Archivist, General Public Archives

About the role

The Archivist General Public Archives oversees the ICRC's General Public Archives, which have been made available publicly under the rules governing access to the archives. The post supports research, gives methodological guidance on collections and access, and acts as ambassador for the ICRC's archival collections. It reports to the head of the Library and Public Archives unit and collaborates closely with archivists of classified archives and librarians. The position is based in Geneva, requires regular office presence and involves significant physical work such as lifting and transporting archival boxes.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the General Public Archives (1863-1975): oversee and develop the fonds and repositories, ensure coherent organisation of files and series, record every loan, analyse content and create detailed inventories following ISAD(G) and RiC standards, and generate statistics on use.
• Support the archivist in charge of conservation and preservation, and help prepare the next opening of classified archives (1976-1985).
• Handle research queries, advise users and receive researchers and visitors in line with access rules, and promote the archives internally and externally, including through the Valorization Committee and blog posts.
• Contribute to the digitization project: identify series to digitize, produce verification files, supervise digitization operators, coordinate transport of series, respond to quality-control queries, and help draft annotation rules for OCR/HTR processing.

Required profile

• University degree in archival science, history or another relevant field.
• Minimum 6 to 9 years of professional experience, including managing archives.
• Fluency in spoken and written French and English; other languages are an asset.
• Good knowledge of the history of the ICRC and humanitarian action.

Required skills

• Knowledge of ISAD(G) and RiC norms for archival description.
• Knowledge of archival management systems and of archival management and preservation practices.
• Digital literacy and knowledge of digital humanities is an asset.