Tactical Coordinator - Aerial monitoring operations - Roster position

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 deployed a civilian aerial monitoring mission based in Lampedusa, Italy.

To strenghten the team, we are now looking for Tactical Coordinators to build a pool and ensure resilience in our operations.

The Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) is the in-flight team leader, responsible for the tactical execution of monitoring flights. Working under the Pilot in Command’s authority, the TACCO is crucial for navigation, communication, and critical decision-making during operations. This role also encompasses ensuring the ongoing training and readiness of the air crew to maintain high operational standards and effectiveness. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead in-flight operations onboard the civilian aircraft 

• Update flight missions (routes, timing, priorities) 

• Navigate using visual spotting, live inputs, and ground intelligence 

• Responsible for briefing and training of the air crew

• Ensure full compliance with internal SOPs and legal constraints 

• Manage in-flight communication, ensure safety, and record operational observations 

• Maintain equipment and search material readiness 

• Support the Head of Mission in strategic planning and operational framework streamlining

Flight involvement: Onboard the aircraft for all operational flights. 

Requirements:

• 3+ years in SAR or aerial/maritime field coordination 

• Deep knowledge of Maritime Law, aerial monitoring, SAR operations, and safety/security protocol 

• Comfortable with SAR tactical decisions 

• Proficient in radio telecommunications, electronic charts, and weather prediction software (e.g., ForeFlight) 

• Highly skilled in organization, time management, decision-making, and critical thinking, with strong leadership and communication abilities

• Deep understanding of and commitment to humanitarian principles and civilian ethics 

• Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and conflict resolution abilities 

• Ability to work in isolated settings, with small multicultural teams, under pressure 

• Capacity to follow and apply protocols in sensitive, politically charged environments 

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

• Because of contractual constraints, the applicant should be domiciliated and registered to work either in France, Germany or Italy  

Certifications

• Radio Operator Certificate GMDSS or aeronautical - mandatory 

• HUTE or Ditching and Underwater egress training or STCW Basic Safety training or Survival Training for Air crew - mandatory

• IMO On-Scene Coordinator - recommended

Contract and Conditions

• Contract: According to operational need

• Starting Date: Potentially from June 2026 - subjected to changes depending on the operations' needs

• Location: this position is based in Lampedusa during deployment. Flights are carried out in light twin-engine aircraft (e.g. Diamond DA-42, Piper Seneca II).

• Salary: between 2700€ to 3000€ gross/month according to experience and contract nationality (due to social contributions changes)

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

• Psychological support

• All PPE and technical equipment provided

Please submit your application by the 29/05 - Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the closing date

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.