Records and Archives Intern

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, was established in December 1950 with the mission to save lives, protect rights, and build a better future for asylum seekers, refugees, returnees, internally displaced communities, and stateless people. The organization operates in over 130 countries, leveraging its extensive experience to provide protection and care for millions of individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. UNHCR's commitment to humanitarian efforts is reflected in its global presence and the diverse range of programs it implements to support vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Records and Archives Intern position is a full-time internship within the Records and Archives Section of the Global Data Service at UNHCR in Geneva, Switzerland. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in information management within an international organization. The intern will work closely with the Research and Access Team, which is responsible for managing UNHCR's archives, preserving historical records, and making them accessible to both UNHCR staff and the general public. The role requires a keen eye for detail, a passion for research, and an interest in pursuing a career in the archives sector. The intern will engage in various tasks such as documenting collections, conducting research, digitizing records, and assisting with conservation efforts, thereby contributing to the preservation of UNHCR's institutional memory and history.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: creating finding aids for unlisted collections, assisting in preservation projects, undertaking research tasks, supporting records management activities, contributing to the digital preservation program, and assisting in external engagement events. Additional duties may include compiling statistics, supervising researchers, retrieving and re-shelving files, and performing administrative and outreach tasks. The intern will play a vital role in ensuring that UNHCR's archives are well-managed and accessible, thereby supporting the organization's mission and operations.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this internship, candidates must meet specific criteria: they should either be recent graduates (having completed their studies within two years of applying) or current students in a graduate or undergraduate program from an accredited university or higher education institution. Candidates must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field related to the work of UNHCR. Additionally, candidates must not have exhausted the maximum cumulative internship period with UNHCR, which is eight months for full-time internships and twelve months for part-time internships. It is important to note that individuals with a familial relationship to current UNHCR staff members or affiliates are not eligible for this internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a background in fields relevant to the internship, such as records and archives management, information management, history, or related disciplines. A strong academic foundation in these areas will be beneficial for performing the tasks associated with the internship effectively. The internship is designed for individuals who are either pursuing their studies or have recently completed their education, ensuring that they have the necessary theoretical knowledge to complement their practical experience.

Experience:
While prior experience is not strictly required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in the archives sector and information management. Any relevant volunteer work, internships, or academic projects that showcase the candidate's skills and commitment to the field will be considered advantageous. The internship is an entry-level position aimed at providing practical experience to individuals who are looking to start their careers in this area.

Languages:
The primary language required for this position is English, with a proficiency level of B2 or higher. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English, as it is essential for communication and documentation tasks. Additionally, knowledge of other languages, particularly French, German, and/or Spanish, is desirable and will be considered an asset, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse materials and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time role with working hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. However, a 50% part-time engagement can be discussed if preferred by the selected candidate, which could extend the internship duration up to a maximum of 12 months. Interns who do not receive financial support from external sources will receive an allowance to help cover living expenses. Travel costs for interns coming from outside the duty station will be reimbursed for their outward and return travel, subject to authorization. Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas, health insurance, and medical certifications. The UNHCR promotes diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with a refugee or stateless background.