Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator & Head of Mission (SARCO/HOM)

Sea-Watch is looking for a

Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator &

Head of Mission (SARCO/HOM)

Start December 2026, 40 h/w

Sea-Watch e.V. is a non-profit initiative dedicated to the civil sea rescue of people on the move. In view of the humanitarian disaster in the central Mediterranean Sea-Watch provides emergency aid, demands and at the same time forces the rescue by the responsible European institutions and publicly stands up for legal escape routes. We are politically and religiously independent and are financed exclusively by donations.

For our department Operational Coordination we are looking for a position as Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator & Head of Mission (SARCO/HOM) with 40 hours per week starting around December 2026 – January 2027. The position is initially limited to 12 months with the wish to extend.

The position is both land-based and ship-based with a rotation concept between the roles of SAR Coordinator (SARCO) on land and Head of Mission (HOM) on board the Sea-Watch 5. Our rotation model foresees the person on this position to i) work one rotation (around 4-7 weeks) as a SARCO from shore, ii) followed by one rotation as a HOM on board the Sea- Watch 5, and then iii) one rotation off.

SARCO Role As SARCO, you are the focal point on shore between the vessel and the relevant departments, ensuring smooth operations. You provide tactical and strategic advice to the Head of Mission and the Captain throughout the mission. During non-operational periods, the SARCO works on broader structural and operational topics within Sea-Watch, in close collaboration with other departments and partner organizations.

Head of Mission Role As Head of Mission (HOM), your role is to lead Sea-Watch operations and the crew during a mission, with a particular focus on Search and Rescue activities and coordination between the different departments on board. As the organization’s representative on board, you work closely with the Captain and the SARCO while maintaining distinct responsibilities. We are looking for someone with both coordination experience in SAR as well as practical experience with rescue operations in the specific context we operate in. We offer you a motivated, agile and driven team with a can-do attitude always ready to support and share your tasks within a highly active and engaged organization.