UNESCO, in collaboration with the European Union, is inviting experienced professionals to apply for a consultancy opportunity in Zimbabwe under the project “Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Promoting Culture and Heritage-based Sustainable Tourism in Southern Africa.” The initiative aims to harness the potential of culture and heritage in driving sustainable tourism, job creation, and community development.
Zimbabwe has selected the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site as its focal point for the project. This iconic cultural landscape, known for its ancient San rock art and sacred geography, is managed jointly by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS), along with a network of local stakeholders.
Role Overview UNESCO is hiring a Consultant to undertake a baseline study at Matobo Hills as part of the project's inception phase. The primary goal is to gather comprehensive data to inform the refinement of the project’s Theory of Change and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework.
The study will evaluate various components, including tourism trends, site management effectiveness, community participation, cultural engagement, and marketing strategies. Specific attention will be given to sustainable tourism practices, visitor experiences, stakeholder mapping, and income generation by local cultural groups.
Duties and Responsibilities
-Review the project’s M&E framework to identify key data points. -Conduct a document analysis of existing strategies and plans. -Design and administer data collection tools aligned with project indicators. -Engage site managers, local authorities, tourism operators, and community members. -Provide disaggregated data (by age, gender, etc.) where applicable. -Submit a comprehensive baseline report by 15 September 2025, preceded by methodology/tools submission by 1 August 2025.
Expected Deliverables -Methodology and tools for data collection. -Final Baseline Study Report including: -Executive Summary -Project Overview -Objectives and Methodology -Findings and Data Analysis -Conclusions and Recommendations -Annexes (stakeholders consulted, references, etc.)
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Qualifications and Experience
Required Competencies -Applicants must demonstrate: -Accountability and results-oriented planning -Strong communication, teamwork, and professionalism -Innovation and continuous learning
Eligibility Criteria Applicants should possess: -A minimum of a Master’s Degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management, Development Studies, or related fields. -At least 2 years of relevant research or consultancy experience. -Proven ability to conduct similar baseline studies (at least 2 samples required). -Two verifiable references with contact details. -A strong understanding of cultural heritage, tourism, and local development contexts.
Proposal Submission Interested candidates must submit: -A Technical Proposal (max. 10 pages) covering approach, methodology, work plan, and evidence of experience. -A Financial Proposal (max. 2 pages) detailing consultancy rates and breakdown of activities, quoted in USD. -Supporting documents including CV(s), copies of academic certificates, passport or ID, and a bank confirmation letter. -Applications must be submitted via email as instructed in the official TOR, and candidates are also encouraged to apply through the UNESCO Careers website.
