Background

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

Scope and objectives of the position

MSF Netherlands is looking for Search and Rescue professionals with a strong expertise in maritime sector. In particular, the SAR MATE operate as part of the MSF marine crew and SAR team. They are crewing the rescue boats and the deck during rescue operations and support in the navigational watches. They report directly to the Skipper during port calls, for day-to-day activities (regular maintenance) on-board and during rescue operations. They could act as backup of the skipper in exceptional circumstances

Main responsibilities 

Briefing and preparation

  • Under the supervision of the Skipper, they perform daily tasks of maintenance, trainings, safety briefings (on the boat and RHIB).
  • Participate in all mandatory trainings.
  • Support the organization of SAR Training Sessions.
  • Support the update and follow-up of the official internal documents and procedures if requested
  • Ensure that the rescue boat and the rescue material are ready for rescue at all times and all equipment and material are well maintained.

Navigation and rescue operations

  • Under the instructions of the captain, participate in mooring/unmooring of the vessel.
  • Perform navigational watchkeeping duties.
  • Depending on the role assigned by the SARCo and the Skipper, carry out the following duties assigned to their position during a rescue operations at sea, which could be:
  • Lead the pre-operation and post-operation checks of the deck, including all the life saving devices on board to be ready for rescue operation;
  • Lead a MSF fast rescue boat under the responsibility of the SARCo;
  • Be responsible for the safety of the rescue boat and the team. Ensure that all crew on board on the Rhib follow safety procedure while on operations:
  • Drive the MSF fast rescue boat under the direction of the boat leader;
  • Be responsible for the launch and recovery operations of life saving devices in SAR operations;
  • Be in charge of the embarkation procedure at the embarkation area.

Survivor care

  • Perform watches on deck when survivors are on board.
  • Support the care of survivors which includes but is not limited to:

o   Food and beverage distribution;

o   Crowd management and control;

o   Organizing survivors flow to hygiene facilities;

o   Referring to the appropriate person to assist for medical and psychological care;

o   Facilitating a comfortable and safe environment, where all people are treated with dignity and respect;

o   Conflict de-escalation as needed;

o   Cleaning of the survivor care area. This includes but is not limited to scrubbing deck, toilets, showers and removing waste.

General

  • Support organization and fill in the SAR team Internal Requests and transmit them to SarCo/Skipper.
  • Support the process of reception and delivery of the Internal Requests in coordination with Logistic department.
  • Supporting Sar Engineer in engine room and related issues if necessary.
  • Other duties deemed necessary.
  • Compliance with MSF Code of conduct and respect of MSF policies and procedures

Specific Accountabilities

  • The proposed tandem rhythm consists of 8 weeks of deployment followed by 4 weeks of rest at home. The first and last weeks of deployment will be flexible to accommodate operational timelines and handovers, ensuring predictable schedules for the four weeks of rest at home.
  • This position is partly on board a ship and partly working on land. Staff must be “sea worthy”, and be willing to take an active part in the rescues, the care for survivors and the maintenance of the ship. Be aware that seasickness can be significant. Working and living on a ship and going out on the RHIB in poor weather conditions for extended period of time requires a certain level of fitness. Each team member must be able to swim.
  • The living conditions aboard the ship are rudimentary, cabins are shared with several people, a toilet and shower is shared between all the crew staff, with no possibility to ensure single-gender facilities. Rooms and bathrooms on land may also be shared.
  • All staff is expected to contribute to the operations and chores on the ship, both at sea and while in port. This includes irregular shifts and night shifts, manual and heavy work within and beyond your own job responsibilities.
  • Whilst the team is divided in several departments, all team members work closely together and wear several hats; collaboration and overall vision are essential to ensure that we offer the best care possible to the survivors.
  • In the last years, SAR NGOs have been faced with targeted obstructions of their work, in a very politicised context. The operational space can evolve quickly, activities may be blocked for legal, political or technical reasons, therefore there may not always be visibility on operations.
  • Journalists will regularly be present on the ship; staff may be asked to give interviews or be photographed during their work.

Requirements 

Certification

Required:

  • STCW Basic Safety training,
  • STCW Security awareness,
  • RHIB driving license.

Desired:

  • Strong plus Sportbootfuehrerschein See (SSS) or Yacht master licence,
  • STCW Proficiency in survival craft,
  • STCW Proficiency in fast rescue craft,
  • STCW II.1 rating navigational watch

Experience
  • SAR experience in the Central Mediterranean and/or Offshore search and rescue and/or Casualty Care,
  • Navigational Watchkeeping in open sea,
  • Driving RHIB on SAR operations,
  • RHIB repair and maintenance,
  • Working on fast boats at sea and feel comfortable doing so for long hours and in poor weather conditions,
  • Mooring, handling lines and ropes and crane operations,
  • Rescue experience and practised advanced first aid skills.

Languages
  • English fluent required.
  • Desirable: proficiency in Arabic, French, Tigrinya, Amharic, Bangla or Urdu

Knowledge
  • Seamanship, advanced first aid, working offshore, search and rescue  is desirable,
  • Navigational watchkeeping
  • Desired: fast rescue boat driving

 

Competencies
  • Commitment to MSF’s Principles (level 3)
  • cross-cultural awareness (level 3)
  • behavioural flexibility (level 3),
  • stress management (level 3)
  • teamwork and cooperation (level 4),
  • security awareness and management (level 3).

 

Conditions

MSF is looking for 4 Sar MATE positions available from March 2026 (9 months).

The candidate must hold a valid work permit to work in Italy.

Application procedure: To apply for this role, please submit your application via email to 

sar-jobs@oca.msf.org

Subject: “SAR MATE_your Surname”

Attaching:

  • motivation letter and CV updated (both in English) by specifying the certificates held
  • 2 contacts of reference of your line managers
  • Periods of availability

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

MSF-Netherlands 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.