At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct a census of threatened humanitarian archives and develop ethical resilience strategies.
- Company: Join a consortium led by the University of Manchester, focused on humanitarian aid.
- Benefits: Competitive funding up to £260,000 for impactful consultancy work.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of humanitarian data infrastructures.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving vital humanitarian knowledge and data.
- Qualifications: Experience in archival research, data analysis, and ethical frameworks.
As part of the Humanitarian Archive Emergency Project, we are seeking proposals to undertake a census of threatened humanitarian archives, records and datasets and to contribute to the development of an ethical process for strengthening the resilience of humanitarian archives and data infrastructures.
The foundations of knowledge production in the humanitarian and global health sectors are at risk. Significant recent funding cuts and new political priorities disproportionately impact humanitarian actors who collect, produce and rely on information. This impact is visible throughout funding chains around the world, yet its scale is difficult to measure accurately. As organisations fail, or repurpose their budgets, institutional memory is threatened by the risk of disappearing archives, datasets and records. Whilst this ongoing and imminent data loss will dramatically impact future research and operational decision-making in humanitarian aid, we currently lack the means to quantify its scale and nature. The survival of data, records and archives are essential to effective aid programming and the continued function and advancement of the humanitarian system and knowledge.
We are commissioning these consultancies as part of the Humanitarian Archive Emergency (HAE) Project, funded by the Leverhulme Trust and the Wellcome Trust, and implemented as a consortium led by the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) at the University of Manchester.
Objective
The two consultancies, while distinct and separate, should be interlinked. As such, they could be delivered either by the same or by separate providers.
- Consultancy #1: Conduct a census of threatened humanitarian archives, records and datasets, including an initial impact assessment with respect to losses. This consultancy has the following objectives:
- Map and analyse the current landscape of humanitarian archives, records and datasets, assessing the extent to which they have been shaped or jeopardised by recent funding constraints, institutional reforms, and geopolitical shifts.
- Identify and interrogate the systemic and emerging vulnerabilities that threaten the preservation, accessibility, and integrity of humanitarian archival materials and data infrastructures.
- Consultancy #2: Contribute to the development of an ethical process for strengthening the resilience of humanitarian archives and data infrastructures. This consultancy has the following objectives:
- Develop and propose a phased roadmap and ethics-based decision-making framework to guide the rebuilding of humanitarian archival and data infrastructures.
- Within the framework, specify criteria and processes for systematic prioritisation for investment and preservation.
- Additionally, without overlooking feasibility given the current humanitarian institutional, legal and funding constraints, this work should address questions of ownership, control and accessibility, and address the risk of reproducing colonial patterns of knowledge extraction and concentration.
Call for Proposals: Humanitarian Archive Emergency Project in Manchester employer: Digital Preservation Coalition
As a leading institution in humanitarian research, the University of Manchester offers a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises collaboration and innovation. Employees are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that have a real-world impact, with ample opportunities for professional development and growth within the academic community. The Humanitarian Archive Emergency Project not only addresses critical issues in data preservation but also fosters a culture of ethical responsibility and inclusivity, making it an exceptional place for those passionate about humanitarian work.
Contact Details:
Digital Preservation Coalition Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Call for Proposals: Humanitarian Archive Emergency Project in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the humanitarian sector through LinkedIn or relevant forums. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. We recommend having a few thoughtful questions ready to show your genuine interest in their work, especially around humanitarian archives and data.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with archival work or data management. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise visually.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the humanitarian field.
We think you need these skills to ace Call for Proposals: Humanitarian Archive Emergency Project in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project:Before you start writing, take a moment to really grasp what the Humanitarian Archive Emergency Project is all about. Familiarise yourself with the objectives and challenges outlined in the job description. This will help us tailor your proposal to meet the project's needs.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your ideas shine without getting lost in complicated phrases. Remember, less is often more!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for humanitarian work come through in your writing. Share why this project matters to you and how your skills align with its goals. We love seeing applicants who are genuinely excited about making a difference!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all proposals and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, it shows you’re keen on following our process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Preservation Coalition
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the humanitarian archive landscape. Familiarise yourself with recent funding cuts, institutional reforms, and geopolitical shifts that affect data preservation. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think about the ethical considerations surrounding humanitarian archives and data infrastructures. Prepare questions that reflect your understanding of the challenges faced in this field. This not only shows your critical thinking skills but also your commitment to contributing positively to the project.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be ready to discuss any previous work or projects related to data management, archival practices, or humanitarian efforts. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges similar to those outlined in the job description. This will help the interviewers see how you can add value to their team.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the consultancies may be interlinked, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Share experiences where you've successfully partnered with others to achieve a common goal, especially in complex environments. This will reassure them that you can contribute effectively to the consortium's objectives.
