ECO-TOURISM OFFICER

Company: Self Help Africa
Location: Fixed term
Report to: Project Manager
Deadline: Thursday 17th August 2023.

About Self Help Africa 

In late 2021 Self Help Africa (SHA) and United Purpose (UP) merged. The two organisations – one headquartered in Ireland and the other in Wales – implement projects to end extreme hunger and poverty.

This merger doubled our size and reach – and means that in 2022 we are implementing poverty eradication projects in 17 countries, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Collectively, we are also part of a group that includes social enterprise subsidiaries Partner Africa, TruTrade and Cumo Microfinance.

In 2022 our work reached more than six million people and invested upwards of €45m in more than 100 development programmes designed to improve food systems, facilitate access to markets and financial services, combat climate change, and gender inequality, and improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

This is an exciting time to join us as we unite two like-minded and entrepreneurial organisations seeking to tackle global challenges in progressive and innovative ways.

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Eco-tourism Project Manager will assist in the delivery of capacity-building initiatives and product development in line with community-based eco-tourism goals and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

R1: Planning and implementation

• Develop an Ecosystem wide ecotourism strategic plan for the respective project catchment area and led its implementation.
• lead the periodic review of the Ecosystem wide ecotourism strategic plan to ensure learning and reflective practice and adaptive management are part of the project implementation.
• Ensure delivery of the Ecosystem wide ecotourism strategic plan through the implementation of inclusive eco-tourism business cases.
• Share eco-tourism-related knowledge and skills internally amongst SHA staff and externally to project participants and other stakeholders.

R2: Monitoring

• Support the collection, systemic analysis, and reporting of the implementation of the Ecosystem wide ecotourism strategic plan.
• Document lessons and successes from the eco-tourism business models for learning and replication.

R3: Reporting

• Provide regular updates on the progress of the implementation of the eco-tourism activities and any other issues which require attention and support from Management.

• Provide periodic reports as required by management and stakeholders.

•  Ensure project implementation and sticking points are dealt with and resolved in real time.

R4: Coordination and Communication

• Frequently coordinate with implementing partners (for training etc.) for effective implementation of the project.
• Coordinate with relevant government and other agencies working in the tourism sector in Uganda, including UWA & Uganda Tourism Board, Private Tour Operators, and other key actors in the tourism sector.
• Communicate regularly with partners and stakeholders throughout all phases of the project to ensure effective teamwork and successful delivery.
• Assess and map eco-tourism resource assets in cooperation with stakeholders.
• Utilise effective communication channels to promote the eco-tourism facility to ensure the sustainability of the project over the long term.

R5: Program Development

• Support the development of ecotourism businesses including broadly green businesses in line with industry best practices and approaches.
• Support the development of the local value chain in terms of maximizing the business opportunities from the community and the private sector.
• Build skills within community ecotourism groups to effectively develop ecotourism products, and services, host tourists, and engage with the private sector.
• Assist the Project Manager in the design of community-level ecotourism knowledge products and training materials.
• Work closely with Community and Batwa groups to promote community-based ecotourism products, services, and promotional materials.
• Stay up to date with emerging concepts and new tourism products that can be identified and suggested to the project.
• Identify and explore opportunities for the project to get good publicity to support the successful implementation and sustainability of the eco-tourism business going forward.

R6: Policy

• Remain informed and updated on tourism and related policy issues.

Key Relationships

Internal:

• Project Manager, Project Officers, technical Coordinators & other project staff

• Self Help Africa Uganda Country Programme Staff and administrative staff

External:

•  Farmer groups, youth and women groups, government departments, private enterprises, donors, Civil society organisations.

Knowledge, Experience and Other Requirements

Essential:

1. Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of ecotourism and how to manage successful ecotourism projects and facilities is essential. A bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, Forestry, Environmental Management, or similar field is strongly preferred.
2. Additional qualification in Business Management Administration and or, Entrepreneurship will be an added advantage, but not an essential requirement.
3. b) Experience: At least 3 years of experience is required in the field of managing, developing, and implementing of eco-tourism facilities. Essential experience in managing projects to deliver objectives on time and on budget, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
4. Must be eligible to work in Uganda.

Desirable:

• Highly entrepreneurial and focused on the pursuit of both Conservation and Tourism goals with the proven ability to deliver.
• Excellent communication skills that include technical writing and marketing skills.
• Excellent command of both oral and written English desirable.
• Proficient in computer programs including MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.
• The candidate should be a self-starter and a good team player.

To apply please upload a CV, Application form and cover letter here.

All candidates offered a job with Self Help Africa will be expected to sign our Safeguarding Policies and Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.  Specific roles may require Police/DBS/relevant police authority vetting.

Self Help Africa strives to be an equal opportunities employer.