Tourism Policy & Sustainability Section Head JOB

Job Title: Tourism Policy and Sustainability Section Head

Department: Tourism Sector Management Office

Section: Tourism Policy and Sustainability

Job Purpose

Lead the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of comprehensive tourism policies and sustainability strategies to position Abu Dhabi as a globally competitive and environmentally responsible tourism destination. The role is pivotal in aligning public policy frameworks with strategic tourism goals while driving innovation, regulatory alignment, and sustainable growth. Champions stakeholder engagement and research-led policy development to influence tourism practices and long-term sector resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Tourism Policy Development

• Oversee and lead the development and implementation of tourism policy frameworks, regulations, and guidelines that support Abu Dhabi’s ambition as a sustainable and competitive international tourism hub.


• Manage the alignment of sector policies with the broader Public Policy Framework and government strategic priorities.


• Provide policy recommendations through global and regional benchmarking, ensuring responsiveness to market shifts, economic trends, and sector demands.


• Oversee the simulation and impact analysis of policy changes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and economic implications.


• Lead the creation of policies, evaluation methodologies, and monitoring tools to assess policy effectiveness and guide strategic direction.

Sustainability

• Develop and oversee the tourism sector’s sustainability framework and standards, ensuring integration into policy, planning, and operational models.


• Lead cross-sectoral collaboration to embed sustainability across tourism initiatives, including climate resilience, environmental impact mitigation, and responsible tourism practices.


• Monitor emerging global trends and regulations related to sustainable tourism and advise on adjustments needed for local policy and industry practices.


• Promote eco-certification, green investment opportunities, and low-impact tourism models in collaboration with industry stakeholders.


• Ensure sustainability KPIs are tracked, reported, and incorporated into tourism development planning and regulatory enforcement.

Research, Analysis & Benchmarking

• Oversee qualitative and quantitative research initiatives to inform policy and sustainability planning.


• Guide regional and international benchmarking studies to evaluate best practices, performance gaps, and opportunities for innovation.


• Lead the analysis of reputational and regulatory risks, and coordinate consensus-building efforts across DCT to ensure coherent and responsive positioning.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain effective partnerships with internal departments, government entities, industry players, and global organizations to support collaborative policy and sustainability efforts.


• Coordinate policy advocacy and awareness campaigns, ensuring tourism stakeholders and community groups are engaged and informed.


• Represent the department in external working groups, forums, and consultations related to tourism policy and sustainability matters.

Shared Activities

Strategic Contribution

• Ensure effective cascading of the functional strategy into section business plans to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing sectional strategies.

People Management

• Manage the effective achievement of assigned objectives through the leadership of the Section by setting of individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff to maximize performance.


• Lead the talent development initiatives for the assigned section, collaborating with technical/discipline experts and thereby ensure the availability of talent to fit business requirements.


• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organizational values and ethics by employees of the assigned section to foster a value driven culture within the organization.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Manage the preparation and recommend the section budget and monitor financial performance versus the budget while ensuring all sectional activities are conducted in line with the approved guidelines.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures

• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of assigned section activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.

EHS

• Adhere to the DCT Occupational Safety and Health policy, regulations, and laws, and provide help to the Corporate EHS in executing the OSHMS.

• Report any incidents, near misses, occupational illnesses, unsafe practices, and conditions immediately to the concerned person and participate in the investigation of OSH incidents, as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Tourism Management, Economics, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred.


• 8–10 years of experience in tourism policy development, regulatory affairs, or sustainability strategy, with at least 3-4 years in a leadership or managerial role.


• Proven track record of developing and implementing complex policy frameworks and sustainability initiatives.


• Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, government relations, and research management.

Skills

• Strategic and systems thinking


• Strong knowledge of sustainable tourism frameworks and policy development methodologies


• Excellent research, analysis, and presentation skills


• Proficiency in data interpretation and policy simulation tools


• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills


• Ability to manage cross-functional teams and drive consensus