The Robben Island Museum is excited to announce that it is hiring Specialized Tour Guiding Officers. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about history and eager to share the island’s rich legacy with visitors from around the globe. Selected candidates will play a crucial role in leading engaging and informative tours, educating guests about the profound historical significance of Robben Island, and contributing to the preservation of its cultural heritage.
Those with a deep understanding of South Africa’s history, excellent communication skills, and a dedication to delivering exceptional visitor experiences are encouraged to apply and become part of this esteemed institution.
Specialized Tour Guiding Officers Job Opportunities
- Job Title: Specialized Tour Guiding Officers (x4)
- Salary Range: R267,607.28 – R374,650.19
- Job Grade: 10
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Location: Robben Island Museum, Public Heritage Department
About Robben Island Museum
Robben Island Museum is a historic and cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich heritage of Robben Island, a site of immense significance in South African history. Located in Table Bay, just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island was infamously used as a political prison during apartheid, most notably housing Nelson Mandela and other prominent anti-apartheid activists.
Purpose of the Role:
To facilitate the transfer of social memory at Robben Island Museum by narrating and monitoring stories about the prison, and assisting in the training of tour guides.
Key Responsibilities:
- Tour Conducting:
- Conduct prison and VIP tours, sharing personal experiences as per the booking schedule.
- Present South African history and political imprisonment narratives to various groups.
- Training and Development:
- Facilitate induction/orientation sessions for new tour guides as needed.
- Train guides in delivering narratives on political imprisonment to enhance storytelling skills.
- Narrative Monitoring and Improvement:
- Monitor and assess the delivery of tour guides’ narratives, identifying areas for improvement.
- Ensure a comprehensive and inclusive narrative is maintained.
- Presentations and Workshops:
- Deliver special presentations on political imprisonment at conferences, workshops, and meetings.
- Participate in oral history workshops to aid in narrative development.
- Site-Specific Interpretation:
- Conduct guiding at other sites related to the island’s political imprisonment narrative.
- Research Support:
- Assist research fellows and visiting scholars studying political imprisonment.
- Engage in research and support the museum’s narrative development strategy.
- Outreach and Promotion:
- Support and promote the museum’s heritage education and outreach programs both nationally and internationally.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Experience:
- Personal experience of incarceration at Robben Island.
- Skills:
- Fluency in English and one other official language.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with various stakeholders.
- Initiative in developing new ideas and understanding complex issues.
Application Instructions:
- How to Apply:
Forward a detailed CV, ID, and contactable referees to recruit5@robben-island.org.za.
Use the subject line “Specialised Tour Guiding 09/2024.”
Tip: Building a Winning CV: Tips for Success in South African Government Jobs
- Deadline:
Applications must be received by 30 September 2024. - Note:
If you do not receive a response within 30 days, consider your application unsuccessful.
Learn more: The Consequences of Lying on Job Applications: What You Need to Know
Equal Opportunity Employer: Robben Island Museum is an Employment Equity (EE), Affirmative Action (AA) employer. The museum reserves the right not to make an appointment if suitable candidates are not found.
The Specialised Tour Guiding Officers job opportunity represents a significant moment for those deeply connected to South Africa’s history and committed to sharing its impactful stories. As Specialized Tour Guiding Officers at the Robben Island Museum, successful candidates will have the privilege of educating and inspiring visitors while playing a crucial role in preserving and promoting one of the nation’s most revered cultural landmarks.
Individuals with the necessary dedication, exceptional communication skills, and a profound understanding of historical context are encouraged to apply for the Specialised Tour Guiding Officers job opportunity. By joining this esteemed institution, they will help ensure that the rich legacy of Robben Island continues to educate and inspire future generations.
