Intern for Digital Archive Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1950 with the mission to provide assistance and protection for Palestine refugees. UNRWA operates in five fields: Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, and has a workforce of over 30,000 employees. The agency is dedicated to delivering education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to millions of Palestine refugees, ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld. UNRWA has a long history of adapting its services to meet the evolving needs of the refugee population, and it continues to play a crucial role in the humanitarian landscape of the region.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Relief and Social Services Department (RSSD) focuses on the Digital Archive Project, which aims to enhance UNRWA's capacity to preserve and digitize its extensive archival records. The intern will gain practical experience in archival research, working with historical documents that span several generations of Palestine refugees. This role will provide insights into the management of records, the importance of data governance, and the methodologies used in humanitarian contexts for preserving and analyzing archival materials. Interns will be expected to engage with digitized records, extract relevant information, and contribute to the synthesis of findings into analytical briefs that support operational and research objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Senior Research and Partnership Officer, the intern will undertake various responsibilities, including: reviewing and analyzing digitized archival materials according to established guidelines; extracting, validating, and synthesizing key information from archival sources; producing concise analytical briefs and summaries based on findings; cross-checking extracted information against original records for accuracy; identifying and documenting gaps or inconsistencies in archival materials; and supporting the documentation and tracking of review and writing activities to enhance project monitoring and reporting. The intern will play a vital role in ensuring the integrity and accessibility of UNRWA's archival records.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate strong attention to detail and possess the ability to organize and navigate archival materials effectively. Solid analytical skills are essential for interpreting and synthesizing information from historical records. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required, and experience with document or data management systems is considered an asset. Interns must also exhibit the ability to handle sensitive historical and personal data with discretion and respect for confidentiality. Strong written communication skills are necessary for producing clear and concise analytical briefs, along with good verbal communication skills. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural and interdisciplinary team environment is crucial, as is the initiative and adaptability to learn in a research-oriented setting.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from a Master's or PhD program in fields such as Social Sciences, Information Management, Data Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Humanitarian or Development Studies, or a related discipline. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical foundation and context for the responsibilities associated with the internship.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, any relevant experience in archival research, data management, or related fields will be beneficial. Interns should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to engage with historical documents and contribute to research efforts effectively. A willingness to learn and adapt to the demands of the internship is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNRWA. A working knowledge of French is considered a strong asset, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic is also regarded as a strong asset, given the context of the agency's work with Palestine refugees.

Additional Notes:
This internship is fully remote, allowing candidates to work from any location. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.