Business Support Assistant (GDS & Ticketing Specialist), SC4 at World Food Programme WFP in Nairobi, Kenya

    World Food Programme WFP logo

    Business Support Assistant (GDS & Ticketing Specialist), SC4

    World Food Programme WFPNairobi, Kenya

    Posted

    1 week ago

    Apply by

    28 Aug

    Contractor
    On Site
    Mid
    Charity, NGO & Non-Profit
    Travel, Tourism & Leisure

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    Job Description

    The Travel Focal Point will support the GHQ Travel Hub by providing end to end air ticket processing services, with a primary responsibility for handling flight bookings through a Global Distribution System GDS. The incumbent will identify and share suitable flight options with requestors, and upon confirmation, submit electronic ticketing requests to the BCD Automated Ticket Issuance system for issuance. The role requires strong technical expertise in airline reservations, ticketing rules, and fare construction, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant ticketing in line with WFP travel policies and corporate efficiency principles.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Process air travel requests received through WFP travel workflows and systems.
    • Perform flight searches and reservations using a Global Distribution System GDS, ensuring optimal routing, fare selection, and compliance with WFP travel policies.
    • Prepare and share proposed flight options with travellers and travel focal points, clearly outlining fare conditions and key constraints.
    • Coordinate closely with travellers/travel focal points to confirm itineraries and travel preferences.
    • Submit finalized itineraries through the BCD Automated Ticket Issuance system for ticket issuance.
    • Ensure timely issuance of e-tickets and accurate transmission of travel documentation to travellers.
    • Ensure all bookings comply with WFP travel policies, financial rules, security requirements, and corporate efficiency measures.
    • Apply cost-containment principles, including use of lowest logical fares, approved routes, and preferred carriers when applicable.
    • Conduct accuracy checks on itineraries, ticketing data, and fare rules prior to ticket issuance.
    • Maintain proper records of bookings and ticketing actions for audit and reporting purposes.
    • Serve as a key operational contact for travellers and GHQ Travel Hub colleagues on ticketing-related matters.
    • Liaise with BCD Travel and internal stakeholders to resolve ticketing issues, re-issues, exchanges, cancellations, and disruptions.
    • Support travellers during disruptions by proposing alternative routing options and coordinating corrective ticketing actions.
    • Maintain clear, timely, and professional communication with all stakeholders.
    • Contribute to the continuous improvement of ticketing workflows and SOPs within the GHQ Travel Hub.
    • Support team knowledge-sharing on GDS functionality, fare rules, and ticketing best practices.
    • Flag recurring issues, system constraints, or policy gaps and propose practical solutions.
    • Perform any other related duties as required.

    Required Qualifications

    • Completion of secondary school education.
    • University degree or diploma in Travel, Tourism, Business Administration, or a related field is desirable.
    • Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in airline reservations, ticketing, or travel operations.
    • Prior experience with Travel Management Companies TMCs or international organizations is an asset.
    • Familiarity with UN/common system travel rules is desirable.
    • Strong technical expertise in airline reservations and ticketing.
    • High attention to detail and accuracy.
    • Client-oriented mindset with the ability to work under time pressure.
    • Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
    • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a global team environment.
    • Clear and professional communication skills.
    • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
    • Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Travel, Tourism & Leisure

    Minimum Experience

    4 years

    Education Level

    Diploma

    Area of Study

    Travel and Tourism

    Field of Study

    Travel, Tourism, Business Administration

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Interested and qualified? Go to World Food Programme (WFP) on wd3.myworkdaysite.com to apply.

    Master the GDS Screen Before You Apply

    This role lives and dies by your ability to navigate a Global Distribution System with speed and accuracy. Hiring managers will probe your hands-on GDS fluency, fare construction logic, and how you handle disruption scenarios under pressure.

    1. Show GDS proficiency on your CV: List the specific GDS platforms you've used (e.g., Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo) and quantify your ticketing volume if possible. Mention any certifications or advanced training you've completed.

    2. Prepare for a technical test: Many travel operations roles include a practical GDS test. Practice fare queries, booking modifications, and reissues before the interview. Be ready to explain your decision-making on routing and fare selection.

    3. Highlight cost-containment wins: Emphasize times you saved costs through lowest logical fare selection or preferred carrier use. Use numbers: 'reduced ticket costs by 15% through proactive fare optimization.'

    4. Know WFP's travel context: Familiarize yourself with UN travel rules, security clearances, and humanitarian travel priorities. Mention any experience with international organizations or TMCs.

    5. Demonstrate attention to detail: In your CV and interview, give examples of catching errors in itineraries or fare calculations. This role demands precision—show you have a systematic checking process.

    6. Prepare for disruption scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you'd handle a cancelled flight or rebooking during a crisis. Walk through your steps: assess options, communicate with the traveller, coordinate with the TMC, and ensure compliance.

    7. Show stakeholder communication skills: You'll liaise with travellers, BCD Travel, and internal teams. Prepare examples of clear, professional communication under tight deadlines, especially in high-pressure situations.

    8. Understand the bigger picture: This role supports WFP's mission. Show you understand how efficient ticketing contributes to humanitarian operations. Mention any interest in the UN system or global logistics.

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    Tags

    GDS
    airline reservations
    ticketing
    travel operations
    WFP