Are you passionate about travel and dedicated to making a positive impact through research and knowledge sharing? Heart Travel and Adventures is seeking a Volunteer Travel Researcher Officer to join our team for a 3-month assignment (with potential for extension). In this role, you will play a vital part in expanding our understanding of Malawi’s tourist attractions and promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

Key Responsibilities:

Destination Research and Data Collection:

Conduct research on Malawi’s tourist attractions, cultural sites, and local communities. Collect information on accommodations, transportation, and activities. Collaborate with local stakeholders to gather data and insights into sustainable tourism practices.

Market Analysis:

Analyse tourism trends, market competition, and emerging opportunities in Malawi’s tourism sector. Identify key market segments and customer preferences to inform our tour development.

Project Funding Search:

Actively search for funding opportunities for travel-related projects. This involves identifying grants, sponsorships, or partnerships that align with the goals and initiatives of the travel company.

Grant Proposal Development:

Prepare compelling grant proposals detailing project objectives, expected outcomes, and budget requirements. Ensure alignment with the criteria set by potential funding sources.

Partnership Development:

Build relationships with potential partners, both within the travel industry and in areas of corporate responsibility. Collaborate on projects that mutually benefit the company and the partner organization.

CSR Strategy Implementation:

Develop and implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies for the travel company. This may involve creating community engagement programs, supporting local initiatives, or promoting responsible tourism practices.

Report Generation:

Summarize research findings and insights into reports and presentations for internal and external use. Use data-driven findings to recommend strategies for sustainable tourism development.

Team Collaboration:

Work closely with our marketing and sales teams to ensure research findings are effectively integrated into our tour offerings and marketing campaigns.

Qualifications:

• Strong passion for travel, sustainability, and research.
• Excellent research and data collection skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic.
• Proficiency in conducting online research and using various research tools.
• Must have access to working personal computer and smart phone.
• Must possess minimum qualification of MSCE or recognized High school certificate
• Familiarity with the tourism industry and sustainable tourism practices is a plus but not required.

What We Offer:

• An opportunity to contribute to a socially responsible and sustainable tourism company.
• Hands-on experience in travel research and data analysis.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• The chance to develop your research skills and make a real impact in the field of sustainable tourism.
• Potential for an extension of the volunteer position or future paid employment.