Head of Operations (gn)

SOS Humanity is a non-governmental search and rescue organisation operating in the central Mediterranean with the rescue ship Humanity 1 and, in future, also with Humanity 2. Founded in Berlin in 2015, SOS Humanity has rescued almost 40,000 people from distress at sea. Our vision is a world in which everyone's human rights are respected, and no one is forced to drown while fleeing across the sea.

We are recruiting for a position starting 15 September 2026:

Head of Operations (gn)

(80-100%). 

Your role

As Head of Operations, you will lead SOS Humanity’s Operational Department consisting of Fleet & Operations Management, Logistics, SAR and Care teams and assume overall responsibility for the operational implementation and strategic development of our search and rescue missions. You will ensure that the organisation’s operations are conducted safely, professionally, efficiently, and in line with humanitarian and maritime principles and guidelines. You will play a central role in developing and adapting SOS Humanity’s operational strategy in a complex and changing political, legal, and maritime environment and a financially volatile context. The position is based between Berlin and Syracuse.

• contribute to the development of short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for SOS Humanity’s SAR operations and adapt these strategies to changing and challenging operational contexts;
• Head our strong operational team, consisting of Fleet & Operations Managers, Logisticians, SAR and Care team;
• act as a key contact point for the marine crew, together with the Crewing Department;
• responsible for mission preparation, technical processes, and operational workflows;
• oversee the safe, professional, and efficient operation of SOS Humanity’s SAR missions including the technical management of our ships together with the Fleet & Operations Manager and our ships technical Management;
• plan and oversee the rotational schedules of Humanity 1 and Humanity 2 in cooperation with all relevant departments;
• monitor and analyse the operational, political, legal, and maritime context in the central Mediterranean;
• contribute to the preparation of the Operations Department’s budget and assume responsibility for operational budgets and cost control;
• coordinate regularly with other civil search and rescue organisations and relevant actors in the Mediterranean;
• represent SOS Humanity in operational networks, expert meetings, and externally, including political actors like flag state and classification societies;
• work with legal advisers to assess operational strategies, risks, and framework conditions.

• professional experience and a sound understanding of ship management structures and practices, charter parties, and related issues;
• technical and maritime knowledge relevant to our SAR operations;
• demonstrated experience in managing complex projects and operational processes;
• a comprehensive understanding of search and rescue operations; previous SAR experience is a strong asset;
• knowledge of migration issues and the political and operational context of the Mediterranean;
• the ability to lead, coordinate, and support interdisciplinary teams in a dynamic working environment;
• willingness to work in an organisation with a large number of volunteers;
• strategic thinking and a structured working style;
• a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work reliably under pressure;
• readiness to travel regularly within Europe, sometimes on short notice;
• excellent command of English, SOS Humanity’s working language; knowledge of German, Italian, and/or Arabic is an asset.

Perhaps you do not meet every requirement listed above? We still encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are interested in how your profile could contribute to our work.

• A responsible and meaningful job in a dynamic non-governmental organisation with flat hierarchies.
• Flexible working hours and the option of hybrid working.
• A modern workplace in the heart of Berlin-Kreuzberg and an office in Syracuse (Italy).
• Starting salary in accordance with our internal salary structure: €3,600-4,200 gross per month, depending on professional experience and social factors, if applicable.
• A discount on the Deutschland-Ticket, plus a monthly mobility allowance of €25 via the Probonio benefits app.
• Opportunities for further development, including an annual training budget.
• An initial one-year fixed-term contract with the intention of extension.