Consultancy – Archivist, Digital Preservation Specialist, DFAM, NYHQ

The UNICEF Archives’ goal is to take a systemic approach to preserving the organization’s institutional heritage. It aims to provide improved archival preservation of physical and digital materials and create platforms for access through developing viable archival descriptions and engaging modern access platforms that satisfy client research needs. The Archives also aims to engage technology solutions using new digital preservation capabilities. These goals will be implemented in line with the organizational strategy and information management requirements of stakeholders in various business areas.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, hope… 

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection, and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and sickness. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments.

The UNICEF Archives’ goal is to take a systemic approach to preserving the organization’s institutional heritage. It aims to provide improved archival preservation of physical and digital materials and create platforms for access through developing viable archival descriptions and engaging modern access platforms that satisfy client research needs. The Archives also aims to engage technology solutions using new digital preservation capabilities. These goals will be implemented in line with the organizational strategy and information management requirements of stakeholders in various business areas.

How can you make a difference? 

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT Under the supervision of the Unit Head, the Digital Preservation Specialist (Consultant Archivist) contributes to the implementation of an and an Archives Digital Repository (ADR) and an Archives Management System (AMS). The Digital Preservation Specialist (Consultant Archivist) will work closely with project teams including IT and procurement staff on the organizational roll-out plan for both software, the ADR and AMS.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• Academic Degree(s):
  A master’s degree in Archival Studies, Information Sciences or related field, or equivalent experience
• Professional Experience:
  Essential: At least 2-3 years’ experience working in records and digital archives management, with demonstrated experience in roll-out and implementation of electronic records and archives management software
• Experience in digital archives and metadata curation within an archives or related organization
• Experience of digital preservation issues, strategies, and standards

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

 To view our competency framework, please visit here. 

 UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.