Deadline Date: Wednesday 2 April 2025
Requirement: Travel Management Consultant
Location: Brussels, BE
Full Time On-Site: Yes
Time On-Site: 100%
Total Scope of the request (hours): 494 hours for the project (13 weeks x 38 hours / week)
Required Start Date: As soon as possible but not later than 18th May 2025
End Contract Date: 31 July 2025
Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET
Special Terms and Conditions: The contractor will be responsible for complying with the respective national requirements for working permits, visas, taxes, social security etc. whilst working on site at NATO HQ Brussels, Belgium. No special status is either conferred or implied by the host organisation, NATO HQ Brussels, Belgium to the contractor whilst working on site. The contractor will be responsible for complying with all the respective National Health COVID-19 regulations in Belgium before taking up the position.
Profile Description Summary: We are looking for an experienced travel management consultant to support and lead the review of the current travel directive and the development of the updated travel directive of NATO International Staff
Division: Office of Financial Control (OFC) – NATO International Staff Mission: The Office of Financial Control (OFC) is responsible for the management of financial and budgetary control systems for several NATO entities, primarily the NATO International Staff (IS) civil budget. As the custodian of member Nations’ funds, the OFC provides reliable and value adding financial and procurement services in support of front-line Divisions, enabling them to achieve their objectives. It works to comply with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and other best practices, including the management of enterprise risk.
The OFC is responsible for procurement, financial operations, budgeting and reporting for: the NATO IS civil and reimbursable budgets (including satellite offices); all NATO-wide pensions and related funds; bodies and projects located at NATO HQ (NHQ) for which OFC is responsible for providing procurement, budgetary, financial and accounting services. The OFC is also responsible for providing procurement, cash management, finance and accounting support to a number of extra budgetary funds (including trust funds) and bilateral arrangements, including the Tax Reimbursement Agreement with the United States (U.S.).
The NATO-IS budget includes Brussels Headquarters operations as well as NATO Satellite Offices (NASOs). The Office of Financial Control is organised around five functions, with a Front Office overseeing these functions:
- Budget Planning and Analysis (BPA) and Procurement;
- Control, Accounting and Finance (CAF) including Missions (Duty Travels);
- Treasury;
- Strategic Analysis and Reporting (SAR); and
- ERP Competency Centre.
Current context: A review of the travel directive is a good business practice because it ensures that the Organization’s policies stay aligned with evolving industry standards, compliance regulations, and cost management strategies. By frequently assessing and updating the directive, businesses can optimize travel expenses, enhance employee safety, and improve overall operational efficiency. It also helps to address any changes in employee needs or the objectives of the Organization, making sure that the travel policy remains relevant and effective. This proactive approach not only minimizes risks but also fosters a culture of transparency and accountability within the organization.
NATO POC for supervision and coordination purposes: Head, Control, Accounting and Finance Branch
Objectives and scope of work: The Travel Management Consultant will support Control, Accounting and Finance Branch in the Office of Financial Control in the analysis of the current travel directive and support and lead the development of the updated travel directive for the NATO International Staff.
Duties and Role
* Analyze the existing travel policy and compare with other NATO bodies.
* Assess compliance with applicable regulations.
* Identify areas in the policy for improvement and/or change.
* Benchmark against industry standards or best practices.
* Draft a final report/directive with findings and an updated policy and/or action plan.
Location: The Service will be 100% (full time) at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. A limited amount of teleworking might be granted under special circumstances with the line manager permission.
Travel: Occasional travel is not required.
Requirements
Required Expertise and Qualification:
* Industry Knowledge: a deep understanding of the travel industry, including trends, technologies, and emerging solutions in business travel.
* Skills: (a) project management: ability to manage complex projects, implement new travel programs, and collaborate with multiple departments (HR, finance, procurement, etc.). (b) Communication: excellent written and verbal communication skills to develop clear travel policy, communicate with stakeholders, and train staff on best practices.
* Experience: (a) Minimum 5 years of experience in corporate travel management, with a proven track record of managing business travel programs. (b) Policy Development: Experience in creating, implementing, and reviewing travel policies that balance employee convenience with company cost-savings and compliance. (c) Experience working with senior leadership and other stakeholders.
* Personal Attributes: (a) attention to detail, (b) critical thinking, (c) result oriented and (d) adhering to tight deadlines.
* Language requirements: Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages English: V “Advanced”
* Possess the ability to work under pressure and meet tight timelines;
* Pro-active approach to work;
* Ability to work in a well-organized and structured manner;
* Excellent communication skills;
* High level of organizational and coordination skills;
* Collaborative team player.
* Security and Non-Disclosure Agreement: Any proposed resource providing services under this SOW must be in possession of a VALID security clearance NATO SECRET. A signed Non-Disclosure Agreement will be required.