementation of auditors' recommendations and alignment with United Nations common system best practices.
- Ensure consistent application of travel policies across the organization.
4. STAKEHOLDER COORDINATION
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Finance, Human Resources, and Procurement sections to ensure seamless travel support for WMO client missions.
- Liaise with Travel Arrangers across WMO to address cross-cutting travel issues.
- Coordinate with WMO clients to resolve complex travel requests and provide tailored guidance.
5. CONTRACT & DATA MANAGEMENT
- Verify that services provided by the Travel Management Contractor (TMC) meet contractual obligations and quality standards.
- Ensure airline ticket quotations reflect the most competitive market rates.
- Monitor the Travel Dashboard for data completeness and accuracy.
- Compile and analyse travel-related reports for WMO client missions to support strategic decision-making.
6. SYSTEMS & EXTERNAL LIAISON
- Serve as the focal point for travel system matters involving UNDP platforms such as UNALL and Quantum.
- Maintain effective communication with external partners to ensure system functionality and integration.
7. ADDITIONAL DUTIES
- Manage the TMC 24-hour service to ensure it always remains fully operational.
- Perform other relevant duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the Travel Unit and broader organizational goals. QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in the field of business administration, travel, transport, and related fields is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
IATA training is desirable. Certification in data analytics is desirable.
Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience working with complex travel operations is required.
- Supervisory experience is desirable.
- Experience working with Staff Regulations and Rules, Financial Regulations and Rules, and procedures of the United Nations System or similar large international organization is an asset.
- Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is an asset. or similar large international organization is an asset.
Other requirements
TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:
- Solid experience in travel services management.
- Ability to translate business needs into effective travel solutions.
- Familiarity with TMC service management and contract management processes.
- Skilled in planning, documentation, and risk management.
ORGANIZATIONAL AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
- Strong coordination, planning, and multitasking abilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES:
- Experience within the UN system or international organizations.
- Experience working with Staff Regulations and Rules, Financial Regulations and Rules, and procedures of the United Nations System or similar large international organization is an asset.
COMPETENCIES
The Travel Officer must demonstrate managerial-level proficiencies in the following competencies:
- Communication & Influence
- Collaboration & Team Dynamics
- Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Integrity & Accountability
- Innovation & Digital Agility
- Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English and French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.) The position is funded from the regular budget.
New appointments on fixed-term contract of one year or more shall be subject to an initial one-year probation period. SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 70212
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 62278 (in addition to the net base salary) Additional Information:
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: 5 September 2025