The Travel Specialist will be responsible for performing travel-related functions including coordinating travel for individuals; reviewing and submitting applications for passports, foreign visas, and eCountry clearance requests; interpreting and applying travel-related policies and procedures; preparing and reviewing travel vouchers; creating travel authorizations and amendments; conducting analyses of work processes and functions to improve current practices; and maintaining a filing system of official travel documents.

This is not an entry-level position; 3-5 years of experience preferred.

Reporting to the Director of Operations and Finance (DOF), the Travel Specialist's primary responsibilities include the following:

1. Travel Management:

• Provides expert customer service, advice, assistance, and guidance to Commissioners and staff on complex and sensitive matters relating to domestic and international travel;
• Coordinates all aspects of arranging travel for Commissioners and staff, and approved invitational travelers through the use of USCIRF's travel agency;
• Coordinates travel document requirements for domestic and international travel (to include the preparation of travel authorizations, passport and foreign entry visa requests, eCountry Clearance notifications and travel restrictions, and preparing and reviewing travel vouchers) with the appropriate entities.
• Researches and conducts analysis of regulations and polices to address questions that arise with domestic and international travel and provides solutions to the questions.
• Evaluates pertinent travel regulations and new or revised policies or directives from the General Services Administration (particularly the Federal Travel Regulation) and the Department State as it applies to the Commission's travel needs.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for USCIRF travel matters and responds to emergency situations that may occur across different time zones;
• Maintains comprehensive filing system of official travel documents;
• Prepares travel related materials for Commission trips;
• Reconciles travel credit card transactions within established timeframes.
• Serves as the primary timekeeper by maintaining time and attendance records; and
• Assists Commissioners and staff with travel planning, as needed.

• The Travel Specialist is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with international travel; and
• Experience working with a travel agency.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen;
• Bachelor's Degree required;
• Experience with the Federal Travel Regulation;
• High standards of timeliness and accuracy, and excellent organizational skills;
• Collegial demeanor with strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced setting, defining and meeting deadlines;
• Apply solid judgment, discretion, and patience;
• Ability to prepare presentation materials and independently note and follow up on commitments made;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision but also part of a team; and
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This job is excepted from the competitive civil service. Applicants will be evaluated and deemed either eligible or ineligible based on the (1) completeness of the submission of the required materials, (2) relevance and quality of experience and education, and (3) desired qualifications described above.

Pursuant to section 204(c) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, as amended, USCIRF staff members are hired "on the basis of professional and nonpartisan qualifications."