POSITION: Climbing Instructor

LOCATION: Skardu, Pakistan

DURATION: Minimum 7 training days 

WE PROVIDE: Accommodation, local transport 

YOU PROVIDE: Outdoor educating experience, current SPI qualification, WFA (WFR preferred) and cross-cultural competency

REPORTING TO: Director of Operations & Country Director

TRAINEES: 10 x  Instructor Trainees

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ORGANIZATION INTRODUCTION 

Ascend: Leadership Through Athletics works to empower young women through mountaineering-based leadership training and community engagement. Ascend established a program in Afghanistan in 2015 and expanded to Pakistan in 2023. For more information, please visit  Ascend’s website: http://www.ascendathletics.org

 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Master Trainer will be an experienced, qualified outdoor instructor with competencies in indoor & outdoor rock climbing and mountaineering expeditions. Candidates will have a passion for and experience in leadership, education, and women’s empowerment. The position will be contracted for 3-months, and is based  in Pakistan. 

 

The Master Trainer will prepare Instructor Trainees/Apprentices who may have limited or no experience climbing to become instructors for Ascend’s program activities. During the contract, the Master Trainer will report to the Director of Operations (U.S.) for the training program, and to the Country Director for all relevant issues concerning administration, HR, and logistics. They will support tasks for the program related to the training and eventual certification of approximately 10 Instructor Trainees/Apprentices.  

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Work closely with Ascend staff to deliver technical training to local trainees to advance Ascend’s curriculum, including: rock climbing, mountaineering, navigation, hiking, group management, expedition planning, emergency management and weather forecasting, security during outdoor activities , maintenance of sports and mountaineering equipment

• Lead, teach and train Instructor Trainees on course topics including climbing, mountaineering, physical fitness and leadership, team building

• Ensure Trainees learn First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness Rescue

• Collaborate with training and certification institutions to maximize training opportunities for participants

• Maintain regular contact with local staff, verbally and in writing

• Gather, organize, and monitor the progress of each Instructor Trainee through the life of the contract, providing monthly progress reports

• Complete weekly reports and other relevant reports in a timely manner 

• Provide social media content to HQ 

• Oversee acquisition and maintenance of Ascend gear and clothing, and establish robust kit care system 

• Work with staff to plan and lead local weekly hikes and quarterly/semi-annual expeditions of Instructor Trainees

• Represent Ascend professionally and act as a role model for participants and partners

• Other tasks as assigned

 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The volunteer will be hosted at Ascend's training center in Skardu, Pakistan. A private room & local transportation will be provided by Ascend. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential  

• Minimum of Summer Mountain Leader Award (Summer ML) mountaineering certificate, or equivalent

• Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI, SPI etc.) or equivalent 

• Wilderness First Responder, Remote Emergency Care or equivalent 

• Prior experience in outdoor education and/or teaching youth 

• Ability to live in an austere environment  

• Good sense of humor 

• Empathy 

• Fluent English verbal and written language skills

• Familiarity with Islamic cultures

 

Desirable  

• Bachelor's degree 

• Experience working in developing countries

• Some knowledge of Urdu

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TO APPLY 

Please send your CV with a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for this role to Kelly.Pokharel@ascendathletics.org . Please state the job title in the subject line: Volunteer Climbing Instructor application.

 

Ascend: Leadership Through Athletics

9480 Main St, #1050, Fairfax, VA 22030

www.ascendathletics.org