1. General Information

1.1 NZIZA NGO

NZIZA Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) as a catalyst for transformative change within Rwanda's vibrant tourism sector aspires to join other public and private institutions in redefining and positioning Rwanda as the foremost cultural tourism destination. Central to this vision is an unwavering dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that every visitor enjoys authentic and enriching experiences. By fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, NZIZA is steadfast in its pursuit of providing unparalleled cultural encounters for all.

Building upon collaborative efforts, NZIZA NGO has formalized its commitment through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the District of Nyanza. This agreement entrusts NZIZA NGO with the oversight and management of the Tourist Information Centre in Nyanza, further solidifying its role as a key player in the region's tourism landscape. Embracing the principles of equality and diversity, NZIZA NGO proudly declares itself an equal opportunity employer.

With a vision for a gender-balanced working environment, NZIZA NGO actively seeks to enhance inclusivity, by welcoming staff members with disabilities. This commitment underscores the organization's belief that a diverse team fosters innovation, creativity, and an enriched experience for both employees and visitors alike.

1.2 Context

About Nyanza District

Nyanza District is a cultural tourism destination in Rwanda, known for its public museums, heritage sites, and cultural trails. It aims to become a cultural and historical tourism hub, fully functional with international competitiveness. Key stakeholders include the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), private sector, development partners, training institutions, and local government. Nyanza Tourism Information Centre is aimed at implementing the Nyanza Tourism Destination Management Plan with the following general and specific objectives:

1.3 Context

About Nyanza District

Nyanza District is a cultural tourism destination in Rwanda, known for its public museums, heritage sites, and cultural trails. It aims to become a cultural and historical tourism hub, fully functional with international competitiveness. Key stakeholders include the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), private sector, development partners, training institutions, and local government.

1.4  Stakeholders Involved in the Promotion of Nyanza District

Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA)

RCHA is a government institution with the main objective to preserve and promote the Rwandan language, culture, and historical heritage. It coordinates and promotes activities related to culture and creative activities. With the overall mandate to manage all national museums and heritage sites around the country, the academy is currently the core stakeholder in promoting cultural tourism in Nyanza and other parts of the country, with the aim of national economic development.

Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

RDB is a government institution set up by merging government institutions responsible for the entire investor experience under one roof. This includes key agencies responsible for business registration, investment promotion, environmental clearances, privatization, and specialist agencies that support the priority sectors of ICT, Tourism and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and human capacity development in the private sector. RDB, in partnership with the RCHA, has been much involved in the development of the heritage sites, especially their signalization (both directional and informative).

Private Sector (Rwanda Chamber of Tourism, Rwanda

The Rwanda Chamber of Tourism (RCOT) is one of the 10 professional chambers that currently exist under the umbrella of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) with a mandate of enhancing business opportunities through effective lobbying and advocacy for the tourism and hospitality industry in Rwanda. RCOT, in particular the Rwanda Hospitality Association (RHA), has been involved in the capacity building and coordination of its members to offer quality services to tourists.  Apart from the RHA, other private sector stakeholders are to be involved in the marketing and promotion of this destination. This includes, amongst others, potential private investors, transport, retailers in different services used by tourists, the private museum, Rwanda Tours and Travel Association, Rwanda Safari Guides Association, and the Community-Based Tourism Association.

Development Partners

The districts work together with a variety of development partners on several projects. The districts have been and will continue to collaborate with various development partners in the execution of a destination management plan in the tourism sector. The development partners' experts will provide technical support to the consultant in completing the specified duties.

Training Institutions

Training and skills development is key to ensuring that business has the necessary human resources to run successful businesses. There are several TVET schools as well as private training institutions which are key stakeholders to developing local destinations. 

Local Government

The local government plays a crucial role in the development of tourism in their daily work. They are responsible for creating an environment that is conducive to tourism planning, promoting, and regulating tourism. Nyanza District local authorities are taking the lead in working to promote their destinations as tourists’ destination and create marketing campaigns to attract visitors. Additionally, the district local authorities will strive to provide support for local businesses through strategies that encourage tourism. 

