Head of General Archives

The Division

The Division of Archives, Library and Outreach valorizes ICRC heritage, knowledge and thought leadership through archives, library and law and policy outreach.

The General Archives preserve and valorize the ICRC’s institutional records for long-term preservation and access, supporting the organization’s business continuity, accountability, and transparency. They form the memory of the organization and of individuals and their families affected by armed conflict and violence and contribute to the development of knowledge and research on ICRC’s past actions and the development of international humanitarian law (IHL).

Purpose of the Post

The Division is looking for a new Head of General Archives and offers a fascinating opportunity to work at the intersection of history, research, and digital technology in an organisation that recognizes the importance to invest in and safeguard its archives. The Head of General Archives ensures the preservation of the ICRC’s institutional memory. The Head of General Archives leads a team of eight staff members and oversees the acquisition, description, and preservation of the ICRC’s general archives.

The team is going through a digital transformation process to develop the capabilities, processes and systems enabling the ICRC to archive and preserve born-digital records in addition to its long-established capacity to archive analogue records. The Head of General Archives will play a key role in leading and guiding this digital transformation of the archives. For this, the incumbent will work in close collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure a holistic and seamless approach for the management of the information lifecycle.

The incumbent will also oversee the preparation of the next release of classified archives in 2035, covering ICRC actions between 1976-1985. This project involves the cataloguing the holdings and going through an extensive internal validation process. The incumbent is part of the Archives, Library and Outreach leadership team and reports to the Head of Division.

Accountabilities & Functional Responsibilities

Archive Management

• Organizes, supervises, and promotes the Unit’s work on managing institutional records for long-term preservation and access;
• Manages archives processing activities by overseeing adherence to international preservation, metadata, description and database standards;
• Develops strategies, policies, guidelines and procedures for acquiring, describing, and preserving classified archives according to institutional policies and professional standards;
• Ensures classified archives are made available to inform present decision- and policy making through analysis and research;
• Contributes to the development and implementation of Division and Department vision and strategies and fosters synergies and collaboration across the division and beyond;

Digital preservation

• Leads the archives digital transformation to develop the capabilities, processes and systems enabling the ICRC to archive and preserve born-digital records based on a holistic approach for managing the information life cycle and in close collaboration with internal stakeholders and business partners (Information Governance, T&I, etc.);
• Keeps abreast of digital preservation technologies, practices and strategies;
• Is responsible for the continued evolution of archival practices services and contributes to the institution’s ambition to archive born-digital information.

Declassification

• Leads the project for preparing the release of classified archives in 2035 (description, preservation and internal validation) covering ICRC actions between 1976-1985.

Team Management 

• Manages the team in conformity with ICRC's People Leadership and Management principles;
• Is responsible for formulating the Unit’s annual objectives and budgetary requirements, monitoring budget spending and assessing performance.

Education and Experience Required

• University degree in archiving or information management;
• 12+ years of relevant professional experience, including strategic planning, service delivery and project management;
• A solid understanding of archival and records management, including governance, processes and systems;
• Knowledge of digital preservation, including appraisal, conservation and migration management; records preservation and description;
• Computer proficiency, knowledge of archival management and preservation tools;
• Experience in a major international organization an advantage.

Desired Profile and Skills

• Proven leadership skills and confirmed people and change management capacity;
• Ability to motivate a team and foster collaboration throughout the organisation;
• Strong interpersonal and representation skills;
• Strong analytical and organisational skills;
• At ease with networking and relationship-building;
• Strong command of English as well as fluency in French;
• A good knowledge of and proven ability with IT programmes and digital engagement;
• Curiosity to learn and stay abreast with developments in archival practice and digital technology.

Additional information

• Type of role: Long-Term Assignment
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: 01/12/2024
• Location: Geneva (GVA)
• Job level: C2 (C2)
• Type of position: Headquarters
• Hiring Manager: Nicole Martins-Maag
• Application deadline: 25/08/2024

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this