About SOS MEDITERRANEE
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:
- To rescue people in distress at sea;
- To protect and assist survivors on board our rescue vessel;
- 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, successfully conducted a first month of deployment and is now planning to scale up operational capacity in partnership with another organization to resume a civilian aerial monitoring mission in February. In this context, we are looking for these profiles. This pilot operation is based in Lampedusa, Italy.
Job description
Reporting to the Head of Mission, the Air Liaison & Logistic Officer (ALLO) is part of the ground team and ensures constant communication between ground and air teams to support the Head of Mission (HoM) in her/his decision-making processes. S.he also oversees data collection by ensuring the collection and reporting of all the aircraft observations and flight records. The role will also work in close collaboration with logistics team regarding ground supply chain, logistics and IT management.
Responsibilities:
1. Air-Ground Communication
- Support air-to-ground/ground-to-air communication flow enabling informed decision-making by the TACCO and HOM (without substituting their roles)
- Support the HoM in his.her communications to maritime authorities and other relevant actors
- Responsible for drafting flight report and sending it to air crew upon landing
- Support the development and maintain SOPs for air-to-ground/ground-to-air information flow and technical protocols
- Ensure compliance with internal procedures, operational standards and relevant legal regulations
2. Data Management
- Manage the collection of operational data, including the logging of all activities, observations and communications of the aircraft and ground base in the mission logbook and the management of the case tracker
- Maintain robust systems for storing, organizing, and securing data collected during aerial monitoring operations
- Coordinate with air, ground and back-office teams to ensure timely, accurate, and complete data collection
- Support the development of protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field data handling and reporting
- Support the training of the air and ground team on data collection protocols and tools to ensure data is gathered in a qualitative, consistent, and coherent manner
3. Logistics & Supply
- Oversee all non-aeronautical logistics for air and ground teams (e.g., equipment).
- Manage the supply chain, ensuring timely ordering, reception, and proactive anticipation of pre-deployment needs.
- Oversee local supply delegated to the Logistics Assistant (e.g., accomodation, transport, provisions).
4. Equipment & IT
- Ensure the functionality and reliability of all mission-critical communication and IT systems (radio, satellite, IT).
- Manage equipment inventory, maintenance, and resupply for IT, monitoring, and safety gear.
- Act as the primary IT focal point, troubleshooting and resolving critical technical challenges on-site.
5. Representation
- Support the HoM in liaison with maritime authorities, shore teams (SOS), and SAR NGOs.
- Engage local stakeholders to build the network necessary for mission logistics support.
- Represent the mission in relevant external coordination meetings.
6. Reporting
- Ensure operational continuity by flagging and documenting all unresolved issues between rotations.
Flight involvement: Ground-based.
Profile
Requirements:
- 2+ years in logistics, aviation support, or IT in humanitarian settings
- Previous experience on board civil monitoring aircraft or SAR ships
- Previous experience in data collection, monitoring and evaluation, or reporting;
- Strong knowledge of data protection and data management best practices
- Experience handling and troubleshooting communication systems (VHF, satellite)
- Comfortable managing logistics and technical inventories in a remote base
- 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 and Italian (spoken and written)
Certifications:
- Valid driving license (type B)
- Radio Operator Certificate, GMDSS or equivalent is an asset
Contract and Conditions:
- Contract: Fixed-term, 5 months
- Start Date: 2nd of February 2026
- Location: the position is based in Lampedusa during deployment. Flights are carried out in light twin-engine aircraft.
- Salary: between 1750€ to 2 500€ gross/month - depending on former experience
- All mission costs covered: travel, local accommodation (provided in the SOS Méditerranée Guesthouse), food provision during deployment, insurance
- Psychological support
- All PPE and technical equipment provided
Please submit your application by the 23rd of December.
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.