Archives Officer/Archivist National Consultant

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 for Palestine refugees, ensuring their rights and improving their living conditions. The agency operates in five fields: Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, and employs over 30,000 staff members. UNRWA is committed to delivering education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to Palestine refugees, while also advocating for their rights and addressing their needs in a comprehensive manner.

Job Overview:
The Archives Officer/Archivist position is crucial for the preservation, governance, and research use of UNRWA's institutional and historical archives. The role is based in Luxembourg and involves supporting the agency's custodial responsibilities for registration records and historical documentation. The incumbent will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of RSSD and collaborate with various divisions, field offices, interns, and external partners. This position is essential for organizing, describing, and preserving UNRWA's archives, ensuring they are accessible for academic and institutional research. The Archives Officer will play a key role in transforming historical records into well-described archival collections that support UNRWA's mandate and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Archives Officer/Archivist include conducting surveys and creating detailed inventories of UNRWA's archives, identifying and organizing records of long-term value, arranging and describing archival materials according to recognized standards, preparing archival descriptions and finding aids, assisting in the transfer of archival materials, supporting the development of a coherent institutional archive, applying appraisal criteria and retention schedules, identifying gaps in archival holdings, administering access requests for archival materials, advising researchers, supervising interns, assisting in digitization initiatives, and participating in outreach activities related to UNRWA's historical record. The incumbent will also 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. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in archives, records management, libraries, or institutional memory functions is required. Candidates must demonstrate experience in processing, arranging, describing, and preserving archival materials, as well as supporting research access and applying confidentiality rules. Familiarity with digital document management systems and archival metadata concepts is also necessary.

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

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in archives, records management, libraries, or related fields. This experience should include demonstrated skills in processing, arranging, and preserving archival materials, as well as supporting research access and applying confidentiality rules. Candidates should have a solid understanding of archival practices and the ability to work with various stakeholders in managing archival collections.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English is required for this position. Knowledge of French is highly desirable, and familiarity with other UN working languages is considered an asset. Proficiency in these languages is important for effective communication and collaboration 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 any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.