Sea-Watch is looking for Executive Board Member (32-40h / week | f/m/d)

Berlin office / partly remote possible, starting in August or September 2025

About us

Sea-Watch e.V. is a non-profit initiative dedicated to the civilian sea rescue of people on the move. In response to the humanitarian catastrophe in the Central Mediterranean, Sea-Watch provides emergency aid, advocates for state-led rescue operations, and promotes safe and legal escape routes. We are politically and religiously independent and financed exclusively by donations.

Our vision is a world in which borders, racism, injustice, and inequality have been overcome and all people are able to live and move in a self-determined, free and safe way. For us, borderless solidarity means supporting all people in their struggle for this vision and forging alliances.

We are looking for an experienced and committed new member to join our Executive Board. After the upcoming expansion, the board will consist of four members. Each board member is responsible for several of Sea-Watch’s 15 teams, each led by one or two people. Our aim is to have equal gender representation in the Executive Board. For this reason, applications from FLINTA* people with equal competence are preferred. Sea-Watch is structured into four thematic areas and operates within a participatory, consent-driven decision-making system. The Executive Board meets weekly to make collective decisions and address current topics. It also participates in various other decision-making bodies within the organization. Sea-Watch currently employs over 140 staff members and works with up to 500 volunteers throughout the year.

What to expect

Tactical Decision-Making: You will collaborate closely with other board members and the different Councils (decision making bodies) in Sea-Watch to develop, align and implement tactical plans aligned with the organization’s mission and operations.

Team Leadership and Personnel Development: You will oversee multiple teams, support and empower them in executing strategic, operational, and personnel decisions. You will take on direct personnel responsibility for individuals in team coordination roles.

Coalition building and public relations: You will represent Sea-Watch and cultivate relationships with stakeholders, partners, and donors internationally, especially in Germany, Italy and across Europe, and help implement the organization’s strategic aims in coordination with the relevant departments.

Socio-Political Analysis: You will stay informed about political and social developments, particularly concerning sea rescue and migration, and use this knowledge to inform strategic decisions.

What we’re looking for

Professional Skills

Strategic thinking: You can develop and implement plans aligned with Sea-Watch’s mission and vision.
Structured / process-oriented way of working: You take a systematic approach to tasks, challenges, and problems while remaining responsive to what’s urgent.
Leadership: You have several years of professional experience in leading teams or organizations, ideally in the humanitarian, activist, or political sector, and are comfortable in participatory, consent-based environments. Experience in participatory and consent-based decision-making processes is a plus.
Conflict Resolution: You approach conflicts with clarity, empathy, and a solution-oriented mindset.
Networking: You can build and maintain partnerships both internally and externally.
Political and Humanitarian Knowledge: You bring a solid understanding of topics such as sea rescue, migration, and social justice. Familiarity with Mediterranean migration politics, particularly the Italian context, is a plus.
Language Skills: You are fluent in English; additional skills in Italian and/or German are an advantage.
Project Management: You have experience managing complex projects; familiarity with agile methods is a plus.
Maritime Background (Management or Operational): A background in maritime operations or management—especially in the non-profit-sector—is a plus.

Social Skills

Communication: You can convey information clearly and convincingly, have diplomatic skills and a respectful and friendly manner.
Confidentiality: You handle sensitive information discreetly and responsibly
Teamwork: You work effectively with people across all levels of the organization.
Openness to Feedback: You actively seek and incorporate input from colleagues and the wider network.
Accountability: You take initiative and responsibility for topics and processes.

Personal Qualities

Integrity: Your actions align with Sea-Watch’s values,ethical standards, and political vision.
Adaptability: You thrive in dynamic and changing environments.
Resilience: You remain composed and effective under stress or uncertainty.
Commitment: You are passionate about Sea-Watch’s mission and proactively contribute to it.

What we offer you

Purpose-Driven Work: Help fight the political and humanitarian crisis at Europe’s borders and make a meaningful difference.
Professional Development: Access to trainings, workshops, and conferences.
Network Opportunities: Build and expand a strong professional network.
Flexibility: Flexible working hours and remote work options, while maintaining a presence in the Berlin office.
Collaborative Culture: A supportive Executive Board team that learns and grows together.
Innovative Work Environment: A progressive organization constantly evolving with new ideas and challenges.
Salary: The position is remunerated at €3,400/month for a 40-hour week. (Increases possible based on various factors.*)´
Benefits: Additional perks such as a company pension scheme and various leave models, including one month of paid leave after 18 months with Sea-Watch.

The position as Board member is an elected position. This means that once the application process has been completed, the position is confirmed by election by the association. Prior to this, we cannot make a firm commitment in the application process, but must wait for this election. The application process is coordinated with the association.

Our aim is to have equal representation in the Executive Board. For this reason, applications from FLINTA people with equal competence are preferred. As we are committed to an inclusive society without racism and with freedom of movement for all, we particularly welcome applications from LGBTQI+, BIPoC, people with disabilities, people with a history of migration and people from other groups that are underrepresented in the NGO world.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please submit your application with a letter of motivation and a CV/resume by 1st June 2025 via application@sea-watch.org.

We kindly ask you to refrain from submitting a photo.

————————————————————

* We have a salary model that allows for percentage gross salary increases that take into account family needs and personal disabilities. In addition, there is the possibility of gross salary increases due to previous relevant professional experience based on internal criteria, a maximum of 5 years can be recognized here, a salary increase of 3% per year is possible. In addition, the salary increases by 3% with every year of being with Sea-Watch.