Swim Coaching Fellow, Rwanda (Open Lanes Fellowship)

About the role

The Open Lanes Fellowship is a self-funded, 6 to 12 month opportunity in Rwanda for a competitive swimmer with coaching experience. You will work alongside Ishyaka Swim Club's Rwandan coaches in Kigali and on Lake Kivu, supporting more than 60 swimmers and helping grow competitive swimming across Rwanda. The fellowship starts no later than 1 August 2027, based in Kigali with regular time on Lake Kivu.

Key responsibilities

• Support coaches in Kigali and with the lake squads in Karongi and Rutsiro: technique, session planning, dryland training and race skills.
• Help with lessons, including the beginners' group class and private lessons for children and adults.
• Teach water safety, first aid and lifeguarding if you hold the certificates.
• Contribute to coach clinics, open meets and the national swim programme, and leave a playbook of sessions (and ideally lifestyle, diet and sleep advice).
• Recommend next steps for the team and programme, such as more sustainable fundraising, and tell the story to supporters outside Rwanda.
• Optional internship of about 10 hours a week in health, education, the environment, hospitality and tourism or energy, arranged by the fellowship.

Required profile

• Coaching experience (required): swim coaching or teaching young people to swim.
• Certifications preferred: coaching certificates, and lifeguard and first aid certificates earn extra credit.
• Competitive swimmer, college level preferred, graduating in 2027 or older, 18 or older on arrival.
• Ability to communicate across languages, with some Kinyarwanda of your own.

Required skills

• Lifeguard and first aid certificates (preferred)
• Current CPR and first aid, and SafeSport training before travelling
• Background check (required for a Rwandan visa)

What we offer

• Housing with the founder's family in Kigali rent-free, sharing utilities and groceries, or your own accommodation.
• We cover flights, insurance, visa and permit fees, household costs or rent, and personal spending.
• Mentor coach, airport pickup, first-week orientation, residence permit sponsorship and an internship placement if you want one.

To apply, email the fellowship by 31 December 2026 with your CV, certifications, two referees and answers to at least four of the provided questions.