Principal Travel Officer at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

African Development Bank Group (AfDB) - Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Bank’s development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Principal Travel Officer

Reference: ADB/17/301
Location: Côte d’Ivoire
Grade: PL4
Position N°: 50000361

The Complex

• The Vice-Presidency, Human Resources and Corporate Services Complex ensures the delivery of efficient, people-centered, client-oriented, corporate services to ensure overall institutional effectiveness in all aspects of the Bank’s corporate services.
• The Complex leads efforts to ensure the competitiveness of the Bank as the employer of choice and is responsible for providing leadership in the formulation and implementation of Bank’s strategies on people, IT, general services and institutional procurements, language services, business continuity, and health and safety strategies

The Hiring Department/Division

• The primary roles of the General Services and Procurement Department are to manage the Bank’s assets, oversee all corporate procurement of goods, services, works and real estate, coordinate all staff travel and transport of Bank’s goods and staff, catering services and other logistics arrangements and the mail services and keep staff informed about services offered.
• To this end, the General Services and Procurement Department formulates and applies rules for procurement, storage, and maintenance of furniture, office equipment and supply; design, prepare and implement programmes for the construction or acquisition and maintenance of buildings and premises; formulate and ensure the proper and effective application of administration policies within the Bank in such areas as communications, transport, travels, security, protection and safety of the Bank’s staff and property; and perform related duties.
• The department is responsible for managing the Bank’s fixed assets (valued at over UA 100,000,000).
• The General Services and Procurement Department comprises 3 divisions supervised by the Director General Services and Procurement. These divisions are:
  • Operations and Maintenance Division (CHGS.1);
  • Corporate Procurement Division (CHGS.2); and
  • Support Services Division (CHGS.3).
• The Division is responsible for the management of travel and logistics, restaurant and hotel services prepare purchase plans and strategies, prepare and publish contract packages, receive bids and proposals, and serve as official contact between the Bank and suppliers.

The Position

• The job holder organizes Bank official travel in the context of missions, initial recruitment, assumption of duty or termination of services and also arranging travel for invited guests meeting and conference participants traveling under the sponsorship of the Bank.
• This also includes other travel support services such as such as negotiation with hotels and airlines services for reduced rates, and management of the provision of lodge and travel card services.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Division Manager, Support Services , the Principal Travel Officer will:

• Plan, direct and review the work of the team and in consultation with the Manager, Support Services Division, establish standards of performance.
• Prepare management reports analyzing the team’s operation and performance and take appropriate action for improvement when necessary.
• Review and submit annual budget requests based on an assessment of staffing and equipment needs within the framework of identified goals and objectives; audit and approve travel expenditure.
• Develop and implement travel policies and strategies; assess their effectiveness and recommend changes as needed.
• Establish procedures and controls for the effective implementation of the provisions of all rules, regulations and administrative directives governing travel and advise other departments of the Bank accordingly.
• Monitor the performance of Travel Agents; maintain country travel profiles and indicative cost standards and, generally assist staff in travel related matters.
• Mentor, coach and support Team members; set work program priorities and financial goals; handle delicate high priority and high visibility business issues as required.
• Monitor the performance of Travel Agents.

Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Hold at least a Master's degree or its equivalent in Business Administration.
• Have a minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in travel expertise preferably with international organizations.
• Having private sector experience will be an added advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
• Having private sector experience will be an added advantage
• Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions.
• Effectively coordinates actions with other implementing airline partners.
• Ensures application of institutional financial policies and guidelines.
• Develops/ follows internal control procedures to prevent fraud and mismanagement.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other language.
• Proficient in the use of standard MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Practical knowledge of SAP systems will be an advantage.

Application Closing Date
17th July, 2017.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online