Are you passionate about sustainable travel and eager to make a significant impact in one of Mexico’s most vibrant regions? Would you like to play a pivotal role in driving the growth of our sustainable travel program? If so, you might be the match for our Sustainable Travel Specialist in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

What you can expect:

As a Sustainable Travel Specialist, you will be a key member of our team responsible for driving the growth of the Sustainable Travel Programme in the assigned region. This role entails implementing effective marketing and sales efforts to attract new clients, providing exceptional customer support, and supporting the auditing process for existing clients. Additionally, this role involves technical responsibilities related to policy development, procedures, tools, and training activities for the Sustainable Travel Tourism Unit.

Working with us is never routine so the first year you can expect the following areas to be central to your work.

• Identify and recruit potential clients, including hotels, resorts, and tour operators, to join our Sustainable Travel Programme.
• Manage relationships with existing clients, conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with sustainability standards and providing ongoing support.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute targeted campaigns to promote our programme and attract new clients.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in sustainable tourism to continuously improve our programme offerings.

Your first year with us

Within three months you will:

• Understand and familiarize yourself with the existing client portfolio in your assigned region.
• Establish effective communication channels with existing clients, ensuring timely responses, and addressing their inquiries.
• Begin building relationships with potential clients and identify key players in your assigned region.
• Familiarize yourself with the annual audit calendar, policies, and procedures of the Sustainable Travel Programme (STP) assurance services.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of upcoming audits in your assigned region.
• Shadow lead auditors and participate as a supporting role in selected audits.
• Understand existing guidance materials and tools for sustainable travel assurance services.
• Participate in training sessions to enhance knowledge about the STP assurance services.
• Familiarize yourself with Preferred by Nature operational policies, procedures, and technical tools.

Within six months you will:

• Actively contribute to the development and ongoing implementation of market activities to increase leads and revenue opportunities for STP in your assigned region.
• Actively participate in networks, meetings and/or events to increase Preferred by Nature's visibility as a sustainability partner and expert for the travel sector in your assigned region.
• Successfully lead audits in the assigned region.
• Independently handle the logistics and organization of audits, ensuring adherence to policies.
• Update client records on Salesforce and other platforms, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of guidance materials and tools.
• Participate in the organization and delivery of training and workshops related to sustainable travel.
• Ability to support the development and maintenance of operational policies and procedures.

Within twelve months you will:

• Meet or exceed the goals for annual revenues, new sales, and client retention rates.
• Demonstrate expertise in identifying key potential clients and implementing successful action plans.
• Lead initiatives for market trends analysis, competition assessment, and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate effectively with the Communications team on various projects.
• Independently manage the entire process of audits in the assigned region, demonstrating efficiency and quality control.
• Take on a leadership role in assembling audit teams.
• Contribute insights and suggestions for improving STP assurance service policies and procedures.
• Play a key role in training sessions and workshops related to sustainable travel.
• Take ownership of efficiency, quality control, and adherence to certification protocols for all responsibilities

Important that you:

• Possess higher education in Sustainable Tourism, Business, Environmental Management, or related fields.
• Have demonstrated 5 years of consistent experience in the travel sector.
• Have experience promoting and providing sustainability services within the travel sector (e.g. consultancy, participation in sustainability initiatives, and similar)
• Are proficient in written and verbal communication in both Spanish and English.
• Have strong organizational skills to effectively manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills, capable of culturally and diplomatically interacting with diverse individuals.
• Are self-motivated, resourceful, and detail-oriented with a strong sense of initiative.
• Have willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, averaging a minimum of 40% per year.

Would also be great, but not necessary if you:

• Possess experience as an auditor, preferably in the travel sector, working with GSTC Criteria or GSTC recognized standards.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Global work culture
• Remote work; enjoy flexible hours and independence
• An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role.
• Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
• Potential future international travel opportunities
• A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment

Preferred by Nature

Preferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors.

How to apply:

If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your CV and cover letter in English, including salary expectations by March 31, 2024, via the application form below.

Please note: Only applicants legally eligible to work in Mexico will be considered.

Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period.

Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

For questions, please contact:

Saúl Blanco Sosa, Director, Sustainable Travel Programme
sblanco@preferredbynature.org

Apply at: https://career.preferredbynature.org/jobs/3671453-sustainable-travel-specialist