Duration: 
12 months - option to extend
Start Date: 
1st February 2023
End Date: 
1st February 2024
Deadline for applications: 
15th December
Closed position

The Assistant Programme Director works closely with the Programme Director to ensure a high quality of services and activities. The role oversees the risk and safety management of 40-50 different KISC Programme activities varying from hiking and climbing, challenge and high adventure activities to workshops and safety/ risk management training activities. During the summer/winter high season, the Assistant Programme Director is responsible for managing and supporting Programme staff as well as being heavily involved in training staff to run activities safely. In spring/autumn low season, the Assistant Programme Director is involved with the preparation and development of Programme activities. If you would like to support a team of international volunteers, organise events and help deliver programme for large groups, we look forward to your application!

Requirements

  • Needs to be at least 21 years old
  • Is a member of an Association recognised by WOSM/WAGGGS
  • Communicates well in written and spoken English

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

  • Ability to work within an international team of volunteers
  • Ability to lead and motivate a team of volunteers
  • Ability to work well under pressure and within strict timelines
  • Affinity for customer service and guest contact
  • Has experience organising activities and managing people
  • Demonstrated professional, disciplined and efficient approach to work and planning
  • Work requires physical fitness and leadership skills
  • Has experienced the Summer season at KISC
  • Willingness to work according to a flexible schedule

Desirable

  • Experience with Summer sports, like hiking or climbing
  • Experience with Winter sports, like skiing or snowboarding
  • Mountaineering and first aid qualifications / experience
  • Experience in controlling and maintaining Alpine equipment
  • Experience in handling customer feedback and complaints
  • Holds a full driver’s licence
  • Ability to communicate in German

Main tasks

Main tasks

  • Ensure a high quality of guest service at all times
  • Manage guest correspondence related to programme prior to, during, and after their stay in an effective manner
  • Work in the Front Office, welcoming guests and dealing with enquiries
  • Lead activities
  • General organisation of alpine activities including Winter activities
  • Stock and order Programme equipment
  • Work with the Programme Director and Programme Development Assistant to develop all aspects of the KISC programme
  • Assist with training in emergency and activity procedures
  • Assist with Programme administration and ensure that Programme content of the KISC website stays up to date
  • Train Short and Long Term Staff in Programme
  • Deputise for the Programme Director in their absence
  • Care for and manage the programme Short Term Staff, Long Term Staff and Helpers together with the Programme Director

Other responsibilities

  • Deal with any guest enquiries relating to the Centre
  • Assist in the planning and operations of 2023 events 
  • Run and develop staff training
  • Assist in other areas of the Centre where necessary
  • Involvement in the execution of the Centre’s Operational Plan
  • Work and communicate effectively with all staff and guests

Management

General

The position is part of the Programme Team at KISC. In addition to the Assistant Programme Director, the Programme team consists of the Programme Director , Programme Administration Manager, Events Coordinator, Programme Development Assistant, and in summer, Programme Administration Assistant, High Adventure Assistant and Hut Warden.

Line manager

The line manager for this position is the Programme Director. The Assistant Programme Director has weekly meetings with the line manager and Programme team to cover operational matters, and also has regular one-on-one appraisals.

Team Management

The Assistant Programme Director will assist the Programme Director with the management of the Programme Team and overall Programme operation. Many operational tasks and decisions will be taken in conjunction with the Programme Team and Programme Director.

Staff Management

In Summer the Programme Team will expand with Short Term Staff and Helpers. During other seasons Short Term Staff and Helpers will also work in the Programme Team as needed. The  Assistant Programme Director will assist the Programme Director with the management of these Short Term Staff and Helpers.

Practical information

Insurance

  • Accident Insurance (provided by the Centre): Everyone is insured for accidents, both work and non-work related over the duration of the contract.
  • Private Liability Insurance (provided by the Centre): This insurance covers any damage caused by any staff on an object or person.
  • Sickness Insurance (provided by the Centre): All LTS will get private sickness insurance if necessary. The deductible (amount each LTS has to cover per calendar year themselves) is, if nothing else mentioned, CHF 300.-. This insurance covers any treatment due to sickness.
  • Social Insurance according to the Swiss Law (provided by the Centre): Every LTS must have Social Insurance according to the Swiss regulations. This includes invalidity insurance, maternity leave and old-age and survivors' insurance (OASI). More information will be given during training.

Benefits

  • A room in one of the shared flats in Kandersteg or in the KISC own building Kanderlodge
  • All meals at the Centre, both while at work and on days off
  • 2 days off per week and 20 days of holidays
  • Pocket money starting from 600 CHF per month       
  • A Swiss Pass (discount card for transportation in Switzerland)
  • Management and leadership training
  • Administration of work permits
  • Other benefits as detailed here on our website

Important information

Visa

  • Citizens of EU/EFTA countries do not need a visa, and the Centre secures the necessary work permit.
  • For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries who have not been Staff at KISC before, we can apply for a 4-month visa, for 4-month contracts. The applicant needs to be under 35 years old for the whole duration of the contract.
  • For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries who have been Short Term or Long Term Staff at KISC before, there is usually a very low probability of getting another visa. If the non EU/EFTA applicant is suitable for the role and fulfils specific requirements set by the Swiss authorities, there is a possibility to get a visa for a longer contract.
  • The employment is dependent on securing the necessary special permission from the Swiss authorities.

Testimonials

Tolly

Ireland
Assistant Programme Director
When I first came to KISC as Assistant Programme Director, I was looking for an opportunity to engage in meaningful work, whilst developing a wide variety of skills such as leadership, teamwork, logistics, and human resources. My time at KISC has allowed me to achieve this and much more. This role enabled me to take on great responsibility in line management, training of staff, guest correspondence, event planning and much more. Every day presents new challenges to overcome which truly makes being Assistant Programme Director a marvellous position. If you are keen to learn something new every day, work within a fantastic team of volunteers, and have a great interest in scout programme, this is the position for you!