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1. TITLE

Individual Consultant

2. START OF CONTRACT

Immediate

3. CONTEXT

In 1992, with the increasing risk of losing valuable information that attests to the knowledge of the world, and the identity, history and values of different peoples, UNESCO established the Memory of the World Programme, to increase the awareness of governments, concerned institutions and the general public on the importance of preserving the documentary heritage and archives. Much significant documentary heritage and archives, such as books and historic documents have been dispersed and damaged because of inevitable natural disasters, conflicts.

In Lebanon, and in particular, following the 4th of August explosion, many libraries, archives and related institutions have been totally or partial damaged both physically and in relation to their archive collections. This explosion struck a country already reeling from a social and economic crisis and the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the immediate aftermath of the Beirut Port explosion, UNESCO launched the Li Beirut Initiative to place education, heritage, culture and media at the heart of the rehabilitation efforts and mobilise needed resources and partnerships. Emphasis was also given to the criticality of an enabling and open information environment for the reconstruction of both the city and the wider Lebanon, as it is an indispensable condition for the country to foster and preserve its documentary wealth, archives and hence, its historical memory.

As part of its Li Beirut initiative support to the affected areas, UNESCO Beirut office has supported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) by producing a damaged assessment and an action plan for the Archive system. The objective of this activity is to implement the first phase of this action plan, with a focus on the weeding out policy.

4. TASKS

Under the authority of the Director of UNESCO Beirut Office, and under the direct supervision of the National Project Officer for Communication and Information, and within the framework of Li Beirut initiative, the consultant shall perform the following tasks in close cooperation with the different directorates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA):

1. Conduct coordination meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to understand the overall organigram and workflow related to the archives and the different departments involved;
2. produce a written policy for different records retention and disposal;
3. Prepare an emergency preparedness and risk management policy, including the handling of damaged materials;
4. Draft guidelines and procedures for archival materials handling, storage, and conservation at MoFA by adopting appropriate conservation measures with secure and stable environment;
5. Create a general/standard Classification schema and filing techniques (manual and semi electronic filing techniques) as a back bone for the future digital archiving and Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS);
6. Produce general guidelines and procedures for digital records and digital repositories including standards in file naming and email management;
7. Present a final report along with the supporting guidelines and procedures to UNESCO in electronic copies.PROFILE REQUIRED

5. PROFILE REQUIRED    

Education

Advanced University degree in Archival Science, Library Science, Conservation Science, Cultural Resources Management, Disaster Risk Reduction or related field

Experience     

At least 7 years relevant professional experience including at least 3 years of work experience as an expert in the above mentioned fields, preferably with international experience in post-disaster situations and countries in transition.

Competencies

• Understanding of archives such as historical documents, books, conventions as well as operational workflows for documents and archive;
• Understanding of management strategies for archives at various institutional levels;
• Ability to develop action plan and measures for implementation in different areas and within different backgrounds;
• Understanding of the challenges regarding archives in developing countries, resource restraints, and other unique circumstances;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, in English and Arabic are required. Good knowledge of French is desirable;
• Good computer and IT skills and experience in the usage of office software packages.

6. TO APPLY

If you are interested in this assignment, please send a written proposal in English to Beirut@unesco.org mentioning “Archive consultancy” before 12 February 2022 COB.

Your written application should comprise:

• An up-to-date curriculum vita, including at least two references from previous employers or supervisors;
• Reference to any similar tasks or projects performed related to archive/heritage;
• Financial proposal including consultancy fees along with a timeline

Kindly note that until the selection of contractor is made and the contract is formally signed by UNESCO, the Organization has not undertaken any commitment, whether oral or written, to you or other prospective contractors.

Women candidates are encouraged to apply as well as persons with disabilities.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in this UNESCO assignment, and we look forward to receiving your proposal.