Consultant Cataloguing the IBE Historical Archives (1969-2000)
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Geneva
Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]
Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 01-JUN-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The UNESCO International Bureau of Education (IBE) invites proposals for the professional cataloguing of its historical archives covering the period 1969–2000. These archives, approximately 82 linear meters of material, document a unique period in the development of international education policy and multilateral cooperation.
The archives, which include correspondence, Council documents, International Conference on Education (ICE) records, survey responses, photographs, and related materials, have not been systematically catalogued to date. The IBE seeks to create a full catalogue to facilitate research access and preservation planning.
2. Objectives
• Conduct a detailed listing, evaluation, and description of the archives following international archival standards.
• Catalogue and classify materials to support future access and potential digitization efforts.
• Produce a searchable finding aid that reflects the structure and content of the collection.
Long Description
3. Scope of work
The selected contractor will:
• Catalogue and describe the archives using standards such as MARC, RDA, ISAD(G), or DACS.
• Ensure multilingual description where appropriate (primarily English and French).
• Develop workflows and metadata for future digitization.
• Deliver a comprehensive, searchable catalogue, an archival listing, and a final project report with recommendations.
Long Description
4. Deliverables
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO-IBE and the direct authority of the Head of Knowledge Creation & Management , the Consultant deliverables are:
• Cataloguing plan and methodology at project start.
• Completed catalogue in an agreed format (Excel, MARC, or similar).
• Final report detailing methodology, challenges, and recommendations for next steps.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree in library and information science (or equivalent professional qualification).
• At least 2 years of experience cataloguing historical or special collections.
• Strong knowledge of cataloguing standards and archival description practices.
• Experience with multilingual collections (English and French).
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs on schedule.
Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested individuals are invited to submit to UNESCO-IBE the specific requirements through its Success Factors portal at UNESCO careers website.
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’.
Before uploading the document, at the end of the word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information:
A written proposal comprising:
- An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work,
- A brief proposal (1-2 pages) outlining the approach/methodology to undertake the assignment and,
- A competitive fee for the assignment expressed on a monthly basis.
- Professional reference: Contact details for at least one professional reference in the field of the assignment
The complete application shall be submitted on or before 01 June 2025; midnight, Geneva time.
Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
Evaluation criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
• Technical quality and feasibility (40%)
• Relevant experience and qualifications (30%)
• Cost-effectiveness (20%)
• Proposed timeline and delivery schedule (10%)
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.