• Company: African Parks
• Location: Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia
• State: Lusaka
• Job type: Full-Time
• Job category: Travel and Tourism Jobs in Zambia

Vacancy: Tourism Development Manager

Liuwa Plain National Park is a 3660km2 conservation area in the Western Province of Zambia. Liuwa is managed by African Parks, an NGO that takes total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of National Parks in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks currently manages thirteen parks in nine African countries –. The total area under management covers over 7 million hectares.

Liuwa is currently seeking to employ a suitably qualified Tourism Development Manager. The Tourism Development Manager (TDM) holds a diverse role within Liuwa Plain National Park (LPNP) Management Team. Reporting to the Park Manager, the TDM is responsible for growing the Tourism Revenue and associated products of LPNP. LPNP’s goals are to use tourism as a channel to develop the local community, improve the local economy and to generate support both locally and internationally. The TDM will be responsible to attain this through the development of new tourism products, the promotion of current products and the general marketing of LPNP and all its activities.
The position is based in Kalabo, a remote village in the Western Province. Applicants should be comfortable living in a remote area for extended periods of time. Zambian Citizens are encouraged to apply.

Basic Contract Terms are as follows:

• A competitive salary will be given to the suitable candidate
• Performance-based bonus (December)
• Work 6 days a week may be required to work weekends due to deadlines etc.
• 13th Cheque (December)
• 24 Days annual leave
• Three (3) Year Contract, renewable based on performance

 

Position Title: Tourism Development Manager (TDM)

Supervisors:

• Tourism Supervisor
• Receptionist
• Community Camp attendants

Location: Kalabo, Western Zambia

Reports to: Park Manager (PM)

Management Level Middle

Job overview

The Tourism Development Manager (TDM) holds a diverse role within Liuwa Plain National Park (LPNP) Management Team. Reporting to the Park Manager, the TDM is responsible for growing the Tourism Revenue and associated products of LPNP. LPNP goals are to use tourism as a channel to develop the local community, improve the local economy and to generate support both locally and internationally. The TDM will be responsible to attain this through the development of new tourism products, the promotion of current products and the general marketing of LPNP and all its activities. The TDM will be responsible for:

1. Tourism Operational Management

a. The management of reservation and bookings system in conjunction the Receptionist
b. Manage the tourism aspect of the community campsites, ensuring high standards are attained and met
c. Assist with the management of VIP visits, special events and donor visits
d. Assist with the Management of the Luxury Lodge where needed to ensure smooth operations
e. The expansion of the tourism product portfolio through the development of new tourism products, in-line with LPNP business, social and conservation goals and objectives
f. Do frequent visits to the community campsites and other facilities to ensure that the units are properly maintained and comply with set standards.

2. Tourism Marketing

a. Liaise with African Parks Network Marketing staff to promote LPNP and associated tourism products
b. Develop and grow relationships with local tourism companies, tour operators and agents in order to promote LPNP products
c. Develop a digital strategy in order to promote LPNP through the various online and social media platforms
d. Develop a local advertising strategy to promote LPNP to local Zambian residents
e. To design marketing material for the use of promoting LPNP to possible clients and partners both locally and internationally
f. Develop and build a strong relationship with the Zambian Tourism Authority with the goal to promote the Western Zambia Tourism Route

3. In-House Graphic Design

a. Act as an in-house graphic designer for all LPNP Departments, developing posters, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, maps, invitations and any other relevant material to be used for marketing and information
b. Design materials that conform to the design standards set by African Parks Network
c. Design online promotional material

4. Staff Management and Supervision

a. Day to day management of staff under his/her supervision, setting tasks and overseeing these, ensuring exemplary work standards, maintain staff discipline through the company’s code of conduct and conditions of service, and overseeing general staff related administration
b. Liaison with Human Resources to ensure all staff details and documentation is complete and up to date.
c. Identifying training needs and implementing in-house training

5. Any further reasonable and lawful request made to you by the Park Manager

What success looks like in 5 years

1. LPNP offers a diverse portfolio of unique tourism product including a luxury lodge, mobile safari product, fixed departure safaris to tented camps, and excellent community run self-catering campsites
2. All tourism operations run smoothly and efficiently, leading to significant increase in revenue
3. Tourism Revenue reaches 20% of total expenditure
4. Local Tourist Numbers on the increase, making up 30% of visitors to the Park
5. LPNP actively involved in tourism industry in Zambia, assisting with development of the Western Zambia Tourism Route
6. LPNP Marketing and Information material meets African Parks Network set standards
7. LPNP Social Media Marketing Platforms are well followed, with clients, the public and other stakeholders interacting with these platforms regularly
8. LPNP has built strong partnerships with local and international tourism companies, tour operators and agents

Key measures and targets

•  Tourism Revenue increases year-on-year attaining annual and 5-year goals
•  Local visitor numbers increase year-on-year
•  Tourism Operations run smoothly, staff are well trained and guests experience enhanced
•  Community Campsites are well maintained and in excellent condition
•  LPNP tourism marketing material and information meets APN standards and is well received
•  Social Media Marketing platforms regularity updated, with an increase in online followers
• Excellent relationships with all tourism stakeholders, partners, concessionaires and clients
•  Reservations systems well run and efficient
• Staff morale high and work ethic above average
• Administration is up to date and accurately completed

Key relationships

•  APZ Management Team (Conservation, Law Enforcement, Operations, Community, Special Projects and Administration)
•  APN Tourism, Marketing and Design Team
•  Subordinate staff
•  Local and International Tourism Companies, Operators and Agents
•  External suppliers and service providers.
•  APN and LPNP Donors
•  Kalabo community and local authorities
•  DNPW and Barotse Royal Establishment

Capabilities, competencies, and experience needed for the job

•  A University Degree in either tourism, business or marketing
•  Demonstrable combined experience of at least 5 years of lodge management, graphic design, and marketing, with specific focus on online platforms
•  Excellent computer skills, with exceptional knowledge of graphic design software and online marketing platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc)
•  Experience in design of brochures, pamphlets, maps, posters and other hard copy advertising and information material
•  Good understanding of tourism industry in Zambia southern Africa
•  Experience working with tourism companies, tour operators, and agents both from the local and international markets
•  A social outgoing person who enjoys working with clients and business partners
•  Excellent organizational skills and an ability to manage several tasks at one time
• A person who thrives under pressure and can work towards strict deadlines
•  Experience working with international guests with discerning standards
•  Ability to problem solve, make do with what one has to solve often complicated problems
•  A strong leader, who can persevere, with excellent people management skills and an ability to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
•  Fluent English (written and spoken)
•  Good report writing skills
•  Good team player and experience in managing teams
•  Possession of a valid Drivers License
•  Knowledge of wildlife industry and standards

 

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email a 4 page CV (Maximum) with a 1-page cover letter to [email protected]

Please use the subject line: Vacancy- Tourism Development Manager.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for applications: 7th January 2018