Tourism Policy Specialist JOB

Job Title: Tourism Policy Specialist

Sector: Tourism

Department: Tourism Sector Management Office

Section: Tourism Policy

Direct Manager: Tourism Policy Section Head

Role purpose:

To develop and implement of the tourism sector policy framework, guidelines and related regulations that support in positioning Abu Dhabi as an internationally sustainable tourism destination while ensuring the standardisation of practices within the sector that enhance the quality of tourism products.

The individual will be responsible for policy conceptualisation, drafting and evaluation, taking into account sector challenges and issues as applicable to the tourism landscape in Abu Dhabi, in order to enhance the regulatory framework, quality of tourism and attractiveness of the Emirate’s tourism sector whilst ensuring commercial viability.

Key responsibilities:

Tourism Policy Development

• Engage in all activities related to policy research and analyses (qualitative and quantitative), and provide evidence-based advice on a wide range of tourism-related issues and challenges that impact Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector and taking into consideration social, cultural and economic implications.
• Provide support to the Section Manager in effectively engaging and partnering with key stakeholders internally and externally, to facilitate sector policy development, and enhance public-private partnerships on sector policy matters.
• Collaborate and consult with other sections / departments in the Tourism Sector on policy recommendations and proposals, and obtain necessary approvals before implementation.
• Work with the Lead members to build strategic relationships and alliances with other tourism boards and government entities regionally and globally.
• Support policy recommendations through extensive external benchmarking and analyses at a regional and global level, and ensure an effective understanding of changing market and economic conditions that impact the tourism industry, locally and globally.
• Lead the drafting and design of the policy framework for tourism development in line with applicable practices in policy formulation.
• Analyse reputational risks and establish consensus in DCT to ensure the development of informed and effective tourism policy positioning. Proactively gauge the public sentiments, preferences and latest trends to adapt the policy and practices accordingly.
• Facilitate the decision making process through using effective engagement mechanisms, and providing clear evidence, and simulations of any proposed sector policy changes so that DCT is optimally placed in its understanding of the sector needs, and is well equipped to propose effective tourism policies and regulations.
• Develop and implement policy evaluation methodology and guidelines, and provide recommendation through establishing policy papers on policy strategies / initiatives that enhance tourism development in Abu Dhabi
• Lead the advocacy of various policy review initiatives within DCT by working closely with the Tourism sector agencies, operators, stakeholders as well as the community to ensure proper understanding of their requirements and accurate assessment of the possible implications.

Collaboration

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on matters related to Tourism Policy and Planning section in order to facilitate information sharing and dialogue affecting policy making.

Day-to-Day Operations

• Carry out day-to-day operations for the Tourism Policy unit, encouraging teamwork and facilitating related professional work processes in order to achieve high performance standards and ensure that activities are performed in timely, efficient, and effective manner.
• Report on a regular basis to the Tourism Policy and Planning Section Manager on the operational activities of the unit, challenges and issues faced, mitigations taken, etc.

Budget

Contribute to the preparation of the Tourism Planning and Development department budget, and monitor the financial performance of the Tourism Policy unit versus set budget to ensure alignment with set budget guidelines.

Business Relationships

Internal

• Tourism Sector
• DCT Employees

External

• Government Entities
• Tourism Authorities and Boards (locally & Globally
• Tour Operators, Hotels, Airlines and other Tourism Sector organisations
• Community

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Policy OR Economics
• 4 years of relevant and progressive experience.

Experience

• Strong understanding of frameworks and methodologies for drafting, communicating, and assessing public policies
• In-depth analytical research and conceptualisation skills, and experience in either econometric or statistical qualitative or quantitative research techniques
• Proven written and presentation skills in a range of formats (briefings, reports, summaries, etc.) and to a range of audiences
• Strong communications and stakeholder engagement abilities
• An understanding of tourism and hospitality section issues and how they relate to social policy and policy development
• Experience in carrying out analyses of statistical information, panel surveys and other data, and knowledge of common tourism and hospitality data sets