What we do
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.
Reports to (role)
Head of the Archives, Library and Outreach division
Context
- The Division of Archives, Library and Outreach valorizes ICRC heritage, knowledge and thought leadership through archives, library and law and policy outreach.
- The archives and library preserve and valorize evidence of and information on the ICRC’s activities, legal and policy positions for long-term use and access, contributing to the ICRC’s business continuity, accountability, and transparence. They form the memory of the organization and of individuals and their families affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence and contribute to the development of knowledge on ICRC’s past actions and on the development of IHL.
- The Law and Policy Outreach team leads the online and onsite outreach to law and policy circles in support of influencing key actors and decision-makers on humanitarian issues of importance to the ICRC. It brings together multidisciplinary outreach capacities encompassing the Humanitarian Law and Policy blog, public conferences as well as digital promotion strategies and online platforms.
- Through its different components, the division valorizes ICRC’s past actions and thinking to inform current and future decision-making and promotes the ICRC’s present thinking, legal and policy positions internally and externally.
Purpose
- The Archivist General Public Archives oversees the ICRC’s General Public Archives. They have been made available publicly according to the rules governing access to the archives. S/he supports research and provides guidance on collections and access to those archives.
- The Archivist General Public Archives reports to the head of the Archives, Library and Outreach division and works in close collaboration with division staff, in particular archivists in charge of classified archives. S/he serves as ambassador for the collections and repositories managed by the different archives and the library.
General Duties
- Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement;
- Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct;
- Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement;
- Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times;
- Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times;
- Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers;
- Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC;
- May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary;
- When needed, represents the unit in an appropriate way during internal meetings, and avoids any activity that may reflect negatively on the ICRC’s image.
Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Managing the General Public Archives
- Oversees and develops the fonds and repositories of the General Public Archives, covering the period 1863-1975;
- Ensures structure and coherence in the organization of files and series in the fonds of the General Public Archives;
- Contributes to the strategic orientation and development of the General Public Archives services.
Analyses the content of the General Public Archives and creates detailed inventories in accordance with ISAD(G) rules and standards as well as respective metadata structures and content.
- Collaborates with staff members in charge of conservation and preservation to ensure the physical upkeep and longevity of the General Public Archives;
- Participates in consultations relating to the digitization of archival holdings;
- Contributes to discussions and participates in working groups relating to the role, services, needs and plans relating to the General Public Archives as well as the other archives and library services;
- Generates statistics and provides qualitative analyses on the use of the General Public Archives;
- Ensure a proper record-keeping of research and initiatives, including those carried out by the general archives that have an institutional/historical value;
- Supports the preparation of the next opening of classified archives (period covering 1976- 1985).
Accountabilities and Responsibilities – Continued
Access/valorization of ICRC’s General Public Archives
- Handles research queries and provides advice and guidance on the structure, content, context and functioning of the General Public Archives to internal and external clients;
- Receives researchers and visitors based on the rules governing access to the archives;
- Collaborates with colleagues in charge of the other archival holdings and repositories (Tracing Archives, Audiovisual Archives, Classified Archives, Library) and research services of the ICRC;
- Contributes towards the development and critical reflection on methodological issues pertaining to the constitution and valorization of the General Public Archives and other archival holdings for scientific and other purposes;
- Contributes to the promotion / valorization of the General Public Archives, including through the drafting of blog posts;
- Represents and promotes the General Public Archives internally and externally (through presentations, briefings etc.).
Relationships
- Internally, interacts with staff from other units, ICT staff in charge of management and publication tools, and information-management staff at headquarters and in the field.
- Externally, interacts with beneficiaries of the Central Tracing Agency, academic and scientific circles and a network of fellow professionals. Represents the ICRC Archives in local, national and international collaborations and develops partnerships.
Education and Experience Required
- University degree in archival science, history or other relevant fields;
- Professional experience in managing archives;
- Knowledge of ISAD/G norm for archival description;
- Knowledge of practices and trends in archival management and preservation;
- Good knowledge of the history of the ICRC and humanitarian action.
Profile and Skills
- Fluency in oral and written French and English. Other languages an asset;
- Ability to work as part of a team in a multicultural environment;
- Sense of initiative and ability to work autonomously;
- Rigor and organisational skills;
- At ease with communicating with a broad range of audiences;
- Good analytical and drafting skills;
- Sense of client-service;
- Sense of initiative;
- Sensitivity to the historical and heritage value of archival documents;
- Intellectual curiosity and open mindedness.
Additional information
- Type of contract: Open Ended
- Activity rate: 100%
- Start date: 15.04.2024
- Location: GVA
- Grade: B3
- Relocation: Not provided
- Visa/permit: Legitimacy card provided
- Hiring Manager: Nicole Martins-Maag
- Application Deadline: 24.03.2024
****Please note that this position requires regular presence in the office and is not suited for regular teleworking. ****
Our Values
At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviours based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.
How to apply
Ready to apply?
You will need to upload your resume and a cover letter as well as copies of your diplomas and certifications, valid license to practice, passport and driving license.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment