INTERN - ARCHIVIST

Assist with archival processing and reference work at UN Library & Archives Geneva.

This opening expired 11 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNOG - United Nations Office at Geneva

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Application deadline 11 months ago: Friday 20 Jun 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist with archival processing and reference work at UN Library & Archives Geneva.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent).
  • Experience in archival processes is desirable.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship.
  • Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

Geneva, Switzerland.

Expected duration

3-6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The internship is located in the Archives Management Unit, Institutional Memory Section, UN Library & Archives Geneva. The Intern reports to the Chief of the Unit. This internship is an opportunity to experience archival processing and reference work at the UN Library & Archives Geneva and to develop further a basic understanding of the issues on the agenda of the UN, a general knowledge of the different international organizations and other actors in international Geneva. The intern will contribute to providing metadata in the UN Archives Geneva platform; and participate in the reference services in the UN Archives Geneva Reading Room. They will participate in the activities of the Archives Management Unit, depending on interest and capacities. The intern will be involved in a variety of tasks including: - archival description; - presence in the reading room; - archives re-boxing; - other activities with the team depending on interest and opportunity.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent). Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work. experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Experience in archival processes is desirable. Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts in desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

What experience do you have with archival processing methodologies? Assess the candidate's practical knowledge in handling archival materials. Provide specific examples of relevant projects or experiences.
Can you describe a time when you worked with a digital archive or database? Evaluate the candidate's familiarity with digital archiving tools. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when handling multiple archival projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to work in the field of archives and information management? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle sensitive historical documents? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a successful communication or outreach initiative you have led? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you hope to learn from this internship at the UN Archives? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach teamwork within a diverse environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: careers.un.org