Programme Officer for Blue Tourism

Volunteering Programme & Policy

Overview

Support the implementation of blue tourism initiatives in Guinea-Bissau.

You have:

• At least three years of professional work experience in project management and coastal area management and sustainable tourism in different countries and contexts in Africa, preferably Guinea-Bissau or the West-African region.
• Proven programmatic management experience with sound knowledge of all aspects of the project cycle (design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation) is required.
• Previous work experience from the UN or other international development organization is highly desirable.
• Working experience in field and with youth and female entrepreneurship and the inclusion of marginalized communities is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Sound security awareness;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Teams, Word, etc.) and office technology equipment.
• Working knowledge of spoken and written English, Portuguese and crioulo is required.
• Working knowledge of French is an advantage.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) implements programs in order to empower more and more people and thus help nations to become stronger and more resilient. UNDP is the UN's global development network, intervening for change and supporting people to build a better life. UNDP is present in 177 countries and territories and works with people to achieve their own solutions to global and national development challenges. We have been present in Guinea-Bissau since the signing of the Cooperation Agreement with the Government of Guinea-Bissau after independence, on June 29, 1975. Since then, we have implemented programs in partnership with the Government and Civil Society Organizations in the country. promoting sustainable development, democratic governance, and economic growth. This UNV assignment is part of UNDP’s project “Resilient Ecosystems for Structural Economic Transformation in Guinea-Bissau” that aims build economic resilience, foster inclusive and diverse blue/green growth and sustainable development. The second component of this project focuses on strengthening the economic sustainable diversification for blue economy sectors through improved eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries. Based on the National Blue Economy Strategy and Investment Plan, the intervention is willing to boost the blue economy value chains and support responsible marine resources exploitation. Strengthening inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth through blue economy will tap into Guinea-Bissau’s vast potential as a SIDS (Small Island Development States). By promoting sustainable blue economy practices in key sectors, such as tourism, the country can ensure long-term economic prosperity while also conserving coastal's ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations. Therefore, blue economy can be the key to recover from COVID-19 impacts and to embark on a greener and more sustainable and inclusive development pathway in Guinea Bissau. To support this transition, UNDP is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, from government to civil society, development agencies and private sector.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Recovery and Resilience Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Programme Officer for Blue Tourism will: 1. Support the programmatic implementation and development of ongoing and pipeline projects of the Strategic and Economic Unit focusing on tourism. - Support the implementation of the tourism activities of the office, in particular for the implementation of the outcome 2 of the “Resilient Ecosystems for Structural Economic Transformation in Guinea-Bissau” project - Conduct successful consultation dialogues with local communities and private sector engagement - Support the partnership with the Escola de Hospitalidade e Turismo de Cabo Verde to train young bissau-guineans on specific tourism skills, - Follow up and support to the Blue Tourism Hub and Blue Tourism Business Incubator in the Bijagos archipelago. - Follow up on micro-financing initiative to support the tourism micro-enterprise created within the Blue Tourism Incubator. - Promote Bubaque and Guinea-Bissau as a touristic destination and attract investments through supporting relevant institutions - Support the government and local administration for the rehabilitation and operationalization of the School of Hospitality and Tourism of Bubaque - Contribute to the development of youth and female entrepreneurship in the tourism sector - Draft ToRs, initiate new partnerships and consultancies and coordinate the procurement of studies, assessment, consultancies and agreements - Organize workshops and events related to the unit activities. - Use internal platforms for dissemination and reporting and to enhance project quality (e.g., Quantum, SharePoint)

2. Support the strategy and policy level on tourism through dialogue and outreach efforts at the national, local and community level

- Support the implementation of the Blue Economy Strategy and its 3rd pillar on Blue Tourism - Support the Secretariat of State of Tourism to introduce supportive policy frameworks to promote Guinea-Bissau destination - Conduct fruitful exchanges with national and international stakeholders

3. Strengthen Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
   • Seek alignment and synergies across cluster and with other activities and initiatives of UNDP (e.g., the Innovation Hub, Accelerator lab, Academia de Liderança, Youth Sounding Board, etc)

- Contribute to the development of partnerships between UNDP and other UN agencies, as well as with government institutions, other African SIDS, academia, NGOs, the private sector, existing sustainable development alliances, and other stakeholders and international networks - Support External communication on UNDP GNB and strengthen dissemination of the blue economy strategy, following the communication plan created. - Support resource mobilization efforts through contribution to proposals drafting

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Language skills Working knowledge of spoken and written English, Portuguese and crioulo is required. Working knowledge of French is an advantage.

• At least three years of professional work experience in project management and coastal area management and sustainable tourism in different countries and contexts in Africa, preferably Guinea-Bissau or the West-African region. • Proven programmatic management experience with sound knowledge of all aspects of the project cycle (design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation) is required; • Previous work experience from the UN or other international development organization is highly desirable. • Working experience in field and with youth and female entrepreneurship and the inclusion of marginalized communities is an asset; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Sound security awareness; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Teams, Word, etc.) and office technology equipment.

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, situated in West Africa, shares its northern border with the Republic of Senegal, its southern border with the Republic of Guinea, and its southwestern coastline with the Atlantic Ocean. This country covers an area of 36,125 square kilometers and comprises both a mainland region and islands, including the picturesque Bijagós Archipelago, consisting of 88 islands and islets, of which only 20 are inhabited. Remarkably, Guinea-Bissau boasts some of the finest beaches in West Africa.

Engaging in development activities within Guinea-Bissau presents a unique experience. It offers an intriguing and enriching environment, but it also demands a high degree of cultural sensitivity, as well as a greater level of resilience and dedication compared to other places. Consequently, adaptability and a readiness to live and work in challenging conditions are essential qualities.

Climate-wise, Guinea-Bissau, positioned approximately halfway between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer, experiences a tropical climate known for its warmth and humidity. The country observes two distinct seasons: the rainy season, stretching from mid-May to mid-November with the heaviest rainfall occurring in July and August, and the dry season, which encompasses the remaining months of the year. December and January are the coolest months, although temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year.

In terms of administration, Guinea-Bissau is divided into eight regions: Bafatá, Biombo, Bolama/Bijagós, Cacheu, Gabú, Oio, Quinara, Tombali, and the Autonomous Sector of Bissau, which serves as the capital. The primary urban centers include the capital city, Bissau, with a population of 600,000, followed by Bafatá, Gabu, Cantchungo, Farim, Catió, and Buba.

The estimated population of Guinea-Bissau is 1,584,791, based on the 2009 Census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics. The population growth rate stands at 2.2%, with 43% of the population residing in urban areas. Guinea-Bissau is a culturally diverse nation, home to over thirty ethnic groups. At a cultural level, two primary groups are distinguished: animists, predominant in coastal regions, and Muslims, concentrated in the eastern part of the country.

The official language of Guinea-Bissau is Portuguese, while Creole serves as the national language and is used for communication by over 70% of the population. Additionally, various other languages are spoken in the country, including Balanta, Fula, Mandinga, Manjaco, Mancanhe, Papel, Biafada, Bijagó, and Felupe.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org