Cuso International is a non-profit development organization that works through volunteers. Each year, we send hundreds of global citizens to work on collaborative development projects in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We are one of North America’s leading international development organizations that works through volunteers.

Conservation International (CI) has been active in Guyana since 1990 and operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Government of Guyana. The staff is comprised of 100% Guyanese, and are committed to assisting with the development of Guyana in an environmentally sustainable, culturally appropriate, and economically sensitive manner. CI’s vision is to establish Biodiversity Corridors in Guyana, incorporating the anchors of a National Protected Area System, while developing trans-boundary corridors across the Guiana Shield. CI has been working with the Government of Guyana and resident indigenous communities to develop long term sustainable management for the establishment of protected areas, helping to develop protected area legislation in Guyana and actively working with the Government to endow and establish a protected areas trust fund to finance the management of Guyana’s protected areas in perpetuity.  

 

In collaboration with the other members of the Making Markets Work for the poor (MMW) team, the Tourism Development Advisor will work as part of the Conservation International CI-Guyana team in the execution of the project titled, “Improving Livelihoods through Low Carbon Economic Development of the Rupununi”. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the baseline assessments, improving the efficiency in tourism by promoting low carbon, climate tourism practices and foster market-led approaches. ; promote the sharing of best practice / knowledge management throughout the other programs in the regions and measuring the success of the work through an impact assessment program.

 

 

• Outline the broader tourism framework in Guyana by contacting leading organisations

• Assess the current tourism situation of communities in the Rupununi

• Identify areas of action based on the assessment of the current tourism situation

• Create sustainable tourism business models that are in line with Guyana’s LCDS

• Create linkages within and outside of the tourism industry, and work together to develop packages and branding and marketing strategies

 

• University degree or equivalent experience in tourism development, community development, business development, or related field

• Minimum of 2 years of experience managing projects involving multiple stakeholders, preferably including local indigenous communities and government, civil society, and the private sector 

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with micro, small and medium scale tourism enterprises, preferably  in a rural/hinterland setting

• Understanding of the practicalities of market-led approaches to community development

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 

• Willingness to live in and travel to remote areas and to drive a motorbike (training provided).

 

 

• Experience in marketing and preparing market development strategies

• Experience in eco- tourism product packaging and pricing

• Experience in training, mentoring and/or coaching individuals, including high-level management

• Experience in Website development

• Work experience in a tropical rainforest environment would be useful

Our training and support package covers the costs of being an overseas volunteer, allowing you to enjoy a modest but healthy lifestyle while you volunteer abroad. This includes: 

 

• Attendance at a Cuso International assessment day (candidates must cover the first $150 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and accommodation costs)

• Travel and accommodation costs associated with pre-departure training

• Return airfare and visa/permit (this includes a return flight in the case of a family emergency)

• Coverage for required vaccinations, medications and comprehensive health insurance

• Accommodation while overseas

• A modest living allowance, which varies depending on the country where you are placed

• Quarterly payments to support you in your placement

• Modest support for accompanying partners

Please apply online, quoting referral code GUY0140/0005/0001 and the name of the placement.