Position: Head of General Archives
Purpose of the Position The Head of General Archives ensures the preservation of the ICRC’s institutional memory and leads the digital transformation of the archives. The role supports the Safeguarding Archives programme, guiding the transition to born‑digital records and operating within a holistic, integrated information‑lifecycle framework.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Organise, supervise and promote the Unit’s work on managing institutional records for long‑term preservation.
Develop strategies, policies, guidelines and procedures for acquiring, describing and preserving classified archives in line with institutional policies and professional standards.
Act as business lead within the Safeguarding Archives programme steering committee.
Manage the transition from ISAD(G) to Records in Context (RiC).
Advise on the ICRC ontology and support its role as an institutional data framework.
Provide internal access to classified archives for decision‑making and policy development through analysis and research.
Lead a team of 13 staff members in accordance with ICRC people‑leadership principles.
Formulate the Unit’s annual objectives and budget, monitor spending and assess performance.
Contribute to division and departmental vision and strategy and promote collaboration across the organization.
Digital Preservation
Lead the digital transformation to develop capabilities, processes and systems for archival preservation of born‑digital records.
Implement a new digital preservation system (DPS) based on the OAIS/ISO 14721 standard for long‑term preservation of archival records from ICRC business processes.
Build data‑management foundations for semantic search, including ontology development and RiC transition.
Develop automated archival acquisition processes scalable across ICRC applications.
Stay current with digital preservation technologies, practices and strategies.
Advance archival practices and contribute to the organization’s ambition to archive born‑digital information.
Relationships
Internally: Report to the Head of Archives, Library & Law and Policy Outreach; collaborate with the Safeguarding Archives steering committee, T&I and Information Governance.
Externally: Engage with research institutions, digital preservation experts, archival providers and organizations.
Scope & Impact
Global Impact: Ensure preservation and accessibility of ICRC archives, enhancing knowledge sharing and historical documentation.
Strategic Transformation: Co‑develop processes and systems to manage the ICRC’s archives for the future.
Institutional Legacy: Strengthen ICRC’s commitment to preserving humanitarian history and knowledge.
Education and Experience Required
University degree in archiving, information management, information technology or a related field.
12+ years of relevant professional experience, including strategic planning, service delivery and project management.
Strong understanding of core archival principles – provenance, metadata, accessioning, appraisal.
Expertise in digital preservation strategies and systems.
Technical expertise in preservation and metadata management of digital archival records.
Solid understanding of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
Knowledge of data science concepts and principles, including semantic search, ontology, linked data and RDF.
Full computer proficiency.
Fluency in English and French.
Professional experience in the ICRC is a strong advantage.
Desired Profile and Skills
Strategic leadership: Ability to define and drive large‑scale transformation.
Stakeholder engagement: Strong collaboration and partnership skills.
Change management: Skilled in leading cultural and operational shifts.
Technology and innovation mindset: Comfortable with AI, digital platforms and data‑driven approaches.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; networking and representation.
Team leadership: Ability to motivate, coordinate and manage multi‑functional teams.
Additional Information
Location: Geneva
Contract: Open‑ended
Mobility: Required rotation
Length of assignment: 6 years
Working rate: 100%
Starting date: October 2026
Application deadline: Wednesday 22 July 2026
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Purpose of the Position The Head of General Archives ensures the preservation of the ICRC’s institutional memory and leads the digital transformation of the archives. The role supports the Safeguarding Archives programme, guiding the transition to born‑digital records and operating within a holistic, integrated information‑lifecycle framework.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Organise, supervise and promote the Unit’s work on managing institutional records for long‑term preservation.
Develop strategies, policies, guidelines and procedures for acquiring, describing and preserving classified archives in line with institutional policies and professional standards.
Act as business lead within the Safeguarding Archives programme steering committee.
Manage the transition from ISAD(G) to Records in Context (RiC).
Advise on the ICRC ontology and support its role as an institutional data framework.
Provide internal access to classified archives for decision‑making and policy development through analysis and research.
Lead a team of 13 staff members in accordance with ICRC people‑leadership principles.
Formulate the Unit’s annual objectives and budget, monitor spending and assess performance.
Contribute to division and departmental vision and strategy and promote collaboration across the organization.
Digital Preservation
Lead the digital transformation to develop capabilities, processes and systems for archival preservation of born‑digital records.
Implement a new digital preservation system (DPS) based on the OAIS/ISO 14721 standard for long‑term preservation of archival records from ICRC business processes.
Build data‑management foundations for semantic search, including ontology development and RiC transition.
Develop automated archival acquisition processes scalable across ICRC applications.
Stay current with digital preservation technologies, practices and strategies.
Advance archival practices and contribute to the organization’s ambition to archive born‑digital information.
Relationships
Internally: Report to the Head of Archives, Library & Law and Policy Outreach; collaborate with the Safeguarding Archives steering committee, T&I and Information Governance.
Externally: Engage with research institutions, digital preservation experts, archival providers and organizations.
Scope & Impact
Global Impact: Ensure preservation and accessibility of ICRC archives, enhancing knowledge sharing and historical documentation.
Strategic Transformation: Co‑develop processes and systems to manage the ICRC’s archives for the future.
Institutional Legacy: Strengthen ICRC’s commitment to preserving humanitarian history and knowledge.
Education and Experience Required
University degree in archiving, information management, information technology or a related field.
12+ years of relevant professional experience, including strategic planning, service delivery and project management.
Strong understanding of core archival principles – provenance, metadata, accessioning, appraisal.
Expertise in digital preservation strategies and systems.
Technical expertise in preservation and metadata management of digital archival records.
Solid understanding of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
Knowledge of data science concepts and principles, including semantic search, ontology, linked data and RDF.
Full computer proficiency.
Fluency in English and French.
Professional experience in the ICRC is a strong advantage.
Desired Profile and Skills
Strategic leadership: Ability to define and drive large‑scale transformation.
Stakeholder engagement: Strong collaboration and partnership skills.
Change management: Skilled in leading cultural and operational shifts.
Technology and innovation mindset: Comfortable with AI, digital platforms and data‑driven approaches.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; networking and representation.
Team leadership: Ability to motivate, coordinate and manage multi‑functional teams.
Additional Information
Location: Geneva
Contract: Open‑ended
Mobility: Required rotation
Length of assignment: 6 years
Working rate: 100%
Starting date: October 2026
Application deadline: Wednesday 22 July 2026
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of General Archives Arbeitgeber: International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC
Die ICRC ist ein hervorragender Arbeitgeber, der sich für die Linderung von Leid und den Erhalt der Menschenwürde in Krisensituationen einsetzt. Mit einem starken Fokus auf Teamarbeit und interdisziplinäre Ansätze bietet die Organisation nicht nur eine inklusive Arbeitsumgebung, sondern auch zahlreiche Möglichkeiten zur beruflichen Weiterentwicklung und Schulung im Bereich der psychischen Gesundheit. Die Position des MHPSS-Spezialisten in Genf ermöglicht es Ihnen, an vorderster Front humanitäre Hilfe zu leisten und einen bedeutenden Einfluss auf das Leben von Menschen in Not zu haben.
Kontaktdaten:
International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC Recruiting-Team
