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 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, is planning to scale up our operational capacity in partnership with another organisation to launch a civilian aerial monitoring mission. We are currently working to be operational as soon as possible, this context we are looking for these profiles. This six-month pilot operation will be based in Italy.

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.