Deputy Head of Mission - 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 42,000 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, in partership with HPI (Humanitarian Pilots Initiative) deployed a civilian aerial monitoring mission based in Lampedusa, Italy.

To strenghten the current team, we are now looking for Deputy Head of Mission.

Under the line management of the Head of Mission (HoM), the Deputy Head of Mission (Dep – HoM) supports the HoM in the day-to-day preparation, follow-up and implementation of the Mission's activities, contributing to monitoring operations either from ground either as aicraft flying crew, and to the effective implementation of established procedures and processes of the Mission. 

The Deputy HoM may be required to assume the HoM's responsibilities, either in full or in part, when requested or necessary, including during the HoM's absence or unavailability, within the framework of delegated responsibilities. 

Main responsibilities:  

Strategy : 

• Monitor and analyze the humanitarian and political context of the Mission, and the context on the island of Lampedusa. 

• Participate in the definition of SOS MEDITERRANEE aerial operational strategy with consistency with the association's policies and the needs of the people in distress at sea 

• Contribute to propose new operational directions in line with changing contexts 

• Participate in developing and streamlining overall organization framework/processes, to ensure operational sustainability (short, mid, and long term) with the end objective of efficient monitoring operation. 

Monitoring Operations : 

• When covering ground shift during flight operations:  

  • Support the supervision and monitoring of operations before, during and after flights,  

  • Assess the operational readiness from non-aeronautical perspectives,  

  • Ensure the mission plans are communicated to concerned people: air crew, ground crew, and to SAR operational actors  

  • Ensure SAR communication with all relevant actors and authorities and other operational assets 

  • Support the Tactical Coordinator in their assessment  

  • Contribute to the data collection and documentation in collaboration with Air Liaison and Logistic Officer (ALLO). 

    • When not covering ground shift: 

  • Participate in monitoring flights embarking on the aircraft as embarked aircrew, under the guidance of the TACCO in command 

  • Support the in flight debriefings process and ensure appropriate operational follow-up.

Safety & Security :

• Support the Head of Mission in the safety and security risk assessment and analysis, as well as the safety and security protocols design, review and update. 

• Contribute to ensuring strict application and implementation of safety, security protocols and rules by all air and ground team, especially supporting the TACCO during flights. 

• Ensure the familiarization of all team members or guests/visitors with the necessary safety and security measures, rules, roles and responsibility.  

• Report safety and security incidents to Head of Mission and contribute to the implementation of follow up action plan.  

Representation : 

• Represent SOS MEDITERRANEE with the authorities in Lampedusa when requested or delegated by the HoM 

• Represent SOS MEDITERRANEE with NGO actors and local networks in Lampedusa and contribute to maintain good work and cooperative relationships. 

• Participate in testimonies, interviews and press release and other communication to the general public about the situation on the Aerial Mission, within the communication lines of SOS MEDITERRANEE, as other team members, after comms validation and relevant training  

Reporting : 

• Support the reporting of mission data, relevant advocacy and comms events. 

• Ensure an effective handover with the HoM and liaise with other shore-based managers, when necessary, to ensure continuity and completion of tasks during periods when the Aerial Mission team is off duty or not deployed. 

• Contribute to the preparation of operational reports and other internal reporting requirements. 

Support to the mission management : 

• In coordination with the HoM, share responsibility for mission opening and closing activities and the remote follow-up of pending tasks, ensuring continuity of operations during periods when the team is not deployed in Lampedusa. 

• Contribute to daily logistical and organizational tasks as required by the operational needs of the Mission. 

• Contribute to ensure the respect of the procedures and processes established at institutional level. 

• Contribute to the debriefing of team after missions 

• Contribute to maintaining a positive and respectful working environment for team members. 

• Identify team management issues and bring them to the attention of the HoM when necessary. 

Diploma(s) and certification(s) 

Desirable  : 

• Bachelor in Management, Humanitarian Aid, Project Coordination, International Law or related fields 

• IMO SAR on-scene coordinator course or relevant professional experience 

Technical expertise

• Knowledge of Maritime Law and regulations.  

• Nautical knowledge (navigation, meteorology, etc.)  

• Knowledge of safety and security within SAR or humanitarian context 

• Knowledge of SAR operations, IAMSAR manual procedures and vocabulary and IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases. 

•  Aerial search and rescue knowledge and/or civilian monitoring operation is desirable 

Experience

Essential 

• 3 years’ relevant professional experience in Search and Rescue and/or Civilian Monitoring operation  

• Previous experience in a management position  

• Work experience in multicultural environment  

Desirable 

• Experience in maritime SAR operations 

• Experience in decision making related role in Central Mediterranean including communication with authorities 

• Experience in humanitarian operations 

• Work experience in non-profit maritime projects  

• Previous experience on board monitoring or search and rescue aircraft 

• Previous experience with SOS MED is an asset 

Languages

• Fluent in English (spoken and written)  

• Knowledge of Italian and Arabic are strong assets  

IT/SI 

• Good command with MS Excel, Word, and emailing services.  

• MS Teams/SharePoint  

• Deep knowledge with electronic charts systems and weather predicting softwares 

• Knowledge in aerial and ship telecommunications 

Soft skills

• Ability to organize their work and time management skills; 

• Decision making skills; 

• Adaptability; 

• Autonomy and sense of initiative; 

• Stress management skills; 

• Adequate communication and conflict resolution skills;  

• Ability to work in team; 

Contract and Conditions

• Contract: Fixed-term, 6 months - renewable according to fundings

• Contract type : Due to legal and administrative requirements related to international employment, SOS MEDITERRANEE can only offer employment contracts in countries where it has the necessary arrangements in place. Eligibility for this position will therefore depend on the applicant's country of residence and the organisation's ability to establish an employment contract in that country.

• Start Date: From mid january 2027

• Schedule: rotative system with around 4 weeks deployements + 4 weeks off-duty, including paid leaves (might be adapted during contract period to align on operational needs). Anticipated overall work organization: between 50-60% of work time / 40-50% of time off

• Location: this position is based in Lampedusa during deployment.

• Salary: According to the national salary grid & relevant experience

• All mission costs covered: travels, local accommodation (provided in the SOS Méditerranée Guesthouse), food, insurance

• Psychological support 

• All PPE and technical equipment provided

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS : 

• A passport with at least 6 month of validity is necessary

• The position might requires to be onboard the plane where the conditions can be challenging (small spaces, navigation hasard, etc.)

Please submit your application by the November 28th 2026.

To finalize your application, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your application. Please do not forget this step. Once our team has received your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Please note that no information will be given over the phone.

SOS MEDITERRANEE is committed to promoting an inclusive workplace and actively fights against all forms of discrimination.