Tourism Specialist for Monte Cristi

[Dolores]

An international non-governmental organization seeks to hire a Short Term Consultant – Tourism Specialist to be based in the northwestern Monte Cristi province. The job would be from 1 March to 30 July 2009. Salary would be based on experience.

Counterpart aims to promote cultural, historical, and environmental assets of the Monte Christi National Park and surrounding communities, in order to strengthen sustainable tourism and economic development in the region.

Over the six month period the successful candidate will serve as the lead facilitator amongst local community groups, government agencies and private sector, in a participatory process to design and develop a pilot Community Based Tourism (CBT) project, creating a model for sustainable tourism development. The consultant will focus further efforts towards linking the CBT project into a larger tourism circuit between Puerto Plata and the Monte Christi Regions, and coordinating efforts amongst stakeholders and the established multi-sector clusters in both destinations.

Responsibilities include:

· Based on existing studies identify supply of and demand for cultural, historical and environmental tourism products, prioritize and identify potential next steps in tourism development in the region;
· Plan and organize roundtable discussions and workshops in partnership with the local partners;
· Provide technical assistance as identified in product design, development, planning, business services, marketing, and quality service control;
· Coordinate project activities with various donors involved in conservation and tourism;
· Fine-tune project plans and implement project activities such that they meet project goals and donor guidelines, based on guidance, input, and expertise from Counterpart staff.
· Prepare reports, updates, and other project communication as appropriate;

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, tourism development, and/or related field
· Must be fluent in both written and spoken English and Spanish
· Excellent writing and communication skills, highly organized, independent and efficient

TO APPLY:
Individuals interested in the position should send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to Brian Chang at bchang@counterpart.org.

Posted 26 February 2009