LONG-TERM AGREEMENT (LTA) for Train Ticket Booking Services for UNICEF Lao PDR

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development in a passionate and inclusive culture. Our work is driven by a sense of purpose to serve children and communities worldwide.

Job Purpose

UNICEF Lao PDR requires a Long-Term Arrangement (LTA) for train ticket booking services to support official travel. This role aims to establish a reliable service provider to manage train ticket purchases and related coordination for domestic and regional rail travel efficiently and cost-effectively. The objective is to overcome current challenges with existing travel agencies and direct booking platforms, ensuring timely and seamless travel arrangements for UNICEF personnel, consultants, partners, and visiting delegations. This LTA may also be utilized by other UN agencies in Lao PDR, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring that travelers receive confirmed tickets and travel information promptly, especially for urgent and group travel needs.

Responsibilities

The service provider will be responsible for purchasing train tickets for official UNICEF travel within Lao PDR and arranging railway tickets to neighboring countries, such as Thailand, where applicable. This includes coordinating bookings for both individual travelers and groups, monitoring ticket release schedules to secure tickets promptly, and ensuring travelers are booked on the same train and class whenever possible. The provider will offer ticket options, schedules, and fare information upon request, and support urgent and last-minute booking requests. Timely delivery of electronic tickets and booking confirmations is essential. The role also involves coordinating ticket changes, cancellations, or re-bookings as required, and promptly communicating any travel disruptions or schedule changes. Maintaining confidentiality of traveler information and travel plans is paramount. The provider must submit invoices and supporting documents for completed services and maintain accurate records of all bookings and transactions, providing consolidated reports as requested by UNICEF.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of experience in travel booking, ticketing, transportation coordination, or related services is required. Experience arranging railway travel within Lao PDR is essential. Experience coordinating group bookings is highly desirable, and familiarity with Lao-China Railway booking systems and regional railway travel arrangements is an advantage.

Skills

Strong organizational and coordination skills, Ability to manage urgent requests, Proficiency in travel booking systems, Knowledge of railway networks in Lao PDR and region, Excellent communication skills, Attention to detail, Problem-solving abilities, Customer service orientation, Time management, Record keeping and reporting

Explore related opportunities