Purpose of this consultancy

The objective of the assignment is to assess five selected trails or potential tourism sites and provide practical recommendations on their suitability for development, visitor experience, safety, market appeal and commercial sustainability. The assessment will inform decisions on potential follow-on support, working with local operators, communities and other relevant stakeholders.

The consultant will undertake a field-based assessment of five selected sites, provisionally in late November or early December 2026. For each site, the consultant will experience the proposed trail or visitor route under normal visitor conditions, accompanied by local guides where available, and spend a further day consulting key stakeholders, including customary chiefs, landowners, trail operators and relevant community representatives.

• Site and visitor assessment. Assess the route, access, condition and length of trails, points of interest, interpretation, guiding, visitor facilities, signage, safety risks and any infrastructure or equipment required. Identify what currently exists, what is missing and whether the experience is suitable for the intended visitor market.
• Stakeholder and operating arrangements. Discuss land access and permissions, community expectations, roles and responsibilities, guide capacity, visitor management, maintenance and identify any issues that could affect delivery or sustainability of site operations.
• Market and commercial potential. Assess the likely visitor appeal, target markets, potential pricing and operating costs, and realistic opportunities for local businesses and communities to earn income. Consider the potential for distinctive nature-based or volcanic experiences and specialised tourism markets or events where relevant.
• Recommendations and reporting. Prepare a concise report covering each site’s strengths, constraints and development potential; prioritise practical improvements; provide indicative cost ranges where feasible; and distinguish immediate, low-cost actions from larger investments or issues requiring further investigation. As relevant, identify any potential environmental impacts that development would have on the sites and relevant mitigation efforts that could be taken to contain the impact on the l

Deliverable:

An assessment report covering all five sites, supported by site-specific findings, stakeholder consultation, prioritised recommendations and indicative costs where these can be reasonably estimated.

Safeguarding Considerations

This consultancy involves engagement with program participants and community members, including travel to provincial locations and, where agreed, filmed interviews. The consultant is expected to undertake all activities in a manner that is safe, respectful and inclusive, and consistent with Strongim Bisnis’ safeguarding approach and DFAT’s Safeguarding Framework.

The consultant must ensure informed consent is obtained prior to filming or interviewing any individual, clearly explaining the purpose of the filming and intended use of the content. Particular care must be taken when engaging with women, youth, and other potentially vulnerable participants. Any safeguarding concerns identified during the assignment must be promptly raised with Strongim Bisnis management.

Job requirements

The consultant should demonstrate:

• Practical experience in developing, assessing or managing hiking trails, nature-based tourism products or comparable visitor experiences.
• Experience working with local communities, customary landowners, tourism operators and government stakeholders.
• Knowledge of trail safety, guiding standards, visitor experience design and appropriate low-cost infrastructure.
• Experience in tourism product development, pricing, marketing and commercially sustainable operating models.
• The ability to translate field assessments into practical, prioritised and cost-conscious recommendations.
• Strong consultation, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Experience developing tourism trails or events in Pacific Island countries, including community-managed trails and volcanic tourism experiences, would be an advantage

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the Recruitee link. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Any questions should be sent to operations@strongimbisnis.com.sb

Please use the following subject line in your email: Adventure Tourism Assessment role enquiry

Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications, experience, and attributes, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of three professional referees.

This position will be recruited through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. Women, people with disabilities, Indigenous and ethnic minority groups, and nationals of Pacific countries are encouraged to apply. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.