Vessel Transition Coordinator

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

The Vessel Transition Coordinator oversees, coordinates, and records the pack-up and set-up processes of designated Operations areas on and off the Ship. This position works in close collaboration with the Ship’s Management Team to implement the pack-up and set-up plans, and provide clear oversight, accurate recording and continual improvement of the pack-up and set-up processes at the end and start of each field service.

What you will contribute

• In advance of the pack-up and set-up periods, finalize the plans with the Ship Management Team and communicate the schedule with all key stakeholders
• As delegated by the Ship Operations Director, lead the pack-up or set-up teams to implement the pre-arranged and pre-approved pack-up or set-up plan, liaising daily with the Operations Director on key milestones for each day
• Liaise with Ship Management and be ready to present pack-up and set-up status updates.
• Work closely with key stakeholders of each department to ensure smooth implementation of daily tasks, adjusting the plans as needed, and communicating updates to the plan.
• Update the Standard Operating Procedures for the pack-up and set-up processes as needed
• Allocate resources to each task (crew and team members) considering any special skills or requirements needed to ensure task completion
• Conduct briefings with key stakeholders to ensure they understand what is required for the pack-up / set-up, and get their feedback / input
• During implementation of each plan, hold daily briefings for team members to monitor and record progress
• Oversee the documentation of packing lists for each container, and accurately record the location of items packed away paying attention to detail
• Report progress and any challenges or concerns to Operations Director as appropriate
• At the end of each pack-up / set-up period, file a written report of the successes, challenges and suggestions for improvement for each process
• Revise the Vessel Transition Pages on Compass and update manuals as necessary to be ready for implementation in the next field service
• Due to the ever-changing staffing levels and field service rotations, all staff may be re-assigned to temporarily fill roles in other departments in a time of need
• Other duties as assigned

For This Role, You Will Need

• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values
• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity, and demonstrate accountability
• Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
• Availability to meet with Ship Operations Director before travelling to the ships
• Willingness to lead a team spiritually with daily prayer and team devotionals
• Strong leadership skills.
• Able to work collaboratively with members of other departments. Strong people skills.
• Good computer skills. Will be required to create and update documentation online.
• Experience with Microsoft applications required
• Proven organizational skills
• Detailed approach to written and verbal communication
• Well-motivated, self-starter and able to see a project through
• Cross-cultural living experience highly beneficial
• Fluency in written and verbal English
• Clean Driving License an advantage. May be expected to drive as part of departmental responsibilities.
• International Driver’s License required (Purchase prior to travel if necessary)
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams
• Commitment to help transition through at least three field service locations
• Experience living and working on board our ships is preferred

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.