Consultant(e) archiviste – Recherche, collecte, numérisation et documentation des archives pour la commémoration des 80 ans de l’UNICEF au Bénin

UNICEF is seeking a Consultant Archivist to manage the research, collection, digitization, and documentation of archives for the commemoration of UNICEF's 80th anniversary in Benin. This role is based in Cotonou.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. With a history of 70 years improving children's lives, UNICEF is dedicated to reaching the most vulnerable children in the toughest places. Join us to make a difference for every child.

Interested candidates are invited to apply now for this exciting consultancy opportunity.

Company Overview

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. UNICEF works day-in day-out in the world’s toughest places to reach the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Delivering results for children and young people is our driving force. UNICEF, for every child...

Quick Details

• Job Type: Consultant
• Location: Benin
• Level: Consultancy

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a detailed methodology and work plan for identifying, researching, collecting, digitizing, and classifying archives related to UNICEF's presence and interventions in Benin.
• Map potential archive sources, including internal UNICEF Benin archives, sectoral ministries, media outlets, national archives, partners, UN agencies, NGOs, and other archive holders.
• Conduct research and collection missions at targeted media outlets, ministries, and other institutions.
• Identify and pre-select relevant photographs, videos, press clippings, administrative documents, publications, speeches, reports, posters, brochures, and other historical or institutional content.
• Ensure the digitization of selected documents and photographs according to quality standards for archiving and communication material production.
• Create a comprehensive and structured digital inventory of collected archives, including title, date, location, source, author/rights holder, represented persons/institutions, keywords, usage rights, and restrictions.
• Verify, document, and centralize information on copyright, photo credits, reproduction authorizations, and usage conditions for collected content.
• Propose an editorialized selection of priority content representative of UNICEF's history in Benin and its partnership with the Government and other stakeholders.
• Prepare a corpus of captioned archives ready for use in productions for UNICEF's 80th anniversary.
• Implement a clear, accessible, and sustainable filing system with a folder hierarchy and harmonized file nomenclature.
• Produce a final report detailing the methodology, consulted structures, identified and collected archives, unavailable or restricted content, and recommendations for archive conservation and valorization.

Requirements

• Education: Archival Science, Information and Documentation Sciences, Library Science, History, Communication, Journalism, Cultural Heritage, Anthropology, or a relevant field.
• Work Experience: At least five years of relevant professional experience in archival science, documentation, documentary fund management, historical research, documentary journalism, library science, museology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in identifying, collecting, sorting, digitizing, classifying, and indexing documents and photographic archives.
• Experience in metadata management, inventory establishment, file nomenclature setup, and digital fund organization.
• Experience working with media, public institutions, national archives, ministries, international organizations, or NGOs is highly desirable.
• Skills: Knowledge of issues related to copyright, credits, licenses, and reproduction/dissemination authorizations. Familiarity with the Beninese institutional context, recent country history, and social sectors (education, health, child protection, WASH, youth participation) is an asset. Rigor, organizational skills, autonomy, discretion, negotiation and relationship skills with institutional and media stakeholders, excellent captioning and documentary notice writing skills, proficiency in office tools and digital file management.
• Language Requirements: French.

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional development and personal growth within UNICEF.
• Work in a dynamic and impactful environment dedicated to child rights.
• Contribute to a significant historical commemoration for UNICEF.
• Attractive remuneration and benefits package.
• Be part of a global organization committed to making a difference for children.