Head of Operational Human Resources

Location: Marseille

Contract: 6-month contract – maternity leave replacement

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:

• To rescue people in distress at sea.

• To protect and assist survivors on board our ship.

• 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 43.000 people have been rescued by SOS MEDITERRANEE.

Context

SOS MEDITERRANEE is recruiting a Head of Operational Human Resources to provide partial cover during a maternity leave.

The Operations department operates in a demanding international environment, with specific HR challenges linked to maritime rescue activities, crew management and rotations, and the need to balance operational requirements with staff wellbeing and working conditions.

SOS MEDITERRANEE is currently reorganising its support functions to bring together HR activities under a shared HR department. As this process is ongoing, the scope and responsibilities of the position may evolve during the contract. These potential changes will be discussed and clarified throughout the recruitment process.

We are therefore looking for someone who is comfortable working in a changing environment, able to contribute constructively to this organizational transition.

About the position

As Head of Operational Human Resources, you will oversee HR activities within SOS MEDITERRANEE's Operations department, ensuring that HR policies, processes and practices meet the specific needs of the operations department while remaining consistent with the organisation's overall HR framework.

Reporting to the HR Director and working in close collaboration with the Director of Operations and the Operations leadership team, you will contribute to the HR strategy and priorities, oversee their implementation and support managers in addressing HR challenges.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team covering HR, Crewing, and Staff Care activities, ensuring effective coordination between these functions and the operational teams.

The role combines strategic HR management, operational oversight, support to managers, team leadership and organisational development, with particular attention to working conditions, staff wellbeing and the challenges of an evolving operational environment.

Main responsibilities

HR strategy and organisational development

• Contribute to the HR strategy definition

• Implement the HR strategy and roadmap for the Operations department.

• Develop, harmonise and formalise HR policies, processes, tools and practices.

• Ensure a consistent HR framework across Operations

• Support the development and evolution of new operational activities.

• Provide advice and support to managers on organisational matters, team management, conflicts and disciplinary situations.

• Contribute to the development of recruitment, onboarding, professional development and internal mobility processes.

• Oversee personnel administration, employment contracts, payroll variables, classification and remuneration processes.

• Support social dialogue, staff representation and initiatives related to health, safety, quality of life at work and psychosocial risk prevention.

HR compliance and risk management

• Ensure compliance of HR practices with applicable employment legislation and organisational policies.

• Maintain an active legal watch on employment law.

• Monitor HR-related risks and ensure that alerts are appropriately escalated.

• Contribute to investigations and the implementation of appropriate follow-up actions.

Budget Management

• Lead the development and monitor the HR budget for Operations.

• Contribute to budget revisions.

Team management

You will directly supervise a small multidisciplinary team covering HR, Crewing, and staff care activities. You will:

• Set objectives and support the professional development of team members.

• Ensure effective workload distribution and a positive working environment.

• Provide leadership, guidance and regular feedback.

• Support recruitment and onboarding within the team.

PROFILE SOUGHT

Experience & qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.

• At least 7 years of professional experience in Human Resources, including at least 3 years in a managerial position.

• Solid experience in developing and implementing HR policies, processes and tools.

• Good knowledge of employment law, job classification and remuneration frameworks.

• Previous experience in a humanitarian NGO is required.

• Experience in budget management is an asset.

• Experience in project management is a plus.

Skills & competencies

We are looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with a strong ability to operate in a complex and changing environment. You should demonstrate:

• Strong organisational and analytical skills.

• Autonomy, adaptability and a sense of initiative.

• Leadership and the ability to motivate and develop a team.

• Strong communication, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.

• Ability to make decisions while maintaining perspective and sound judgement.

• Rigor, discretion and confidentiality.

• Ability to analyse, synthesise and formalise information.

• Ability to work collaboratively with different teams and stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening and non-violent communication.

Languages & IT

• Fluent French and English, both written and spoken.

• Excellent command of standard office tools, including MS Office and Excel.

• Experience with HR Information Systems (HRIS).

Conditions:

• Starting date: Mid December 2026

• Fixed term French contract of 6 months, extendable according to the date of return of the employee on the job

• Salary: From 3 450€ to 4000€ gross/month

• Food vouchers, complementary health insurance taken in charge at 100% by the employer

• 25 annual leaves per year and 15 days of additional rest days (pro-ratized to the contract duration)