International Development and Cooperation

UN Tourism; Washington; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Tourism, through its International Development and Cooperation department, seeks to advance sustainable tourism by partnering with Member States, the private sector, and civil society to design and implement practical, data-driven initiatives.

This role focuses on human capital development, strategic planning, and fostering cross-regional collaboration to unlock destinations' potential while safeguarding cultural heritage and inclusive economic growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in international development
• Knowledge of sustainable tourism practices
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Expertise in strategic planning and promotion

Job description

International Development and Cooperation

International Development and Cooperation

The International Development and Cooperation (IDC) Department's core mandate focuses on delivering concrete, on-the-ground innovative and technical solutions, fostering cross-regional collaboration to implement practical projects, and providing direct support to Member States in advancing sustainable tourism development. Through hands-on expertise and tailored interventions, the Department ensures impactful, real-world results.

Driven by five strategic pillars, the IDC Department focuses on:

Human Capital Development

Well-trained professionals are the cornerstone of successful destinations. By enhancing skills across both public and private sectors, UN Tourism ensures the tourism workforce is equipped to develop, manage, and serve sustainably and competitively in line with international standards.

Through close collaboration with Member States, UN Tourism advances tourism by shaping master plans, marketing strategies, and specialized sub-sector or thematic approaches. From eco-tourism to strengthening local economic impact, IDC aligns strategic planning to unlock each destination’s unique potential.

Accurate, timely data is critical for evidence-based policymaking and effective tourism management. UN Tourism champions robust data collection and analysis to guide planning, development, and strategic interventions that foster sustainable growth.

In an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, safety and security are fundamental to sustainable tourism development. The Safety of Destinations (SAFE-D) Initiative, led by UN Tourism, is a global effort to strengthen crisis preparedness, response, and recovery in tourism destinations worldwide.

Building on the region's rich heritage, IDC engages diverse stakeholders—local, national, and transnational—to develop Silk Road initiatives for tourism in a manner that respects cultural authenticity and promotes sustainable, inclusive economic development.

UN Tourism is continuing its support for the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman through a second technical mission aimed at advancing the modernization of the country's Hotel Classification Scheme

The International Development and Cooperation (IDC) Department focuses on delivering innovative solutions and fostering collaboration to support sustainable tourism development. It emphasizes human capital development, strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and safety of destinations. The department engages with Member States to enhance tourism management and promote economic growth through tailored interventions. By leveraging diverse stakeholders, IDC aims to unlock the unique potential of each destination while ensuring cultural authenticity and sustainability.

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience in international development
• Knowledge of sustainable tourism practices
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Expertise in strategic planning and promotion