Urban Search and Rescue Non-Certification Instructor

We’re looking for an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Instructor/Trainer who can live and volunteer for 12 months in the Philippines.

• This assignment seeks to rebuild and strengthen Kalibo’s USAR capacity by developing International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG)-aligned skills, training local responders, and preparing task forces for major earthquake and structural collapse emergencies.
• To be considered for this role, you’ll need advanced experience in USAR, including instructional or trainer-level expertise in light to medium rescue operations, incident command integration, and technical rescue disciplines.
• As a volunteer, you will support capacity building, hands-on USAR training, mentoring of local instructors, and the development of sustainable rescue task forces.

About the Partner Organisation

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Kalibo, located in Aklan Province, Western Visayas, Philippines, is one of the oldest and most technologically advanced local DRRM offices in the region. Kalibo MDRRMO leads disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, integrating smart city systems, surveillance platforms, and C5ISR capabilities to enhance operational readiness. The partner organisation requires a volunteer due to a critical shortage of trained USAR personnel and certified instructors, following staff attrition and limited national training availability, to revitalise its Light to Medium US&R Task Forces in line with INSARAG guidelines and prepare for major seismic events.

About the Australian Volunteers Program  

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian government-funded initiative. We support partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to achieve locally led change.  

Volunteers are supported throughout their volunteer journey. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to volunteer and aim to make the program as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us to discuss how we can support you to volunteer with us - inclusion@australianvolunteers.com. Learn more about our commitment to inclusion.