Archives Officer/Archivist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), which was established in 194

• UNRWA's mission is to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees and to work towards their development. The agency operates in five fields: Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, and has a workforce of over 30,000 employees. UNRWA is dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of Palestine refugees and ensuring their access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social services. The organization is committed to transparency, accountability, and the effective management of its resources, and it engages with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The Archives Officer/Archivist position is based at UNRWA’s Office in Luxembourg, which serves as a central hub for the preservation, governance, and research use of the agency's institutional and historical archives. The role is crucial in supporting the Records and Archives Management Division (RSSD) in its custodial responsibilities for UNRWA’s registration records, institutional memory, and historical documentation. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of RSSD and will collaborate closely with various divisions at Headquarters, field offices, interns, and external academic and archival partners. The position is designed to ensure that UNRWA’s archives are organized, preserved, and accessible for research and institutional accountability. The incumbent will play a key role in transforming dispersed historical records into well-described archival collections that support UNRWA’s mandate and research engagement, thereby contributing to the agency's overall mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Archives Officer/Archivist include conducting surveys and creating detailed inventories of UNRWA’s institutional and historical archives, identifying and organizing records of long-term value, arranging and describing archival materials according to recognized standards, and preparing archival descriptions and finding aids. The incumbent will also support the development and maintenance of UNRWA’s institutional archives, assist in applying appraisal criteria and retention schedules, and identify gaps in archival holdings. Additionally, the role involves administering access requests for archival materials, advising researchers, supervising interns, and supporting digitization initiatives. The incumbent will participate in archival and research initiatives, assist in outreach activities, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Deputy Director.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in Archival Studies, Digital Archiving, Digital History, Information Management, Library and Information Science, History, or a closely related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in archives, records management, libraries, documentation centers, or institutional memory functions. Demonstrated experience in processing, arrangement, description, and preservation of archival material is essential, along with experience in supporting research access and applying confidentiality rules. Familiarity with digital document management systems and archival metadata concepts is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Archival Studies, Digital Archiving, Digital History, Information Management, Library and Information Science, or History. This educational background is crucial for understanding the principles and practices of archival management and ensuring the effective handling of institutional records.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in the field of archives, records management, libraries, documentation centers, or institutional memory functions. This experience should include demonstrated skills in processing, arranging, describing, and preserving archival materials, as well as supporting research access and applying access or confidentiality rules. Candidates should also have familiarity with digital document management systems and basic digitization workflows.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English is required for this position. Knowledge of French is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication within the multilingual environment of the United Nations. Additionally, knowledge of other UN working languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The total remuneration for this role is set at 7,500 EUR per month. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.