Travel Analyst

Role overview

The United Nations Development Programme’s General Operations team supports travel services for UNDP and partner organizations across the UN system. The Travel Services Section is looking to improve the efficiency, consistency, and quality of its travel operations.

Candidate tiers

This vacancy is open across the following applicant groups:

• Tier 0: UNDP, UNCDF, and UNV international personnel on permanent or fixed-term appointments whose contracts will end or not be renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP, UNCDF, and UNV staff on permanent or fixed-term appointments, considered internal candidates.
• Tier 2: UNDP, UNCDF, and UNV staff on temporary appointments, regular PSA contract holders, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers.
• Tier 3: All remaining contract types from UNDP, UNCDF, UNV, other agencies, and all external applicants.

Key purpose of the role

The Travel Analyst will join General Operations in the Bureau of Management Services at UNDP Headquarters in New York and report to the Travel Manager. The role combines travel policy review support with day-to-day travel service delivery.

Core responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders to gather, assess, and regularly report on relevant travel data.
• Advise event owners and supplier managers to improve supplier coordination and travel service delivery efficiency.
• Prepare reports and carry out travel-related analysis.
• Help source a consultancy firm to support the travel policy review exercise.
• Implement operational travel strategies in line with applicable rules and regulations, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Coordinate travel bookings and arrangements for Central Travel Desk clients, including staff, consultants, secondees, and non-UNDP meeting or workshop participants, in coordination with the contracted travel management company.
• Track service delivery against key performance measures and follow up on gaps.
• Provide policy advice and process travel claims for UNDP and non-UNDP travelers covered by the service.
• Follow up with HQ operations and travel support units so that Travel Requests, Travel Claims, Purchase Orders, and invoices are reviewed, approved, and processed on time.
• Check and assemble the documentation needed for authorization and payment workflows.
• Produce scheduled and ad hoc travel reports.
• Monitor service trends and operating metrics to identify issues and suggest process improvements.
• Share travel management best practices with event owners and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain training and reference materials to support learning and knowledge sharing.
• Provide after-hours monitoring of USG flights when required.
• Carry out any other related duties needed for the effective functioning of the office and organization.

Working arrangement

The IPSA Travel Analyst reports to the Travel Manager at headquarters.

Competency expectations

• Deliver work carefully, on time, and with attention to detail.
• Bring practical, creative problem-solving ideas and openness to improvement.
• Learn actively, share knowledge, and use feedback constructively.
• Handle change, uncertainty, and shifting priorities with flexibility.
• Stay motivated and persistent in demanding situations.
• Build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with others.
• Respect diversity, inclusion, and differences in perspective.

Technical strengths needed

• Ability to manage Travel Requests, Travel Claims, and PO invoices.
• Understanding of travel policies, procedures, staff rules, circulars, and financial regulations related to travel.
• Strong business judgment and awareness of operational frameworks.
• Ability to make timely, practical decisions within authority and resources.
• Customer-focused service mindset with a commitment to responsiveness and quality.
• Experience monitoring results and preparing clear feedback and reporting.
• Capability to plan and coordinate operational processes efficiently.

Education and experience

A master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Logistics, Accounting, or another relevant field is required. A bachelor’s degree in one of these fields may be accepted if paired with two additional years of qualifying experience.

Applicants with a master’s degree do not need prior professional experience. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must have at least two years of relevant professional experience in administrative and operational management, including travel management, procurement, and finance duties.

Desired background

• Hands-on experience with computers, office applications such as MS Word and Excel, and web-based management systems.
• Familiarity with UN and UNDP operations and procurement processes.
• Experience using UNall, Quantum, or another UN ERP system with similar travel functionality.
• Experience handling certification of UN travel documents and G4 visa issuance.

Language requirements

• Fluency in English is mandatory.
• Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Equal opportunity and conduct

UNDP encourages applicants from all backgrounds and makes hiring decisions based on merit and role suitability. The organization is committed to an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or abuse of authority. Selected candidates will undergo relevant checks and are expected to uphold these standards.

Additional notes

UNDP may appoint one or more candidates from this vacancy and may also consider applications for similar positions at the same grade level with comparable duties, experience, and education requirements. UNDP never charges any fee during recruitment. For scam-related information, refer to UNDP’s official scam alert notice.