Tourism Advisor

African Wildlife Foundation has developed a Tourism Plan for the Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP). The Tourism Advisor will be expected to review and update the Tourism Plan in consultation with Ethiopia Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) staff and AWF as well as other identified stakeholders so that the plan can be incorporated into a revised and updated General Management Plan for the SMNP.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Implement agreed aspects of the Tourism Plan.
• Work with the current tourism operators to help them improve their products.
• Work with EWCA and the Chief Technical Advisor to reduce the number of ‘locals’ that visiting tourists are obligated to take with them in the park.
• Work with the local guides association to improve the service and product that they are able to offer.
• Work with the appointed consultant to develop an improved trail system within the SMNP.
• Work with EWCA and the AWF Program Manager to concession out appropriate new tourism sites.

Expected Outcomes & Deliverables

• Work closely with AWF on the development of a robust business model.
• Provide detailed feedback on the AWF models with adequate justification for recommendations, confirmations and recommendations.
• Complete a market assessment per these terms of reference.
• Clear recommendations on the best model with consideration of risks.
• A list of potential private sector partners most suitable for the scenario—including names, contacts, and justification for their engagement.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years’ experience working in the nature-based tourism sector with strong experience in Africa.
• Preferably experience of owning or running a tourism company.
• Preferably experience with wildlife and property management.
• Experience developing business plans for tourism operations.
• Experience in concessioning and tendering tourism facilities.
• Ability to work well with Governments and local authorities.
• Tourism marketing experience will be beneficial.
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of MS Office.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.