Division Manager - Corporate Travel & Support Services 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: Division Manager - Corporate Travel & Support Services

Position Number: 50092478
Location: Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Position Grade: PL2

The Hiring Complex

• The Vice-Presidency, Technology and Corporate Services (TCVP) is responsible for the design, development and delivery of efficient, client-oriented, corporate services and information-technology solutions to ensure overall institutional effectiveness in all aspects of the Bank’s corporate services.
• The Complex provides leadership in the formulation and implementation of the Bank’s strategies, policies, controls and approaches on organizational information technology systems, software applications, cyber security, IT support and infrastructure systems.
• The Complex is also responsible for management of the Bank’s real estate assets, institutional procurement, language services and business continuity.

The Hiring Department / Division

• The primary roles of the Real Estate Management, Procurement and General Services Department are to manage the Bank’s assets, oversee corporate procurement of goods, works, services, and real estate and manage institutional services (corporate travel, logistics, catering services, and mail services, fleet).
• To this end, the Real Estate Management, Procurement and General Services Department: formulates and applies procurement policies and rules, guidelines for management of facilities and real estate services, elaborates and ensures 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 performs related duties.
• The Department is also responsible for managing the Bank’s fixed assets.
• The Real Estate Management, Procurement and General Services Department comprises three divisions: (i) the Operations and Maintenance Division; (ii) the Corporate Procurement Division; and (iii) the Corporate Travel & Support Services Division.

The Person

• The role of the Division Manager, Corporate Travel & Support Services (TCGS.3), is critical in advancing the Bank's transformative agenda for Africa. Positioned directly under the Director of the Real Estate Management, Procurement and General Services Department (TCGS), this position is central to managing the Bank’s business travel and corporate services efficiently and ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations and optimizing travel related expenses.
• These services include logistics, catering, insurance, courier services, land transport, and fleet management, among others.
• The Division Manager's role includes strategic planning and coordination to support the operations of the Bank including risk management, vendor negotiations and implementation of best practices in travel management.
• The role provides leadership in steering these services to meet staff needs, but also in aligning them with the Bank's strategic objectives, thus enhancing the Bank's operational efficiency and contributing significantly to its over-arching goals.

Key Functions
Under the general supervision of the Director of General Services and Procurement the Division Manager’s principal accountabilities are as follows:

• Policy management: developing, updating and enforcing travel accommodation and general services policies and procedures to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness.
• Compliance and risk management: ensuring all activities comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies, with due attention to risk management and employee health and safety.
• Financial management: monitoring and managing travel budgets, ensuring expenditures are within allocated funds, and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Service provision and operational oversight: overseeing the day-to-day logistics, catering, insurance and transportation operations of the division, including managing staff, travel bookings and providing logistical support for the Bank’s mission and events.
• Vendor management: negotiating contracts with travel service providers such as airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and other partners to secure the best service, terms and prices for the Bank.
• Stakeholder engagement: collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and partners to understand business needs, monitor service delivery and provide effective solutions.
• Technology and innovation: leveraging technology to improve business processes and analytics and enhance the client experience, including the use of travel management systems and tools among others.
• The Division Manager ensures that corporate services are responsive, efficient as well as strategically aligned with the Bank's mission, thereby playing a vital role in the institution's success. This position underscores the strategic importance of operational excellence and client service in achieving the Bank’s transformative objectives.

Compentencies (skills, experience and knowledge)

• Hold a least a Master’s degree and/or professional qualifications in fields relevant to Corporate travel, such as Management, Business Administration, Hospitality, or Tourism Management.
• Have at least eight (8) years of progressive experience of which at least three (3) should have been in a Managerial or highly supervisory role in relevant fields, including significant leadership roles related to corporate services and travel management in a Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) or not-for-profit context.
• Leadership & Strategic Management. Demonstrated leadership in coordinating administrative and business support services with a focus on achieving strategic objectives.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving. Experience in managing priorities under pressure and developing solutions to operational challenges.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Multicultural Collaboration. Proven ability to work across functions, manage diverse teams, and engage with stakeholders effectively.
• Effective Communication & Linguistic Proficiency. Strong communication skills (verbal and written), with proficiency in English or French and preferably with working knowledge of the other language.
• Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications and SAP.

Application Closing Date
6th November, 2024.