Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a leading international independent medical humanitarian organisation, providing expert medical relief to vulnerable populations at times of conflict or disaster. Operating in over 71 countries, MSF provides both life-saving emergency relief and longer-term assistance to make basic healthcare services available to the most vulnerable or excluded communities. In Italy, MSF coordinates the Search and Rescue operations in the central Mediterranean which provide lifesaving activities and basic assistance operating with own rescue vessel.

 

Scope and objectives of the position

The Project Coordinator is responsible for MSF operational response in the project. In close collaboration with the capital team, define and plan the project objectives and priorities, identifying population’s health and humanitarian needs, analyzing the context and the humanitarian issues at stake, the risks and constraints and calculating human and financial needs. Coordinate, in close collaboration with the Head of Mission, project implementation in order to efficiently ensure the goals as well as to improve targeted population’s health conditions and humanitarian situation.

 

Main responsibilities 

  • Represent MSF within project limits. In close consultation with the Head of Mission, develop institutional contacts with national partners at project’s level (civil society, civil and military authorities, local NGOs, Ministry of Health representatives, etc.) as well as with media in order to obtain all information and agreements necessary for the integration of MSF ’s programs in the local context and improve the targeted population’s awareness on them
  • Supervise the political and humanitarian situation in the project’s region in order to ensure that MSF's charter, policies and image are respected with regards to national employees, populations, authorities and partners
  • Define and regularly update, in close collaboration with the Head of Mission, the Project’s security policy and strategic response to emergencies, reporting any concerning issue, in order to improve risk working conditions and to ensure staff’s full adherence to security rules and protocols. Manages the security in the project, ensuring that all necessary security measures are in place for the safety of MSF staff and its operations.

 

Specific Accountabilities

This position is based in Licata, AG, the home port. The Project Coordinator organises the team on shore and on board, reviews the strategy and planning to ensure smooth operations at sea and efficient port calls. Working with rotating onboard teams, the PC ensures continuity and operational coherence in the project. This position requires joining rotations (up to 5 days at sea) upon needs.

The context is highly dynamic and political. Our activities are highly susceptible to hindrance or prolonged blockade by European (Italian) coastal authorities. Candidates must be flexible and prepared to adapt to meet the ever-changing context and its impact on our ability to engage in active operations. Individuals in leadership positions will be relied upon to support team morale and motivation.

Responsibilities:

  • Plan rotations and port calls, taking into account departmental and vessel needs, in order to maximize the operational time at sea.
  • Advise on the staffing plans, conduct pre-match calls and recruitments, and facilitate the induction of incoming team members and journalists.
  • Engage with SAR NGOs at operational level, represent the project in the inter-NGO coordination platforms.
  • Keep the project team and coordination informed of contextual and operational developments.

SAR Operations

  • Rotate with other operational staff to cover the back-office support during operations.
  • Together with HoM, skipper and SARCo, review operational scenarios and strategies, define tactics and red lines, ensure that the team on board follows the procedures for communications with authorities.
  • Analyse and discusses with HoM and legal advisor the potential legal risks during operations and strike a balance between mitigating the risk and doing the best for the people rescued.

Reporting and analysis

  • Lead the project cycle process: AP & MYR
  • Prepare necessary reporting and documentation, manage the operational database and provide analysis to be used for advocacy and context updates.
  • Follow financial reporting, provide feedback on WeFin forecast & financial forecast

Communications

  • Acts a spokesperson in front of media and stakeholders’ platforms.

Requirements 

Education
  • Essential University degree.
  • Desirable: medical/paramedical

Experience
  • Essential previous experience as PC in MSF
  • Highly desirable: SAR experience (MSF or other Ngos)

Languages
  • Fluent written and spoken English essential (C1)
  • Essential Italian (C1)
  • Desirable: French, Arabic

Knowledge
  • Advanced level knowledge MS Office (specifically excel; PowerBI is a plus)
  • Driving license valid in Italy
  • Administrative skills

Competencies
  • Networking and building relationship
  • Security Awareness and Management
  • Analytical Thinking

Conditions 

Contract: Fixed term contract (12 months), full-time. Level I of Italian CCNL Commercio Terziario Distribuzione e Servizi.

Candidates should hold a work permit to work in Italy.

Gross Annual Salary: euro 42.700 – 48.678 depending on MSF experience of the candidate

Location: based in Licata (Sicily)

Starting Date: February 2026

Application procedure: 

To apply for this role, please submit your application to sar-jobs@oca.msf.org 

Subject: PC_Your Surname

Including the following:

  • CV (in English)
  • motivation letter (in English)
  • Availability
  • 2 contacts for references

 

The application deadline is 7 December 2025

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Applicants not invited for interview within 4 weeks from the closure of the vacancy may consider their applications unsuccessful.

MSF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee, or applicant for employment, shall be discriminated against in any term or condition of employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or sexual orientation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. We expect this same commitment from our staff.