Stakeholders Coordination and Collaboration

Stakeholder coordination and collaboration are essential for the development and promotion of the destination.

1.4 Timeframe of the Assignment

The assignment is expected to last for a period of two (2) months.

1.5  Key Responsibilities

The Tourism Consultant main responsibility will be to design and implement a comprehensive mechanism to optimize the Nyanza Visitor Centre's engagement across the entire visitor journey, encompassing the five stages from initial inspiration through researching, planning, and decision-making, experiencing, and finally, sharing and reflecting. This includes leveraging online platforms to enhance visibility, providing easily accessible information for trip planning, streamlining the booking process, ensuring an immersive and enjoyable on-site experience, and establishing feedback loops to continually improve and tailor services to meet the evolving needs and expectations of visitors at each stage of their journey.

The Tourism Consultant will also be responsible for the following: 

1. Working closely with tourism stakeholders in Nyanza, assisted by the current tourism coordinator, to assess the current tourism landscape.
2. The Tourism Consultant will play a crucial role in aligning the objectives and product offerings of the Nyanza Visitor Centre with the Royal Nyanza brand image of inclusivity, ensuring that both guests and local hosts living with disabilities have equal access to and enjoyment of the centre facilities and experiences.
3. Collaborating with the Nyanza Visitor Centre team to provide strategic direction and set goals in line with current visitor centre trends
4. Identifying and addressing existing gaps in tourism offerings in Nyanza.
5. Developing and implementing initiatives to elevate Nyanza's tourism profile, focusing on cultural and heritage assets.
6. Coordinating events and organizing workshops for local communities to enhance their craft-making skills, product quality, and market appeal.
7. Assisting local communities in branding their products and attaching meaningful stories to enhance marketability.
8. Designing programs to provide off-farm job opportunities for Nyanza women, including the creation of working spaces and a platform for selling their products in the souvenir shop at the Visitor Centre
9. Facilitating connections between the Nyanza Visitor Centre and the Rwanda Travel and Tour Operators Association to enhance collaboration and visitor experiences.
10. Conducting market research to understand visitor preferences and trends, ensuring that the Visitor Centre’s offerings align with market demands.

1.6  Deliverables:

The Tourism Consultant will be expected to deliver:

1. Develop and implement a strategic plan for the Nyanza Visitor Centre aligned with current tourism trends, ensuring inclusivity for guests and hosts with disabilities and optimizing the visitor journey across all five stages from inspiration to sharing and reflecting by leveraging online platforms and establishing feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.
2. Implemented initiatives for the visitor centre to address gaps in Nyanza's tourism offerings.
3. Establish a plan for how the visitor centre will coordinated events and workshops for community development.
4. Established connections for the visitor centre with the Rwanda Travel and Tour Operators Association.
5. Enhanced visibility and market appeal for Nyanza's tourism products.

1.7 Eligibility Criteria

1.7.1 Qualification Requirements for the Applicant

The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications and experience:

1. Proven experience in destination management and tourism development, preferably with a focus on cultural and heritage tourism.
2. Experience in community engagement and capacity-building initiatives, particularly within the context of tourism development.
3. Knowledge of cultural and heritage tourism trends.
4. Established connections within the Rwandan tourism industry, including relevant associations such as the Rwanda Travel and Tour Operators Association.
5. Ability to implement marketing strategies for tourism products.
6. A comprehensive portfolio showcasing successful tourism development projects and initiatives.
7. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

1.8 Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, Hospitality
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter outlining qualifications and motivation
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Submissions of Offer

Interested applicants should send all their documents above to info@nziza.org. The application deadline is 6^th March, 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, and the successful candidate is expected to report on duty from 15^th March, 2024. Please include "Visitor Centre Tourism Consultant Application" in the email subject line.

NZIZA NGO is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments and interviews.

With the right subject line when applying, you'll be sure that your application is placed in the appropriate folder to be seen in a timely manner. If not, you may be considered as disqualified.