Tourism Policy Lead JOB

Job Title: Tourism Policy Lead

Sector: Tourism

Department: Tourism Sector Management

Section: Tourism Policy

Direct Manager: Tourism Policy Section Head

Role purpose:

Lead the development and implementation of 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.

Key responsibilities:

Tourism Policy Development & Benchmarking Analysis

• Contribute to the establishment of strategies and plans to manage and develop policies and regulations for tourism industry, aligning with overall strategic planning priorities and objectives.
• Lead drafting and designing the policy framework for tourism development in line with applicable practices in policy formulation.
• Lead on the implementation of “Public Policy Framework” in line with government’s guidelines and practices.
• Manage the development and implementation of policy evaluation methodology and guidelines, and lead the establishment of policy papers on policy strategies / initiatives that enhance tourism development in Abu Dhabi.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative policy research and analyses and manage all activities related to the area.
• Provide clear evidence and simulations of any proposed sector policy changes in-line with the defined objectives and priorities of the office.
• Lead the research, benchmark, and analysis at a regional and global level, while ensuring effective understanding of changing market and economic conditions that impact the tourism industry, locally and globally.
• Develop and implement policy monitoring and evaluation methodology and guidelines, and provide recommendation through establishing policy papers on policy strategies / initiatives that enhance tourism development in Abu Dhabi.
• Analyze reputational risks and establish consensus in DCT to ensure the development of
• informed and effective tourism policy positioning.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and strengthen relationships with other sections / departments in the Tourism Sector on policy recommendations and proposals, and obtain necessary approvals before implementation.
• Lead preparing 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

Shared Activity

• Ensure effective cascading of the functional strategy into section business plans to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing sectional strategies.
• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.
• Carry out any other duties and responsibilities related to the role at the request of the direct manager.
• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of assigned section activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
• Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Demonstrate compliance to organization’s values and ethics at all times to support the establishment of a value drive culture within the organization
• Contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.

Communication and Business Relationships

Internal

• DCT Relevant Sectors / Departments

External

• Tourism Authorities and Boards (locally & globally)
• Tour Operators, Hotels, Airlines and other Tourism Sector organizations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (Master’s degree preferred) in Public Policy, Economics, Tourism or equivalent.

Experience

• 4-6 years of proven extensive experience in a policy research, public policy, economics or an equivalent experience within similar roles. Strong understanding and knowledge about policy-making processes and procedures. Plus, have a strong knowledge about Tourism sector.

Skills

• Full professional English proficiency both in speaking and writing.
• Skilled in MS Office (PowerPoint, Word and Excel).
• Strategic decision making: ability to make timely decisions, and explain decisions to ensure
• commitment and execution.
• Analytical research and conceptualisation skills, and experience in either econometric or
• statistical qualitative or quantitative research techniques.
• Excellent written and presentation skills in a range of formats (briefings, reports, summaries, etc.) and to a range of audiences
• Building relationships skills: ability to proactively build and strengthen positive personal and organizational relationships.
• Entrepreneurial thinker and analytical mindset: ability to find innovative yet feasible solutions based on strong analysis of internal information and market insights.
• Strong business acumen: understanding of the business world and an organization’s market and environment, backed by a ready grasp of what the company needs to do to succeed.