International Project Manager – International Resource Mobilization and Partnership Development

SOS MEDITERRANEE is a civil European rescue association founded in 2015 to face the humanitarian tragedy and the lack of adequate state rescue capacity in the Mediterranean on the deadliest maritime migratory route in the world since 2014. Created by a group of European citizens, our maritime and humanitarian organisation has three missions:

1. To rescue people in distress at sea.

2. To protect and assist survivors on board our ship.

3. To bear witness and raise awareness about the tragedy unfolding in the central Mediterranean.

Today, SOS MEDITERRANEE is a network composed of four European entities (Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland) sharing the objective to support our rescue operations at sea. Search and Rescue (SAR) operations have been carried out since February 2016 in the Central Mediterranean off the Libyan coasts with the chartered ships Aquarius and Ocean Viking. To date, over 41.700 people have been rescued by SOS MEDITERRANEE.

SOS MEDITERRANEE is seeking an International Project Manager for its international development team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate native-level proficiency in English, essential for high-level engagement with international partners, donors, and stakeholders. Reporting to the International Development Director, this position holds responsibility for securing and diversifying international funding sources to ensure the organization’s long-term financial sustainability. This role focuses on identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships with institutional donors, private foundations, and corporate entities while aligning fundraising efforts with programmatic priorities.

The position also plays a key role in building international partnerships and stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and cross-functional coordination to enhance the organization’s impact and global presence. With a high level of autonomy, the International Project Manager leads complex projects, ensuring resource mobilization strategies align with the organization’s mission and long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

International Resource Mobilization and Fundraising

• Identify, engage, and develop relationships with institutional donors, foundations, and corporate partners to secure project funding.

• Develop funding proposals, grant applications, and reports to meet donor requirements and organization standards.

• Actively participate in donor engagement events, networking forums, and partnership meetings to expand the organization’s funding base.

• Participate in a resource mobilization strategy, identifying emerging funding opportunities and positioning the organization for international long-term financial sustainability.

Strategic Planning Development

• Support the organization’s international development strategic planning by identifying new opportunities and innovative approaches.

• Collaborate with senior management to align the international development objectives with broader organizational priorities and explore partnerships that enhance our long-term impact.

• Lead cross-functional coordination efforts, ensuring integration of international development activities with other organizational departments like fundraising, communications, advocacy and operations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders at the international level, including private and corporate foundations, UN agencies, universities, and other humanitarian organizations.

• Represent the organization at external meetings, conferences, and coordination groups, and support partnership-building initiatives.

• Ensure consistent, high-quality communication with stakeholders and promote transparency through regular progress reports, presentations, and updates.

Autonomy, Decision-Making, and Multi-Project Management

• Manage multiple complex projects autonomously, demonstrating adaptability to respond to changing priorities and contexts.

• Exercise judgment in decision-making, prioritizing actions that support SOS MEDITERRANEE’s international development.

Communication and Reporting

• Develop detailed, results-oriented reports for internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating project impact and financial accountability.

• Provide regular feedback and status updates to the international development director and funding partners, ensuring alignment with project deliverables and donor expectations.

• Work closely with the international development communication team to develop new narratives and other content for public dissemination.

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in international project management within the aid sector, with demonstrated expertise in resource mobilization, fundraising, and grant management.

• Skills:

  • Advanced organizational skills with a strong results-oriented mindset.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with native-level proficiency; good command of French is mandatory, and Arabic is an asset.

  • Extensive experience with project management and budgeting tools and donor compliance requirements.

  • Strong analytical abilities to assess risks and propose solutions proactively.

• Education: Master’s degree in international relations, humanitarian or development studies, or a related field.

• Personal Qualities: Ability to work autonomously, high resilience, problem-solving mindset, adaptability, leadership, and strong initiative.

Conditions

• Contract Type: Permanent

• Starting date: asap

• Location: Marseille or Paris
  Full-time position, working on a day-rate basis.

• Annual gross salary: according to SOS MEDITERRANEE salary grid, from 39 000€ to 48 000€ depending on professional experience.

• Paid leaves: 25 days per year + 11 additional rest days per year

• Possibility of homeworking (two days per week).

• Health coverage 100% paid by SOS MEDITERRANEE

• Meal vouchers

• Availability to travel is required

Application information :

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter in English addressing their suitability for the role by May 8 the latest.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, SOS MED reserves the right of conducting tests and interviews before the closing date and closing the advertisment earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate