Communications Manager

SOS MEDITERRANEE is a civil European rescue association founded in 2015 to face the humanitarian tragedy and the lack of adequate state rescue capacity in the Mediterranean on the deadliest maritime migratory route in the world since 2014. Created by a group of European citizens, our maritime and humanitarian organisation has three missions:

1. To rescue people in distress at sea
2. To protect and assist survivors on board our ship
3. To bear witness and raise awareness about the tragedy unfolding in the central Mediterranean.

Today, SOS MEDITERRANEE is a network composed of four European entities (Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland) sharing the objective to support our rescue operations at sea. Search and Rescue (SAR) operations have been carried out since February 2016 in the Central Mediterranean off the Libyan coasts with the chartered ships Aquarius and Ocean Viking. To date, over 37.000 people have been rescued by SOS MEDITERRANEE.

Working and reporting relationships: Reports to the Head of Communications and Advocacy Working relationship with the direction of operations, onboard crew, mainly Deputy & Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator and Post-rescue team member, Operations shore team members. Collaboration with the national teams in France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

Reporting to Job Holder: 3 Communications Coordinators and 2 Audiovisual Officers

Overall Purpose: Working as a member of a diverse team which is committed to humanitarian and maritime search and rescue (SAR) in the central Mediterranean, the Communications Manager is responsible for defining and supervising the execution of operational communications strategies and content production, in close collaboration with the communications teams of the SOS MEDITERRANEE network. Major Duties and Responsibilities The main responsibilities of the Operations Communications Manager are to:

• Define, implement, coordinate, and supervise operational communications strategies and content productions linked to the Ocean Viking activities, which include context and risk analysis, the definition of communications lines and key messages.
• Manage and provide support to the operations communications team working onboard the Ocean Viking and ashore.
• Advise internal stakeholders on risks, dilemmas, priorities, and benefits of operational communications and public positioning.
• Supervise the timely production, editing and archiving of operations-related internal and external communication materials enhancing SOS MEDITERRANEE’s testimony mission, public reporting and institutional memory on the central Mediterranean crisis and the plight of people rescued at sea.
• Coordinate communications with SOS MEDITERRANEE’s operational partner onboard the Ocean Viking (IFRC) (defining joint messages, sharing content, reviewing and amending publications…).
• Liaise with the SOS MEDITERRANEE communications network and support the network’s fundraising needs linked to the Ocean Viking’s operations.
• Lead mid/long-term communications projects, including thematic ones, enhancing the visibility and public understanding of the mission of SOS MEDITERRANEE.
• Draft and/or review, edit and disseminate internal and external communications content linked to the operations (information and data-gathering, proactive and reactive communications lines, testimonies, quotes, press releases, pictures, videos, tweets).
• Lead and coordinate the network’s internal and external communications in times of operational crises and remain reactive to emergencies.
• Manage the operational digital communications and social media content linked to the operations (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube).
• Supervise relations with international media, maintain close contact with journalists, facilitate the boarding of international media on each rotation of the Ocean Viking and organise media events (press conferences, briefings, visits) in collaboration with the SOS MEDITERRANEE’s communication network.
• Provide and supervise media trainings and briefings of operations staff and spokespeople.
• In emergencies with high media pressure, act as a spokesperson when necessary.
• Provide guidance on how to deal with international and local media around operational matters.
• Recruit, onboard and train operational communications staff.

General Responsibilities

• Understands and is committed to the vision, mission and values of SOS MEDITERRANEE
• Is a mindful representative of SOS MEDITERRANEE’s identity, values and objectives at all times
• Respects and observes SOS MEDITERRANEE’s communication positioning and guidelines
• Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of employees and SOS MEDITERRANEE
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description

Profile :

Vocational qualifications and certifications :
Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Political Science or related university degree.

Work Experience :

• Previous work experience of 5 years or more in humanitarian work, public relations, communications, journalism.
• Proven experience in communications team management at field and headquarters levels.
• Strong experience with crisis management

Technical expertise :

• Significant knowledge of the central Mediterranean Search and Rescue context and its evolution over the past 7 years.
• Knowledge of humanitarian sector and migration issues.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to analyse and handle complex and sensitive information with internal and external stakeholders.

Languages :

• Fluent in English (spoken and written)
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading in English are essential.

Management and leadership :

• Ability to work in an international structure with a strong civil mobilization and many volunteers.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent networking, relationship building and people management skills.
• Sound teamwork experience.

IT :
Good experience in supervision and production of communications tools, digital and social media.
Highly computer literate with capability in email, MS Office, including Excel, and related business and communication tools.

Interpersonal Competencies :

• Desire to serve others.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, autonomous.
• Good interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong ability to work with stress, conflicting priorities, and tight deadlines.
• Ability to cope with uncertainty and frequent change of plans.
• Ability to respond to requests quickly and accurately.

Conditions :

• Permanent contract (open-ended), starting as soon as possible.
• Location: Preferably Marseille but Paris Milan or Berlin possible.
• Possibility of telecommuting (two days per week).
• Full-time position, working on a day-rate basis.
• Annual gross salary: according to SOS MEDITERRANEE’s salary grid and professional experience.
• Desired start date: 01/03/2024