Call for Expressions of Interest: Facilitating the Establishment of the Great Zimbabwe Destination Management and Marketing Organisation (DMMO)

The Rehabilitation and Development of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage site project aims to improve the quality of life of the communities living around Great Zimbabwe National Monument through the diversification of the local economy; the promotion of income-generating and employment opportunities; and fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging among vulnerable groups. 

Under the overall coordination of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), UNESCO is partnering with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and other key stakeholders in the implementation of the project. The project is enhancing the conservation and management of the Great Zimbabwe National Monument World Heritage site in a sustainable manner. In its implementation, it is supporting the development of sustainable tourism practices, community-based cultural programming and tourism offers, thereby contributing to attaining the 2030 Agenda with its international sustainable development goals. 

UNESCO and its partners commit to fostering sustainable development and community empowerment and therefore invites expressions of interest from qualified non-governmental organizations or individuals to support the development of a Destination Management and Marketing Organisation (DMMO). The DMMO will play a pivotal role in strategic planning, marketing, product development, stakeholder engagement, visitor services, and sustainability management, aiming to cultivate a positive brand image, stimulate economic growth, foster community development, conserve the environment, and promote stakeholder collaboration for the overall success of the destination.

The establishment of the Great Zimbabwe Destination Management and Marketing Organisation (DMMO) is expected to significantly boost the region's economy by increasing tourism revenue, creating jobs, and attracting investment. It will enhance the visitor experience through improved infrastructure and services, while promoting sustainable tourism practices that preserve cultural and natural heritage. Local communities will benefit from economic empowerment, skills development, and increased involvement in tourism activities. The DMMO will foster stronger public-private partnerships, ensuring a unified strategy for tourism development, better governance, and long-term sustainability, ultimately positioning Great Zimbabwe as a premier global tourist destination. 

Within the framework of the above context and under the overall authority of the Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO in Southern Africa and the direct supervision of the Head of the Culture Unit, the qualified organizations or individuals shall: 

1) Facilitate the Establishment of the Steering Committee Group.

• Identify and engage key stakeholders within the destination from both the public and private sectors and civil society in collaboration with UNESCO.
• Organize at least 2 meetings with all key stakeholders in order to facilitate the establishment of the Steering Committee Group.
• Organize at least 2 meetings of the Steering Committee Group once it has been established to set the stage for collaborative decision-making.

2) Develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

• Develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan to facilitate and secure buy-in from all stakeholders on the Great Zimbabwe Destination Management.
• Organize 1 workshop with a wider number of stakeholders to:
  • Present the Steering Committee Group and its objectives.
  • Present and agree the proposed Constitution, Business Plan and Operational Plan of the DMMO.
  • Engage stakeholders to join the DMMO’s working groups.

3) Facilitate the establishment of the DMMO.

• Identify and propose to the Steering Committee Group the most appropriate legal structure for the DMMO.
• Support the Steering Committee Group through the DMMO’s legal entity formation process, including the approval of the Constitution, Business Plan, and Operational Plan, ensuring compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Assist the Steering Committee Group in the appointment of the DMMO’s Board.
• Ensure media coverage and public awareness of the establishment of the DMMO.

4) Assist the DMMO in the implementation of the Great Zimbabwe Destination Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy 

In coordination with the DMMO and in consultation with UNESCO, undertake the following actions:

• Create a cohesive visual identity (brand name and logo) and simplified brand guidelines where the Great Zimbabwe Destination will speak with one voice in line with Zimbabwe’s National Tourism Masterplan.
• Develop a dedicated website for Great Zimbabwe Destination including rich, engaging content including history, significance, visitor information, local culture, and traditions. Include high-quality and engaging photos, videos, and virtual tours of the site.
• Develop a marketing strategy and a media campaign across all media platforms for the Great Zimbabwe Destination. Use analytics tools to monitor and adjust strategies based on performance data and feedback. 
• Elaborate at least 5 electronic and 5 print brochures ensuring they are visually appealing and informative in line with the destination’s visual identity.

1. Establishment of the Steering Committee Group: Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee Group and Minutes of the Meetings.
2. Stakeholder Engagement Plan: A detailed plan outlining engagement strategies and a report on the stakeholder workshop.
3. Establishment of the DMMO: Analysis of legal structures with recommendations and selected structure, DMMO’s Constitution, Business Plan, Operational Plan, report of the board appointment process, and press release and media strategy.
4. Destination Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy: website, marketing strategy, media campaign and brochures.

Activities are expected to complete over a period of five (5) months from the date of signing a contract with UNESCO. 

Budget will be discussed based on the Financial and Technical proposal of the selected candidate.   

Interested parties are invited to submit their expressions of interest via email to vacancies.harare@unesco.org  with a copy to nj.mutsengi@unesco.org by 20 June 2024 with the following attachments: 

• Technical and financial proposal (max 4 pages) describing how they intend to undertake the assignment and the associated costs. 
• Detailed CV of the team leader. 
• Samples of previous work done (max 2 samples). 
• Brief Workplan and Timeline.