Business Support Assistant (GDS & Ticketing Specialist)

The Business Support Assistant (GDS & Ticketing Specialist) supports the GHQ Travel Hub by providing end-to-end air ticket processing services, primarily handling flight bookings through a Global Distribution System (GDS). The role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant ticketing in line with WFP travel policies and corporate efficiency principles.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• Airline Reservations
• Ticketing
• Travel Operations
• Global Distribution Systems
• Travel Management Companies
• UN Travel Rules
• Client Services
• Time Management
• Organizational Skills
• Prioritization
• Independent Work
• Team Collaboration
• Professional Communications
• English Language
• Attention to Detail

Languages

English