Commercial Development Manager

African Parks Network (APN) is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities.

In December 2017, African Parks entered into a partnership agreement with the Government of Mozambique, through the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), for the co-management of Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP).

African Parks is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from suitably qualified women.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Commercial Development Manager will be responsible for leading the development, implementation and management of BANP’s commercial development agenda, with a focus on sustainable tourism, concession management, revenue growth, visitor management, payment systems, marketing, engagement with investors and tourism operators, and the development of revenue streams that support conservation, community benefits and the Park’s long-term financial sustainability.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Tourism planning and strategy, including the Tourism Development Plan and annual commercial plans.
• Marketing and promotion of BANP’s tourism operations.
• Development of tourism facilities, products and visitor experiences.
• Implementation of effective, transparent and auditable revenue collection and payment systems.
• Visitor management, control points and operationalisation of the Chizunguni Visitor Reception Facility.
• Management of relationships with concessionaires, tourism operators, investors and partners.
• Identification and development of new revenue streams aligned with the conservation mission.
• Leadership, training and supervision of tourism, revenue, communications and visitor service teams.
• Preparation of reports and maintenance of reliable databases relating to tourism, concessions, visitors and revenue.
• Promotion of local employment opportunities and sustainable tourism growth without compromising biodiversity.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare, update and implement BANP’s Tourism Development Plan and annual commercial plans, with clear budgets, timelines and performance indicators.
• Contribute to the Park’s annual business plan and five-year budget, including commercial projections, investment priorities and revenue forecasts.
• Prepare and implement BANP’s marketing and promotional strategy, coordinating communication materials, media exposure, events, operators and marketing partners.
• Identify and develop tourism products, facilities and experiences that enhance the value of the Park and improve the visitor experience.
• Ensure that revenue collection and payment systems are functional, secure, traceable and reconciled with financial records, in coordination with Finance and Administration.
• Lead tourism, revenue, communications and visitor service teams by setting objectives, promoting training and ensuring quality control.
• Manage and monitor relationships and obligations of concessionaires and operators, supporting renewal, regularisation or renegotiation processes in coordination with legal and compliance functions.
• Ensure that tourism projects and activities comply with applicable legislation, protected area regulations, environmental safeguards, commercial agreements and African Parks standards.
• Work closely with conservation, research and environmental teams to ensure that tourism development is compatible with biodiversity protection.
• Prepare commercial and management reports and promptly communicate risks, revenue irregularities, delays and other relevant issues.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Tourism Development, Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Conservation Business Management or a related field. Equivalent relevant practical experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five years of practical experience in tourism, ecotourism, hospitality, destination management, visitor services or tourism product development.
• Demonstrated experience in tourism development, marketing, business development, revenue management, payment systems and/or commercial planning.
• Experience in the management, negotiation, administration or monitoring of concessions, licences, commercial contracts or agreements with operators.
• Experience leading, training and supervising visitor service, tourism, revenue or hospitality operations teams.
• Knowledge of tourism legislation, protected area regulations, contractual compliance, environmental safeguards and sustainability practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organisational, project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written Portuguese and English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• High level of integrity, accountability, leadership, resilience and flexibility, with the ability to work effectively in remote environments.
• Relevant professional certification in Project Management, Contract Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Revenue Management or Public-Private Partnerships will be an advantage.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary.
• Positive and professional working environment.
• Social benefits in accordance with the organisation’s policies.

SAFEGUARDING AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

African Parks Network does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and does not recruit through agents.

African Parks has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and expects all employees to uphold high ethical standards, protect the integrity and reputation of the organisation, and comply with policies designed to safeguard nature and people.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should include a cover letter and CV in English, including at least three professional references with email addresses and telephone contact details.

Applications must be submitted through the African Parks recruitment platform.