GREATER VIRUNGA TRANSBOUNDARY COLLABORATION

Intergovernmental Organization- Organisation Intergouvernementale

P.O. Box 6626 Kigali Rwanda

Telephone Mob. +250 788573965 E-mail: info@greatervirunga.org

Consultancy Announcement

Terms of Reference for Developing Greater Virunga Landscape Tourism Brand Master Plan

⦁ Background

Similar Jobs in Rwanda
Learn more about Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC)
Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) jobs in Rwanda

The Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) is an intergovernmental organisation established through a treaty signed in 2015 between the governments of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). To promote collaboration on wildlife conservation and tourism development in the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL). There are seven wildlife protected areas in the GVL: Virunga National Park in DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori, Semuliki, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda. The GVL is in the Central Albertine Rift (CAR), specifically the areas straddling the international boundaries of the three partner states where the above-stated protected areas are located.
GVL is not marketed sufficiently as a tourism destination. One of the mandates of GVTC intervention is the development of tourism for local, national and international benefits. Based on this mandate, GVTC intends to develop a GVL tourism brand master plan that will be used by protected areas authorities, the private sector and other tourism stakeholders to market GVL as a single tourism destination and increased benefits to countries and people. To address this need, GVTC seeks to hire a consultant to develop this plan. The plan will focus on creating a compelling brand identity, enhancing visibility and recognition, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and establishing user-friendly information that will be shared on an online platform for tourism.

⦁ Objectives of the consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to develop a Greater Virunga Landscape Tourism Brand Master Plan. The plan will promote the marketing of GVL as a single tourism destination and promote tourism for increased national revenue and international benefits.
The objectives are:

• Create a compelling and unified brand identity for GVL tourism.
• Enhance the visibility and recognition of the GVL as a premier tourist destination.
• Promote sustainable tourism practices that support biodiversity conservation and benefit local communities.
• Develop information suitable for a user-friendly and informative online platform for tourists to access relevant information about the GVL.
• Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following activities:

⦁ Situation Analysis:

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the tourism sector within the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL). This analysis will study market trends, visitor profiles, and competitive destinations to gain insights into the tourism industry.
• Evaluate the current branding and marketing strategies employed in the GVL, identifying any existing gaps, challenges, or opportunities.
• Review the existing tourism policies, regulations, and guidelines in the three countries to identify those which promote regional tourism development and prepare a situational paper presenting the existing tourism rules and regulations that should be harmonized for the GVL.
• Benchmark with the East African Community (EAC) Tourism Policy and Strategy to inform strategic choices and implementation approach.

⦁ Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage and consult with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, protected areas authorities, tourism boards, local communities, private sector representatives, and conservation organisations in the three countries. This engagement will involve seeking their perspectives and input on the branding and promotion of the GVL
• Facilitate stakeholders’’ consultative workshops to present a draft brand master plan and gather inputs.
• Identify key partners and potential collaborations that can contribute to successfully implementing the Brand Master Plan for the GVL Tourism Portal.
• The consultant will work closely with the Executive Secretariat of the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) to ensure seamless collaboration and regular progress updates throughout the consultancy period.

⦁ Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following outputs:

• Inception Report
• Detailed work plan with timelines and methodology.
• Framework for stakeholder engagement and consultation.

⦁ Presentation

• Situational analysis report, including findings and recommendations.
• Present the Brand Master Plan to the relevant stakeholders, incorporating their feedback and suggestions.
• Brand Master Plan
• Draft brand master plan for GVTC approval
• Final brand master plan

⦁ Timeline

The estimated duration for the consultancy is at most 60 days, spread within three months. The consultant will be expected to adhere to the following timeline:

• Month 1: Inception phase, including desk research, stakeholder consultations, and data collection.
• Month 2: Development of the Brand Master Plan
• Month 3: Validation and finalisation of the master plan.

The consultant must declare availability in the months of September to November. The final plan is expected by 30th November 2023.

⦁ Qualifications and expertise

The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and expertise:

• Demonstrated experience in tourism branding and marketing, preferably within a conservation or eco-tourism context.
• Strong knowledge of the GVL region, its biodiversity, protected areas, and local communities.
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, brand development, and marketing strategy formulation.
• Familiarity with sustainable tourism practices and their integration into brand strategies.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Previous experience working in the DRC, Rwanda, or Uganda would be advantageous.

⦁ Language

The working language for the consultancy will be English and French.

⦁ Reporting

The consultant will report to the Executive Secretary of the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) Executive Secretariat. Regular progress updates will be required throughout the consultancy period.

⦁ Budget

The consultant shall provide a detailed budget proposal outlining professional fees, travel expenses, and any other relevant costs associated with the assignment. GVTC accepts professional fees of up to United States Dollars 500 per day. Reimbursable expenses will be approved.

⦁ Proposals

Interested consultants or consulting firms should submit a comprehensive proposal, including a technical and financial proposal, highlighting their relevant experience, approach, and understanding of the assignment. The proposal should also include the CVs of key personnel involved in the consultancy. The consultant must submit two relevant samples of work.

⦁ Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

a) Experience and expertise in developing tourism plans, branding and marketing (30%)
b) Understanding of the Greater Virunga Landscape context and conservation issues (20%)
c) Methodology and proposed approach (20%)
d) Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills (15%)
e) Cost-effectiveness and value for money (15%)

⦁ Proposal Submission

Proposals must be either in English or in French and submitted electronically to GVTC Executive Secretary by email at es@greatervirunga.org and copying the following Email address: pruhumuliza@greatervirunga.org.

The deadline of submission is 17 September 2023; And for any clarification required, contact this Mob. +250 798971178

Dr. Andrew G. Seguya,

GVTC Executive Secretary