Ecotourism Consultant
Ngo & Social Services Jobs
- The ECODIT Trust
- Expires 19 Jun 2023
- Bulawayo
- Internship
Job Description
In the Southeast Lowveld (SEL), Resilience ANCHORS seeks to strengthen locally-led development and private sector engagement by developing four Tourism Business Plans (TBPs) that will act as a roadmap for nature conservancies to develop ecotourism-related business opportunities. Resilience ANCHORS plans to support ecotourism planning and implementation with the Savé Valley Conservancy and with three community conservancies in Chiredzi, Chipinge, and Bikita districts. Resilience ANCHORS also seeks to promote ecotourism in the SEL region, with a particular emphasis on stimulating increased visits from South Africa.
The Savé Valley Conservancy Tourism Business Plan should act as a roadmap for the SVC to improve and expand their tourism offerings. The Tourism Business Plans for three community-led conservancies (Nyangambe in Chiredzi District, Jamanda in Chipinge District, and Devure in Bikita District) should help inform communities, stakeholders and the private sector about ecotourism opportunities and the investments required to fully implement and benefit from new ecotourism-related products and experiences. New tourism activities in the SEL region could potentially include, but are not limited to, activities such as camping circuits, adventure events, guided walks, cultural villages, craft centers, and other activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Objectives/Tasks
The consultant is expected to complete the following tasks:
Task 1: Write an Inception Report
· Write a narrative document describing the methodology that the consultant will use including a detailed work plan describing the steps that the consultant will follow to complete the requirements of this Scope of Work.
· The Inception Report and work plan must be approved by ECODIT.
Task 2a: Develop a Tourism Business Plan for the Save Valley Conservancy
· Research existing tourism offerings in the SVC, evaluate their effectiveness, document potential improvements, and identify additional new tourism opportunities. See section below outlining examples of potential new eco-tourism offerings.
· Develop a Tourism Business Plan that will demonstrate how the SVC can improve and expand its tourism offerings. See section below outlining the requirements for each TBP.
· Develop an implementation plan that describes relevant steps required and cost to effectively implement the TBP.
· Ensure alignment of the SVC Tourism Business Plan with the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) strategic plan and Zimbabwe’s Tourism Master Plan.
Task 2b: Develop Tourism Business Plans for Three Community Conservancies: Nyangambe (Chiredzi District), Jamanda (Chipinge District), and Devure (Bikita District)
· Identify new high-potential tourism opportunities. See section below outlining examples of potential new eco-tourism offerings.
· Develop a community-based tourism (CBT) model enabling tourists to discover local habitats and wildlife, and celebrate traditional cultures, rituals and way of life with participation of local communities.
· Develop Tourism Business Plans for each community conservancy to inform communities, stakeholders, and the private sector of the tourism opportunities and investments required to expand tourism products and experiences. See section below outlining the requirements for each TBP.
· Develop implementation plans that describe relevant steps required and cost to effectively implement each TBP.
Task 3: Present Draft TBPs to Resilience ANCHORS
· Develop a written presentation on research findings and four draft TBPs, including the key high-potential tourism opportunities, likely impacts, and investments required to implement.
· Make an oral presentation to Resilience ANCHORS Team.
· Document feedback from Resilience ANCHORS.
Task 4: Incorporate Feedback into TBPs
· Modify draft TBPs to incorporate feedback from Resilience ANCHORS
· Finalize four high-quality TBPs
Task 5: Develop an Ecotourism Promotion Marketing Campaign (Kruger - GNP Border Crossing)
· Develop a marketing campaign directed at South African travel agencies, self-drive nature enthusiasts, and 4X4 adventure enthusiasts to create awareness of the new Kruger National Park - Gonarezhou National Park border crossing point and its potential as a convenient access point for self-driving South African tourists to experience the Southeast Lowveld of Zimbabwe.
· Marketing campaign should include and describe key target audiences, key messages for each audience, selection of appropriate media, and related marketing materials.
· Develop a marketing implementation plan with key steps, timing, costs, relevant actors, etc.
Qualifications and Experience
1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area such as tourism, hospitality, marketing, business, environmental conservation, etc. An additional five years of relevant work experience can be substituted for this education requirement.
2. Minimum of fifteen years work experience in any combination of the following roles: as a tourism consultant, tour operator, lodge operator, hunting or other tour guide, or in a similar relevant position. The consultant should have direct relevant experience in tourism activity planning and management (designing tourism activities, tourism marketing, managing tourism operations) with a particular focus on ecotourism preferred (wildlife protection, conservation, eco-friendly tourism practices, etc.).
3. Prior knowledge of the tourism market in southern Africa, with preference for experience in Zimbabwe, including the legal requirements for developing opportunities for ecotourism and community-based tourism (CBT) in or near protected areas.
4. Demonstrated analytical and interpersonal skills, ability to think and act strategically, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
5. Experience with ecotourism and conservation projects, especially in southern Africa, will be seen as an advantage.
6. Excellent spoken and written command of English required. Ability to communicate effectively in one or more local Zimbabwean languages preferred.
7. Ability to adhere to applicable regulations and contract terms and conditions.
How to Apply
All applications and required documents must be submitted and uploaded using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BWkA8aKRfxxf9iNnfQncDqN54rOnpfo0s0s-o5aP6-U/edit
1. CV
a. Up-to-date CV must show how the applicant meets the above eligibility requirements
2. Cover letter
a. Summarize how the applicant can achieve this Scope of Work
3. Bio-data Form
a. Complete and sign the form included in Annex 1
b. Proposed rate must be specified in cell 6 and a rationale for the proposed rate given in cell 16
