Data & Analysis Officer - Aerial monitoring operations

SOS MEDITERRANEE is a European maritime and humanitarian organization founded in 2015 in response to the humanitarian tragedy and the persistent absence of adequate state-led rescue capabilities on the Central Mediterranean route — the deadliest migratory route in the world since 2014. 

Created by a collective of European citizens committed to upholding human dignity, our organization operates with a clear mission: 

1. To rescue people in distress at sea; 

2. To protect and assist survivors on board our rescue vessel; 

3. To bear witness and raise public awareness about the ongoing crisis in the Mediterranean. 

Since launching operations in 2016, SOS MEDITERRANEE has rescued more than 40,000 people in coordination with its network across Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, using the ships Aquarius and Ocean Viking. 

With the aim of increasing contextual awareness in the Central Mediterranean and to document the human rights violations and interceptions happening in this maritime region, SOS MEDITERRANEE, as a humanitarian civilian association, is planning to scale up our operational capacity in partnership with another organisation to launch a civilian aerial monitoring mission. We are currently working to be operational as soon as possible, this context we are looking for these profiles. This six-month pilot operation will be based in Italy.

Reporting to the Head of Advocacy and Public Positioning, the Data & Analysis Officer (DAO) is responsible for leading data management, analysis, and reporting functions. The DAO will ensure that field data collected during aerial operations is transformed into clear, timely, and actionable insights that support documentation, advocacy, and strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities: 

1. Data Management and Analysis

• Design and maintain robust systems for storing, organizing, and securing data collected during aerial monitoring operations

• Coordinate with field and operations teams to ensure timely, accurate, and complete data collection

• Develop protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field data handling and reporting

• Ensure compliance with data protection and ethical standards

2. Advocacy-Oriented Data Collection and Reporting

• Manage the collection of operational data and ensure that SOS MEDITERRANEE’s advocacy is grounded in timely and relevant evidence

• Produce regular analytical reports and visualizations to inform internal teams, partners, and advocacy outputs

• Produce briefing notes, public reports, maps, and internal memos in collaboration with advocacy and operational teams

• Support the identification of advocacy opportunities and stakeholders and support evidence-based positioning work

3. Training and Collaboration

• Train the air and ground team on data collection protocols and tools to ensure data is gathered in a qualitative, consistent, and coherent manner

• Liaise with partner organizations on joint data collection methodologies, information sharing, and collaborative analysis

• Provide data insights to communication and advocacy teams to support public and institutional engagement

• Contribute to case studies and evidence-driven storytelling through the mission

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Geography, Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, or related field

Experience:

• At least 2 years of experience in data analysis, information management, or evidence-based advocacy within humanitarian, human rights, or research contexts

• Experience in SAR (Search and Rescue) contexts is a strong asset

• Experience with remote sensing or aerial data analysis

• Prior work in human rights documentation or advocacy settings

• Familiarity with NGO reporting standards and communication tools

Technical skills:

• Proficient in qualitative and quantitative data analysis

• Advanced skills in Excel, GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)

• Experience working with photo, video, and geospatial datasets

• Strong knowledge of data protection and data management best practices

• Familiarity with migration and humanitarian contexts in the Mediterranean

• Knowledge of maritime law, SAR conventions, and the maritime sector is a plus

• Highly computer literate and confident with information management systems

Soft skills:

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

• Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable to change

• Ability to work effectively with remote and multicultural teams

• Resilience under pressure and capacity to manage shifting priorities

• Strong alignment with humanitarian principles and SOS MEDITERRANEE’s mission

Languages:

• Fluent in English (spoken and written); French, Italian, or Arabic are strong assets

Contract and Conditions

• Contract: Fixed-term, 3 months

• Start Date: From october 2025 - subjected to changes depending on the operations' development

• Location: Preferably in Lampedusa

• Salary: between 1700€ to 2 750€ gross/month - depending on former experience & contract nationality (due to social contributions changes) 

• All mission costs covered when in Lampedusa: travel, local accommodation (provided in the SOS Méditerranée Guesthouse), food (as per diem), insurance

• Psychological support

• Work permit: Must hold a valid work permit to work within the EU

Please submit your application by the 22th of August.