Associate Archivist (Ogata Project). UNHCR, Geneva. Open until 13 October 2020

 

TA - Associate Archivist (Ogata Project)

21890

Location

Geneva, Switzerland

Salary Grade

Hardship Level

H

Family Location Type

Family

Duties and Qualifications Terms of Reference Project Archivist Records and Archives Section UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is offering a short term contract within the Records and Archives Section in our Geneva Headquarters in Switzerland. The role will be within UNHCR¿s Reference Unit, which serves to document, preserve and promote access to UNHCR¿s recorded institutional memory. UNHCR is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. Every year, millions of men, women and children are forced to flee their homes to escape conflict and persecution. We are in over 125 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions. Title: Associate Archivist (Ogata Project) Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland Duration: 6 months Organisational context Records and Archives Section (RAS) is responsible for ensuring that the Organization¿s records are managed through their life cycle in accordance with international standards and UN regulations, as a foundation for the governance and accountability of the organization. RAS makes the experience of UNHCR, as embodied in its records and related materials, available to guide and assist the Organization in planning and conducting its activities. Also, RAS provides information to meet the research needs of the persons of concern to UNHCR, UNHCR Staff and stakeholders, the scholarly community, and the general public. The position We are looking for a qualified archivist with experience in archival description and arrangement to lead the preparation of a catalogue and archival finding aids for the archives of former High Commissioner Sadako Ogata. The selected candidate will work within the Reference Unit, within the Records and Archives Section, to analyze the collection, devise a catalogue structure based upon archival principals and restore original record keeping systems and logic. The position will work closely with the Reference Archivist and other members of the Records and Archives Section. The position will complete archival arrangement and description tasks, ensuring a quality output suitable for publication. The HC Ogata archives comprise 70 linear metres of shelving, containing approximately 1,400 files in total. The majority of the records are written in English. Duties and responsibilities * Analyze the HC Ogata collection, identify record series and original recordkeeping systems where possible; *  Create written finding aids in accordance with UNHCR¿s archival description standards; *  Maintain project documentation; *  Enter hierarchical descriptive data into an ISAD(G) database (Adlib); *  Maintain editorial control over archival descriptions created during the project, ensuring language and style are consistent throughout; *  Train and coordinate the work of an intern and volunteers , some of which will not have worked in archives before; *  Undertake a confidentiality review of the collection, in accordance with UNHCR¿s policy on Access to UNHCR Archives; *  Conduct a preservation assessment of the records, recommending and implementing remedial actions where appropriate. Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required The ideal candidate will: * Possess a postgraduate degree in Archives and Records Management or similar *  Have at least three years post-qualification experience of working in an Archive environment *  Have excellent analytical skills, with proven experience of archival arrangement and description *  Be able to train, motivate and mentor interns and volunteers working on the project *  Have efficient, proven project management skills; *  Be fluent in English, with advanced writing and editing skills *  Have good experience using the Microsoft Office suite; *  Be highly organized and have good attention to detail. *  Be a flexible, team-player. Location The successful candidate will be based with the team in Geneva, Switzerland. At the time of advertising, an element of working from home (within the duty station) is required. Conditions The contract is for 6 months, to commence before the end of 2020. Requests for flexible working arrangements regarding the distribution of working hours are possible if agreed in advance with the supervisor. Although the UNHCR office in Geneva is currently operating on a part-time teleworking basis, regular physical access to the archives repositories is required for the successful completion of this project. Office attendance is therefore required whenever possible within current constraints. The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training). We welcome applications from candidates with a refugee or stateless background. Closing Date Please note that the closing date for this TA advertisement is Tuesday 13 October 2020 (midnight Geneva time).