INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
Head Travel Section
Vacancy notice no: 2305
Sector: SG
Department: FRMD
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: FI12/P3/261
Grade: P3
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 22 June 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy. The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia. The General Secretariat manages corporate governance, and strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups as well as the general public.
Within the General Secretariat, the Financial Resources Management Department (FRMD) advises the Secretary General on financial resources management, accounting issues and procurement. It manages ITU's financial resources ensuring consistency with ITU strategies, policies, regulations and rules as well as UN Common System policies. It also ensures sound and balanced financial management of the Union; provides support and strategic advice on financial, budgetary and procurement matters, with a goal to strengthen ITU's financial system.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Financial Resources Management Department, the incumbent provides the following services to Union and external staff members:
- Defines and manages the overall approach to travel management across the Union, ensuring coherence between policy framework, service delivery and contract management, in line with organizational priorities and cost optimization objectives.
- Negotiates preferential fares with various airline companies and supervises air travel and hotel room reservations.
- Defines the requirements for the preparation of invitations to tender related to ITU’s use of travel agencies or other travel service providers.
- In collaboration with other operational units and departments as required, identifies need, develops and implements new procedures, working methods and systems, aimed at ensuring an effective travel services while generating savings for the Union.
- Plans and coordinates official travel arrangements for large groups of staff members attending conferences or other events held outside Geneva. Ensures that any required official documents (e.g. visas, health formalities, or laissez-passers) are in order.
- Provides advice and information to the Union staff members, prepares service orders as required and drafts information circulars to clarify and facilitate the application of travel regulations. Verifies compliance with security measures related to the safety of travelling staff members, as prescribed by the United Nations Security Coordinator.
- Oversees the coordination of staff members’ official travel arrangements to ensure efficient and effective planning and processing of travel claims, in accordance with all applicable regulations. Oversees the establishment of inventories for moving-insurance purposes.
- Checks and verifies itineraries proposed by travel agencies in accordance with the Staff Rules and oversees ticket orders. Authorizes expenditures related to invoices submitted by the travel agency addressed to the Finance Department.
- Ensures the proper processing of requirements for new staff members (visas, laissez-passers) and for the repatriation of staff members separating from the ITU, including providing information on regulations, rights and obligations. Coordinates with and communicates as needed with various involved organizations, including moving companies and national authorities.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.
Analysis, Judgement and Decision Making
Client and Service Orientation
Innovation and Facilitating Change
Networking and Building Partnerships
Planning and Organising
- Working knowledge of airline reservation systems (such as Amadeus or Galileo).
- Proficiency in the use of office automation tools (Word for Windows, Excel, SAP Travel Management database software etc.).
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relations at all levels with staff members from different countries and cultures.
- Service-oriented mindset, initiative, problem-solving skills, ability to improve working conditions, and excellent organizing abilities.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and under pressure.
Education:
Advanced university degree in business administration, management or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above.
For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
Experience:
At least five years of experience in travel management and/or travel administration at the international level, including the establishment and management of travel service providers, the operational management of travel arrangements, as well as the use of online booking tools and internal travel management system.
A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.
Experience in a similar position within another United Nations organization or an international organization would be considered an asset.
Languages:
Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration.)
Salary:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances. Annual salary from $ 71,335 + post adjustment $ 64,558
Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to: https://jobs.itu.int/content/What-we-offer/?locale=en_U
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
