Library or archives collection preservation consultant

Result of Service Recommendations on library/archives collection preservation and protection measures lodged with SHP and Library and Archives.

Work Location Remote

Expected duration 1 year

Duties and Responsibilities The building of the Palais des Nations, the main campus of UN Geneva, is undergoing renovation works as part of the Strategic Heritage Plan, a large-scale construction and renovation project. The plan foresees the renovation of individual records and archives storage areas, as well as the stacks areas of the Library & Archives building, where 50’000 linear meters of collections are located. These include the archives of the League of Nations that are inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

The incumbent will be supervised by a focal point from the Strategic Heritage Plan team and will receive general guidance from the Chief of Institutional Memory Section and the Chief Library Services Section, UN Geneva Library & Archives. Based on her/his expertise in library/archives collection preservation and building construction/renovation, the incumbent will provide the following services on an ad-hoc basis tied to the time constraints of the construction programme:

- Review of contractor drawings and technical submissions, where relevant - Provide advice and comment on any variations that may be introduced to the renovation contract - Provide recommendations on protection measures for the collections - Site visits when necessary during the course of the construction and preparation works

Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree in library or archival science, information management, architecture or engineering. A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience working in library and/or archives collections preservation is required. Reference for at least 2 similar projects within the 10 past years, where the Consultant has evaluated the impact of climatic changes caused by the renovation works on library collections or archives and proposed remedial solutions is required. Experience in working on library and/or archives consultancy projects is desirable. Experience with library and/or archives renovation or construction projects is required

Languages Fluency in written and oral English and French is required.

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.