Destination Stewardship Zanzibar

About the company

Iberostar Group is a family-owned hospitality business with seven decades of experience in tourism. It welcomes millions of guests each year and operates a large international network of beachfront properties across multiple destinations and countries. The company is guided by the values of responsibility, transparency, humility, passion, and creativity, and it places strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, growth, equity, and memorable guest experiences. Its Wave of Change initiative is the framework for advancing responsible tourism.

Role overview

The Destination Stewardship role in Zanzibar is focused on aligning Iberostar’s sustainability commitments with local priorities in Tanzania. The position serves as a link between the company and the destination, while also taking an active leadership role in regional sustainability discussions. The objective is to work with public and private stakeholders to shape practical solutions for tourism and environmental challenges, support policies that encourage sustainable development, and advance the company’s Agenda 2030 goals.

Key responsibilities

• Represent Iberostar in local associations, tourism boards, and sustainability-oriented groups in Tanzania, promoting responses to the region’s environmental and tourism-related challenges.
• Coordinate and contribute to cross-sector efforts that support sustainable tourism, including issues such as ecosystem protection, water use, community participation, waste management, and related sustainability matters.
• Support the company’s participation in public-private partnerships that strengthen regional sustainability initiatives.
• Work with internal teams to ensure sustainability priorities such as waste, water, and ecosystem regeneration are adapted to the needs of each operational area.
• Develop and sustain strong working relationships with government bodies, NGOs, businesses, and local communities to build long-term collaborative partnerships.
• Take part in policy and tourism discussions, helping shape decisions that support sustainable development in the region.
• Engage with local communities so their needs and concerns are incorporated into decision-making and inclusive tourism solutions.
• Create and implement a strategic action plan with milestones and timelines for sustainability objectives, aligned with internal Agenda 2030 commitments and coordinated with internal and external stakeholders.
• Deliver training and awareness initiatives for hotel employees and collaborators.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant has a background in environmental sciences, economics, humanities, or a closely related discipline. A master’s degree in sustainability or a similar field is considered an added advantage. The role requires the ability to travel internationally and at least five years of relevant experience in sustainability and institutional relations, ideally within Tanzania’s tourism sector.

Strong English and Swahili fluency is required; Spanish and Arabic are advantageous. The candidate should have a solid track record in public-private partnerships, sustainability projects, and institutional engagement, along with prior exposure to tourism-sector initiatives in regional destinations. Experience in hotel operations is preferred. A good understanding of local environmental policy, tourism dynamics, and community structures is essential, as is a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and strong empathy and listening skills.

Skills and competencies

• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
• Sustainable tourism strategy
• Public-private collaboration
• Policy advocacy and institutional relations
• Environmental and community sustainability knowledge
• Hospitality operations awareness
• Problem-solving and innovation
• Cross-cultural communication
• Strategic planning and implementation
• Training and facilitation

What the company offers

• A permanent, full-time employment opportunity.
• Access to varied projects and room for continuous professional growth.
• An inspiring workplace centered on people, values, and responsible tourism.
• Membership in the Iberostar Vitality community with access to wellness activities.

Additional information

This position is based in Zanzibar, North, Tanzania, and is intended for a professional who can operate effectively within the local socio-political and tourism environment. Preference may be given to candidates native to the region. The role is part of the Destination Stewardship department and is designed to support Iberostar’s long-term responsible tourism agenda.