Travel Specialist

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Roma; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome seeks a Travel Specialist (consultant/PSA) to assist with travel policy implementation and monitoring across FAO locations. The role focuses on data-driven travel management, trainings and system enhancements to support global operations.

The position requires experience in travel programme management, and strong analytical and coordination skills within a humanitarian/UN context.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in business administration, public administration, economics or related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in management and administration of corporate travel programmes.
• Full proficiency/working knowledge of English, French, or Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Assist with policy guidelines and information related to FAO travel programme.
• Organize and roll-out travel trainings for staff on policies and procedures.
• Support monitoring of FAO travel programme data at HQ and in decentralized offices.
• Generate data reports for management, auditors and governing bodies.
• Support travel system improvements, such as contract management and online booking tools.

Skills

Travel management

Data analysis

Project coordination

Education

Advanced University degree in relevant field

Job description

Job Description - Travel Specialist (2602132)

Job Description

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT :

2602132

Travel Specialist

Job Posting

14/Oct/2026

Closure Date

28/Oct/2026, 10:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit : CSL - Logistics Services

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition : Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Primary Location

Italy-Rome

Duration : 11 months

Post Number : N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Logistics Services Division (CSL) is responsible, inter alia, for ensuring effective and efficient administration and enabling functions to support the Organization's programmes in achieving the Strategic Objectives while meeting the requirements of Members, UN partners and resource partners.

The Travel and Transportation Unit is located in CSL and responsible for leading the efficient and sustainable implementation and management of the Organization’s global travel and fleet management functions, ensuring alignment with Organizational policies, operational requirements, and evolving business needs.

Reporting Lines

The consultant/PSA will report to the Travel and Transportation Officer, Head of the Travel and Fleet Management Unit.

Technical Focus

The consultant/PSA will assist with the development, implementation and monitoring of the Travel Management functions at FAO.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist with the provision of policy guidelines and information related to FAO travel programme and process requests for policy exceptions though the Head of Unit, as required.
• Contribute to the preparation, organization and roll-out of travel trainings to staff on travel related policies, process, procedures and systems;
• Participate in the review and monitoring of FAO travel programme monitoring in Headquarters and in decentralized Offices;
• Generate data, reports and information for submission to various internal and external stakeholders including management, auditors and governing bodies;
• Contribute to the monitoring of data reports to ensure accuracy identification of data quality issues;
• Support the implementation of the various travel projects including the implementation and support of the global travel agency contract, online booking tools and any other identified initiatives;
• Track and monitor service issues with the contractors managed by the unit and follow up for timely resolution;
• Participate in the identification of travel system issues including drafting of requirements, development and testing of system changes and enhancements;
• Support the roll-out of travel initiatives, including delivering trainings and building capacity within the user community;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• For Consultants:
• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in business administration, public administration, data analytics and management, economics, general administration or related fields. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
• For PSA:
• University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in business administration, public administration, data analytics and management, economics, general administration or related fields
• Five years of relevant experience in management and administration of corporate travel programmes, including data reporting and travel management systems
• Full proficiency/working knowledge of English, French or Spanish

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in travel programme management in the humanitarian sector and detailed knowledge of industry standards, best practice, preparedness and cost effectiveness
• Extent and relevance of experience in data analysis, project management

Selection Criteria

• Length and extent of experience in the area of travel programme management, including travel operations, programme monitoring and data analysis and experience with travel administrative systems, particularly in a humanitarian context
• Experience in project planning, management and coordination skills, with the ability to organize a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities
• Ability to work independently and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Ability to find innovative solutions
• Verbal and written communication skills, including speaking, networking, presenting and writing
• Knowledge and experience of the UN system will be an asset

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.