Tourism Project Manager At Wildlife Conservation Society

Title : Tourism Project Manager

Line manager : Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park Head of Tourism

Workplace:  Bomassa, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park

Program Country/Sector: Republic of Congo

Position type : Full time.

Job summary:

The Tourism Project Manager will play a key role in the establishment, management and promotion of Camp Ngolio, a new community-based tourism operation near Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. She/he will work closely with the Head of Tourism, the tourism team and the local community and Indigenous Peoples around the park to design the camp, support its construction, recruit its staff and design its operational systems. Support for efforts to design governance structures will also be required, as will the promotion of wider community engagement for the initiative, with the aim of promoting the success and sustainability of this innovative tourism venture in northern Congo. She/he will also support the Head of Tourism in managing daily tourism activities.

Main responsibilities:

1. Lead the creation and implementation of the Camp Ngolio project:

• Together with the Community Tourism Officer Liaise between the Park, local communities and external stakeholders for the Camp Ngolio project, ensuring that local communities are involved in all planning and development processes to promote their participation.
• Support the finalization of the camp design, including site plans and final site selection.
• Support efforts to secure funds and resources for the establishment and ongoing operations of Camp Ngolio through grants, partnerships and other funding opportunities.
• Support the park’s logistics department in the procurement of building materials and the coordination of construction work, including liaison with contractors.
• Oversee the construction of Camp Ngolio’s infrastructure, ensuring that the camp is built on time and on budget.
• Together with the Community Tourism Officer facilitate workshops, meetings and training programs to enable local community members to acquire skills and knowledge in tourism, hospitality and conservation.
• Design the operational systems for the new camp, recruit staff to run the operations and ensure they are trained to run the camp smoothly.
• Participated in the creation, revision and updating of tourism-related operational documents (such as SOPs) and promotional material for Camp Ngolio.
• Coordinate activities with other members of the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park and external partners to ensure the smooth running of Camp Ngolio.

1. Tourism management and operations:

• Assist the NNNP Head of Tourism in the management of day-to-day tourism activities within the park, with a focus on the integration of Camp Ngolio operations.
• Manage communications with potential visitors, create itineraries and quotes for Camp Ngolio and respond to all inquiries.
• Ensure that high standards of customer service and hospitality are maintained at Camp Ngolio, in line with the park’s overall tourism objectives.
• Support the NNNP Head of Tourism in administrative tasks, reporting and logistics related to tourism development and operations.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of training programs for local community members in tourism management, hospitality, conservation practices and language skills.
• Ensure compliance with FNN and WCS rules and procedures and contribute to team spirit and cohesion.

Other responsibilities :

• Plan and organize the logistics of missions within the given deadlines,
• Assist, collaborate and coordinate activities with other NNNP members.
• Proactive in carrying out the tasks and activities set out in the annual work plan and budgets.
• Inform the supervisor of all actions that may affect the operation of the department.
• Seek prior approval from supervisor before sharing departmental or other data with others.
• Draft minutes of meetings and missions as well as reports.
• Write reports on each activity carried out and participate in the preparation of monthly, half-yearly and annual reports.
• Work to ensure the smooth running of the team and maintain a team spirit among staff.
• Respect rules and procedures of the FNN and WCS.
• Perform additional tasks at the request of park management, after prior discussion with the supervisor.

Qualifications and experience:

• Experience in managing tourism operations, preferably in a conservation, national park and/or community context is required. Experience of the Central or West African conservation and tourism context would be an advantage.
• Strong project management skills, including experience in project planning and implementation is required.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams, managing several activities simultaneously, delivering quality work on tight deadlines is required.
• Experience working in the private sector would be preferred. Experience working with start-up businesses would be an advantage.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, tourists, and external partners to maintain favorable public relations is required.
• Knowledge of sustainable tourism practices and commitment to conservation and community development would be an advantage.
• Fluency in French and English is required.
• Preparedness to work in remote field locations with poor access to basic amenities is required.