Consultant - Digital Archivist, DFAM, 6 Months

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

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, a connected world

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 both physical and digital materials and creating platforms for access through developing viable archival descriptions as well as engaging modern access platforms that satisfy client research needs. The Archives also aims to engage technology solutions through making use of 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

Under the supervision of the Unit Head, the Digital Archivist contributes to the formulation and implementation of processes for the digital management of all UNICEF archives. Centered around a framework for the implementation of an Archives Management System (AMS) and a Trusted Digital Repository (TDR), the Digital Archivist will work closely with project teams including IT and procurement staff on the organizational roll-out plan for both the AMS and TDR

How can you make a difference?

The Consultant shall:

• Provide technical guidance on the identification, selection and implementation of UNICEF’s AMS and TDR
• Provide input during the elaboration of technical requirements and associated architecture for the implementation of an AMS and TDR solution
• Participate in the digitization of physical records with long term value including their digital preservation and related metadata implementation protocols
• Establish digital preservation standards for long-term use by the Archives
• Ensure description of physical and digital archival records complies with international and in-house metadata standards
• Oversee the implementation of the archives’ online access protocols including appropriate Web presence

Deliverables:

• AMS and TDR solutions identified and selected
• Roll-out plan at advanced stage of implementation
• Online access protocols and Web presence established
• Digital preservation protocols established

Location: New York Headquarters onsite desirable or remote negotiable (working with core working hours established by the Unit Head).

Duration: 6 months starting 1 March 2022 ending 31 August 2022

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

• Masters in Archival Studies, Information Sciences or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Desirable: Qualification in one or more aspects of digital preservation
• Essential: At least three (3) years’ experience working in records and archives management, with demonstrated experience in electronic records and archives management software.
• Essential: Experience in digital archives and metadata curation within an archives or related organization.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Knowledge/Expertise & skills required:

• Knowledge of digital preservation issues, strategies, and standards
• Knowledge of digital archival standards such as OAIS and Trusted Digital Repositories
• Knowledge of accessioning, arranging, and describing archival material
• Demonstrated knowledge of international archival standards – ISAD(G)
• Knowledge of Archives Management Systems such as AToM, ArchivesSpace, Axiell/Adlib, etc.
• Experience with large scale digitization projects is a strong asset
• Highly proficient with desktop applications such as Adobe Acrobat Professional, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and an ability to learn new IT systems
• Experience in digital preservation, digital libraries, and/or digital repositories
• Knowledge of digital preservation tools such as ArchiveIT, Archivematica, Preservica, etc.
• Hands-on experience in using digital preservation systems in an enterprise-scale environment
• Familiarity with web archiving tools and methods
• Experience working with digital asset management software applications
• Understanding of the application of emulation technologies for digital preservation strategies
• Familiarity with mark-up languages, style sheets, and other XML-related technologies, using a command line interface and scripting
• Familiarity with large-scale storage systems
• Fluency in English is required. Additional UN languages, such as Spanish or French, will be considered an asset.
• Strong troubleshooting and overall problem-solving skills.
• Ability to initiate, prioritize and self-direct work.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a team as well as independently

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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.