Commercial Development Manager, Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP), Vilankulo, Inhambane Province, Mozambique

African Parks Network (APN) is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. In December 2017, African Parks entered into a partnership agreement with the Government of Mozambique, through the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), for the co-management of Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP). African Parks is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from suitably qualified women.

The Commercial Development Manager will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and management of BANP’s commercial development agenda. The role focuses on sustainable tourism, concession management, revenue growth, visitor management, payment systems, marketing, engagement with investors and tourism operators, and the development of revenue streams that support conservation, community benefits, and the Park’s long-term financial sustainability.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS & DUTIES

• Tourism Planning & Strategy: Prepare, update, and implement BANP’s Tourism Development Plan, annual commercial plans, business plans, investment priorities, and revenue forecasts.
• Marketing & Promotions: Prepare and implement BANP’s marketing and promotional strategy, coordinating communication materials, media exposure, events, operators, and marketing partners.
• Product & Infrastructure Development: Identify and develop tourism facilities, products, and visitor experiences that enhance Park value and improve visitor experiences.
• Revenue Systems & Visitor Management: Operationalise control points and reception facilities (e.g., Chizunguni Visitor Reception Facility) and ensure revenue collection systems are functional, secure, traceable, and reconciled with financial records.
• Concession & Partner Management: Manage, monitor, and negotiate relationships and contractual obligations with concessionaires, operators, investors, and partners.
• Sustainability & Compliance: Ensure tourism development is compatible with biodiversity protection and complies with protected area regulations, environmental safeguards, commercial agreements, and African Parks standards.
• Team Leadership & Reporting: Lead, train, and supervise tourism, revenue, communications, and visitor service teams while maintaining reliable databases and preparing commercial reports.

Education:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Tourism Development, Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Conservation Business Management, or a related field (equivalent practical experience may be considered).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in tourism, ecotourism, hospitality, destination management, visitor services, or tourism product development.
• Demonstrated experience in marketing, business development, revenue management, payment systems, and commercial planning.
• Proven experience managing, negotiating, administering, or monitoring concessions, licences, commercial contracts, or operator agreements.
• Experience leading, training, and supervising visitor service, tourism, revenue, or hospitality operations teams.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of tourism legislation, protected area regulations, contractual compliance, and environmental safeguards. Excellent communication, negotiation, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills. Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel).

Languages:

• Fluency in spoken and written Portuguese and English.

Operational Readiness:

• High degree of integrity, accountability, leadership, resilience, and flexibility to work effectively in remote environments.

Desirable Asset:

• Relevant professional certification in Project Management, Contract Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Revenue Management, or Public-Private Partnerships.

Applications should include a cover letter and CV in English, including at least three professional references with email addresses and telephone contact details. Applications must be submitted online through the official African Parks recruitment platform before the closing date.

African Parks Careers Portal: https://africanparks.simplify.hr/Vacancy/198524?source=planetvagas

Note: African Parks Network does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and operates a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.