UN Intern - Archives, Information and Records Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations, established in 1945, is an international organization founded to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It has a mission to foster international collaboration and address global challenges. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a diverse workforce dedicated to various humanitarian and developmental goals. The organization employs thousands of individuals across different sectors and has a presence in almost every country, working towards sustainable development, human rights, and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Archives, Information and Records Management division at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague is designed to provide practical experience in archival work and records management. The intern will work under the supervision of the Head of Archives, focusing on the review and processing of archival files. This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accessibility of historical records, which are essential for legal and historical research. The intern will engage in various tasks that enhance their understanding of archival practices, including the digitization of records, metadata management, and the preparation of archival inventories. The position is expected to last between three to six months, providing a comprehensive learning experience in a professional environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties aimed at supporting the archival functions of the ICJ. These include:

• Reviewing archival files to identify their contents, dates, creators, subjects, and relationships with other records.
• Processing physical records, which includes the digitization of historic and fragile documents.
• Assisting in the preparation or enhancement of archival inventories, finding aids, and file descriptions.
• Entering, reviewing, and standardizing metadata in archival inventories and records management systems such as SharePoint.
• Applying quality control measures to digital records, ensuring the identification of duplicates, incomplete records, and ensuring metadata accuracy.
• Assisting in the preparation of reference information related to the PCIJ collections.
• Handling all records in compliance with confidentiality, security, and preservation requirements.
• Supporting the review of records transferred to the Archives by various organizational divisions and offices.
• Carrying out additional archives and records management duties as assigned. 1
• The expected outputs include structured and accurately described PCIJ archival files, updated inventories, improved metadata, and contributions to appraisal decisions regarding physical and digital records, along with brief progress reports on completed work and outstanding issues.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application:

• Be enrolled in the final year of a first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
• Be enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. programme, or equivalent.
• Have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree, or equivalent. A strong academic background or demonstrated knowledge in information, archives, and records management is essential. Preference will be given to candidates currently enrolled in or recently graduated from programs in Archives and Records Management, Information Management, Library and Information Science, Law, International Relations, History, or related fields.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a degree in fields such as Archives and Records Management, Information Management, Library and Information Science, Law, International Relations, History, or other related disciplines. This academic foundation is crucial for understanding the principles and practices of archival work and records management.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience in archival work, records management, or related fields will be considered an asset. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the professional environment of the United Nations, particularly in the context of archival practices and information management.

Languages:
The working languages of the International Court of Justice are English and French. A UN Level III proficiency in either French or English is required, along with a passive knowledge of the other language at UN Level II. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization, as well as for understanding archival materials that may be in either language.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated for their work. 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 Netherlands may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.