Digitization Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization has a global presence with 193 member states and 11 associate members, operating in over 200 countries. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women, and its core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism. The organization employs thousands of individuals worldwide, working towards its mission across various sectors including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information.

Job Overview:
The Digitization Project Coordinator (DPC) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring the daily activities of a significant five-year project aimed at digitizing UNESCO's archives. This project, funded by the Sharjah Book Authority, is titled 'Global Histories, Shared Memories: Advancing Universal Access through Digitized UNESCO Archives' and is set to run from 2025 to 203

• The DPC will work under the supervision of the Chief Archivist and will closely collaborate with both the reference and audiovisual archivists to ensure the project meets its objectives. The role involves managing the project within budget and time constraints while adhering to UNESCO's standards and requirements. The DPC will also be involved in enhancing the visibility and accessibility of UNESCO's institutional archives through digitization and publication efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Digitization Project Coordinator include: managing the project budget and timeline in consultation with management and Collection Leads; supporting project administration and documentation; planning and monitoring project objectives and deliverables; coordinating digitization operations and ensuring quality control; managing the ingestion of digitized files into preservation systems; supporting logistical management of the digitization lab; facilitating communications and outreach activities; managing project evaluation and reporting; and collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure project success. The DPC will also be responsible for preparing project reports and updates for various stakeholders, including donor reports and Steering Committee presentations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Archival Studies, Records Management, Information Management, or Library Studies. They should have a minimum of two years of professional experience, ideally with at least one year in an international context, specifically in coordinating digitization projects or programs within institutional archives or libraries. Strong project coordination skills, knowledge of digitization standards, and excellent communication abilities are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate interpersonal skills, creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and a strong understanding of archival management principles.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Archival Studies, Records Management, Information Management, or Library Studies. Additional training or certification in Project Management is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience, with a preference for candidates who have at least one year of experience gained at an international level. This experience should include coordinating digitization projects or programs and working within institutional archives or libraries, demonstrating the ability to manage complex projects effectively.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language being advantageous. Proficiency in both languages will facilitate communication within the diverse international environment of UNESCO.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment lasting for two years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight Paris time on July 10, 202

• The position offers a competitive salary, with an approximate annual starting salary of 87,095 USD, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities.