Business Support Assistant (gds & Ticketing Specialist),

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity. Operating under a One Global HQ model, WFP has established a GHQ Travel Hub to centralize and optimize global travel services, ensuring policy adherence, cost-effectiveness, and consistent service delivery worldwide.

Job Purpose

The Business Support Assistant (GDS & Ticketing Specialist) will play a crucial role in supporting WFP's GHQ Travel Hub by providing comprehensive end-to-end air ticket processing services. This involves leveraging Global Distribution System (GDS) expertise to manage flight bookings, identify optimal routing and fare options, and ensure timely electronic ticket issuance in compliance with WFP travel policies. The incumbent will be responsible for accurate fare construction, adherence to ticketing rules, and maintaining high standards of quality assurance. Additionally, the role requires effective client support, liaising with travel management companies and internal stakeholders to resolve issues, and contributing to process improvements within the travel hub. The primary objective is to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective travel arrangements that support WFP's global operations and humanitarian mission.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility is to process air travel requests efficiently and accurately using a Global Distribution System (GDS). This involves performing flight searches, making reservations, and ensuring compliance with World Food Programme (WFP) travel policies, financial rules, and security requirements. The role requires identifying optimal routing and fares, preparing proposed flight options for travelers, and coordinating itinerary confirmations. Once finalized, itineraries are submitted for ticket issuance through the BCD Automated Ticket Issuance system, ensuring timely delivery of e-tickets and travel documentation. A key aspect is maintaining compliance with cost-containment principles, such as selecting the lowest logical fares and approved routes. The position also involves conducting accuracy checks on bookings and fare rules before ticket issuance and maintaining proper records for audit purposes. Furthermore, the role serves as a point of contact for ticketing-related inquiries, liaising with travel management companies and internal stakeholders to resolve issues like re-issues, exchanges, and cancellations. Supporting travelers during disruptions by proposing alternative solutions and contributing to the continuous improvement of ticketing workflows and standard operating procedures are also crucial duties. The expected outcomes include timely and accurate ticket processing, high compliance rates, reduced turnaround times, enhanced traveler satisfaction, and strengthened operational efficiency of the travel hub.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in airline reservations, ticketing, or travel operations. Prior experience with Travel Management Companies (TMCs) or international organizations is beneficial. Familiarity with UN/common system travel rules is desirable. Strong technical expertise in airline reservations and ticketing is essential, along with a client-oriented mindset, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.

Skills

Global Distribution System (GDS), Airline Reservations, Ticketing Rules, Fare Construction, Travel Policy Compliance, Client Support, Process Improvement, Record Keeping, Coordination, Accuracy Checks

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