University of Cape Coast

Centre for Coastal Management

The Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) at the University of Cape Coast is an applied research and development-oriented Centre of Excellence recognised by the World Bank and supervised by the Association of African Universities (AAU). The Centre is a multidisciplinary think tank institution working in close committed partnerships with several funded programs. One of such programs is the the Avu Lagoon Community Protected Area Project.

This project is collaboration between the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (WI), the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission  (WD), the Avu Lagoon CREMA Board (ALCB) and CCM which seeks to support efforts to protect the habitats that are home to Ghana’s Avu Lagoon wetlands which host rich biodiversity, including the Sitatunga, with the ultimate outcome of enhanced sustainability of biodiversity and local livelihoods, particularly for women, in the Avu Lagoon Community Protected Area.

 
Among other things, the project seeks to promote the management and development of wildlife in the community protected area, support the development of eco-tourism potentials of the CPA, promote the development of wildlife-based enterprises, develop linkages with other agencies and NGOs whose activities impact on wildlife, assist local communities to develop and manage their reserves, foster collaboration with communities close to protected areas through the promotion of Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs), and promote public awareness and education on wildlife management issues.

In furtherance of its intention to deliver on its mandate, CCM is seeking a young, knowledgeable, hardworking, and dedicated individual willing to join our dynamic team of experts to develop the eco-tourism component of the project. Females are particularly encouraged to apply.
 
Eligibility/Qualification
Suitable applicants must have a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil), Master of Science (M.Sc) or equivalent as a minimum qualification in one or a combination of the following areas; Tourism Management,  Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Resource Economics, Environmental Sciences, and other fields related to the priorities of the project.

Applicants must have a deep understanding of the tourism industry, including knowledge of travel trends, customer preferences, and emerging markets. Familiarity with local attractions, landmarks, and tourism resources in the focal area is important. Applicants must have competencies in relevant software and technology used in tourism management, including reservation systems, booking platforms, and marketing tools. 

In addition, applicants must have excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with staff, tourists, partners, and stakeholders. Multilingual skills can be a significant asset, especially in cases with diverse international visitors.

Job/Position Description
The Project Support Officer will work within the scope of the Avu lagoon Community Protected Area Project and will be assigned the following responsibilities:
1.    Developing and implementing tourism marketing strategies.
2.    Managing budgets and financial resources for tourism activities.
3.    Collaborating with local businesses and attractions to enhance tourism offerings.
4.    Supervising and training tourism staff.
5.    Monitoring and analyzing tourism trends and market conditions.
6.    Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and permits.
7.    Creating and maintaining relationships with tour operators and travel agencies.
8.    Promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Measurable targets and objectives that the Project Support Officer will be evaluated against may include:
i.    Increase in tourist arrivals.
ii.    Revenue generated from tourism activities.
iii.    Customer satisfaction ratings.
iv.    Reduction in customer complaints.
v.    Successful implementation of marketing campaigns.

Duration and Location
The duration for this assignment is one (1) year which may be renewed upon satisfactory performance. The work will be based in Accra with limited travel to the project site in the Volta Region. 

Salary/Remuneration
The benefits attached to this position are attractive.
 
How to apply
All suitable applicants should submit their application to the Director, Centre for Coastal Management, University of Cape Coast on or before Friday, February 16, 2024. All applications should include:           

1) Application Letter,

2) Curriculum Vitae,

3) Copies of Academic and Relevant Certificates,

4) Letter of Motivation, and

5) Two Reference Letters.

Send your application via email acecor@ucc.edu.gh under the subject ACECoR Project Support Officer.

No phone calls, please. Thank you