REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE Formulation of a National Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board has received funding from the Enhanced Integrated Framework Trust Fund (EIF) to undertake the Sustainable Tourism Development and Promotion Project- EIF Tier2. In implementing this project, the NTB intends to apply part of the proceeds of this fund to recruit/hire the consulting services of a consulting firm or individuals for the Formulation of a National Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan. BACKGROUND Sierra Leone has huge and diverse ecotourism potentials which if sustainably developed and promoted will make the country a competitive ecotourism destination in the world. There is an opportunity for Sierra Leone to position itself as an unexplored ecotourism destination offering safe and genuine experiences which will contribute to local economic development, poverty alleviation and the preservation and conservation of the country’s cultural and natural heritage. The strategic targets for developing ecotourism in the country are well articulated in the 2008 Strategic Action Plan for Tourism Development in Sierra Leone. Amidst the many challenges facing the tourism sector, the Strategic Action Plan highlighted targeted strategies to be adopted and implemented to cover three specific areas: - 1) Targeted Ecotourism Product and Market Development, 2) Training and Human Resource Development and 3) Sector Governance that supports and facilitate the product, market development, and the human resource development drive. In order to undertake a planned, coordinated and sustainable ecotourism product development, there is need for a regulatory framework to be in place, to guide all ecotourism development and activities in the country. At the moment, there is no defined National Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan; hence the urgent need to formulate a policy for the ecotourism sector that will regulate all ecotourism related activities and product development activities in the country. This will address the haphazard, uncoordinated and substandard development of ecotourism facilities and activities. In some instances, there have been conflicts between institutions and even local communities over ownership, control and development of ecotourism resource assets. THE OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE The Purpose of this consultancy is to develop a National Sustainable/ Responsible Ecotourism Policy and a five (5) years Action Plan. This Action plan will serve as a guide for the Ecotourism sector in the integration of these concepts into the Agenda for Prosperity and other related tourism development plans in Sierra Leone. The overall objective of the consultancy is to develop a road map for an orderly and coordinated development and promotion of ecotourism related activities in Sierra Leone. THE SCOPE OF THE CONSULTING SERVICES The consultants will be expected to produce a National Ecotourism Policy and a five (5) years Action Plan for the tourism sector, identifying activities aiming at unlocking, developing and promoting ecotourism potentials in the country; as well as contributing to environmental conservation, local economic development, job creation, poverty alleviation and economic prosperity: Review existing research works and studies of the tourism sector in Sierra Leone, aiming at coordination and harmonization of sectoral policies among MDAs; Reviewing existing regulatory frameworks related to ecotourism development in other sectors and departments (MDAs); Identify strategies aimed at promoting domestic and international ecotourism activities; Identify joint projects and programmes in the public, private sector and local communities aimed at developing and promoting ecotourism infrastructures and facilities in accordance with the country’s DTIS Action Matrix.; Identify measures aimed at strengthening both human and institutional capacity building for ecotourism development in the country; Established strategies to mobilize financial resources with the view to promoting sustainable ecotourism development in Sierra Leone; Identify and recommend international ecotourism market segments and international tour operators; Identify and develop a five years (5) Action Plan for implementation of the Policy. QUALIFICATION, COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE The assignment requires (2) two consultants, a National and an International who will lead the process) with proven relevant experience in undertaking a task of similar magnitude, and shall preferably, among others have, the following qualifications/experience: consulting firms are also encouraged to apply. International Possess a Masters Degree (in Tourism/Ecotourism, Environmental Sciences, Conservation and Rural Development, Development Economics, or related discipline to ecotourism/tourism); Seven years (7) years of professional work and experience at Regional/International levels in tourism or ecotourism policy review and formulation; Previous work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa an advantage; Works effectively under pressure, manage stress well and adapts to evolving situations is highly recommended; Willingness to travel frequently within Sierra Leone and work extensive hours. National a. Experience of working with international organizations, government agencies, regional organizations; NGOs, civil society, communities and other stake-holders; b. At least 5 years of progressive experience in the Ecotourism sector, policy-formulation, strategy development and in the development of Action Plan. c. Technical knowledge of Ecotourism sector services and management in Africa will be an advantage d. Possess at least at Masters Degree (in Tourism/Ecotourism, Environmental Sciences, Conservation and Rural Development, Development Economics, or related discipline to ecotourism/tourism). e. Strong computer skills and analytical skills with ability to write and review technical reports will be required. f. Proven track record to work in a multi-cultural and inter-disciplinary environment will be required DURATION OF CONSULTACY The assignment is expected to commence on the 6th January 2013 and completed by 21st February, 2013 not exceeding 25 working days within the period. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS INTERESTED CONSULTANTS SHOULD COLLECT COPY OF THE COMPLETE TERMS OF REFERECE FROM THE NATIONAL TOURIST BOARD – LUMLEY BEACH ROAD. (ADJACENT TO LUMLEY BEACH POLICE POST). Qualified consultants may submit full technical and financial proposals including the following elements; 1. Cover letter; 2. Understanding of the terms of reference; 3. Complete personal curriculum vitae with 2 referees; 4. Proof of similar assignment(one or two samples of recent report); 5. Proposed Budget. In a sealed envelope labelled ‘Proposals for Formulation of a National Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan – STDPP –EIF-TIER2’ not later than 6th December, 2013 addressed to: The Admin & Human Resource Manager; National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen Freetown, Sierra Leone. While the international consultancy application is done online: [email protected]/ntbslinfo@yahoo Interested consultants may obtain further information from the National Tourist Board’s Reception; for information on the NTB visit welcometosierraleone.sl Closing Date: 6th December 2013.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 14:46:34 +0000
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