Consultant for Cataloguing Historical Archives

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO International Bureau of Education (IBE) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on education. Established to promote international cooperation in education, the IBE has been instrumental in shaping educational policies and practices globally. The organization operates in multiple countries, working with various stakeholders to enhance educational quality and access. It is committed to the principles of equity, inclusion, and quality education for all, reflecting its core values of commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Job Overview:
The position involves the professional cataloguing of historical archives at the UNESCO International Bureau of Education, covering the period from 1969 to 200

• The archives consist of approximately 82 linear meters of materials that document significant developments in international education policy and multilateral cooperation. The primary objective is to create a comprehensive catalogue that facilitates research access and preservation planning. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a detailed listing, evaluation, and description of the archives, ensuring adherence to international archival standards. This role requires a strong understanding of cataloguing practices and the ability to produce a searchable finding aid that accurately reflects the collection's structure and content. Additionally, the consultant will develop workflows and metadata to support future digitization efforts, ultimately delivering a comprehensive catalogue and a final project report with recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Cataloguing and describing the archives using established standards such as MARC, RDA, ISAD(G), or DACS.
• Ensuring that descriptions are multilingual where appropriate, primarily in English and French.
• Developing workflows and metadata to facilitate future digitization of the archives.
• Delivering a comprehensive, searchable catalogue that meets the agreed format (Excel, MARC, or similar).
• Producing an archival listing and a final project report that details the methodology used, challenges encountered, and recommendations for future steps.
• Collaborating with the Director of the UNESCO-IBE and the Head of Knowledge Creation & Management to ensure alignment with organizational goals and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in library and information science or an equivalent professional qualification. A minimum of two years of experience in cataloguing historical or special collections is required. Applicants should have a strong knowledge of cataloguing standards and archival description practices, as well as experience working with multilingual collections, particularly in English and French. The ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs on schedule is essential, along with excellent communication skills in both languages.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in library and information science or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the principles of cataloguing, archival management, and information organization, which are essential for the successful execution of the job responsibilities.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in cataloguing historical or special collections. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of archival practices and the ability to manage and organize large volumes of information effectively. Candidates should also have a proven track record of delivering high-quality work within set deadlines, showcasing their capability to handle complex archival projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with good knowledge of French being highly desirable. The ability to provide multilingual descriptions of the archives is a key requirement, as the materials may include content in both languages. Candidates should be comfortable working in a bilingual environment and be able to communicate effectively in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position ranges from 1 to 6 months, and it is open to external candidates. The application deadline is set for June 1, 2025, at midnight Geneva time. The selection process will involve evaluating candidates based on technical quality, relevant experience, cost-effectiveness, and proposed timelines. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and ensures confidentiality in the application process.