At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead proposals to protect and enhance humanitarian archives and data infrastructures.
- Company: Join a consortium led by the University of Manchester, focused on humanitarian impact.
- Benefits: Competitive funding up to £260,000 for impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence global humanitarian practices.
- Why this job: Shape the future of humanitarian knowledge and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in archival research, project management, and ethical frameworks.
Call for Proposals: Humanitarian Archive Emergency Project
25 January 2026
Up to £260,000
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.
Overview
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.
Shape the Future of Humanitarian Archives (Proposal Lead) in Manchester employer: Digital Preservation Coalition
As a leading organisation in the humanitarian sector, we are committed to preserving vital knowledge and data that underpin effective aid programming. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and ethical practices, providing employees with unique opportunities for professional growth and meaningful contributions to global humanitarian efforts. Located at the University of Manchester, our team benefits from a vibrant academic environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and access to extensive resources.
Contact Details:
Digital Preservation Coalition Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shape the Future of Humanitarian Archives (Proposal Lead) 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.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your previous work related to archives or data management. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings that can help you land that dream role in humanitarian archives. Let’s get you started on this journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Shape the Future of Humanitarian Archives (Proposal Lead) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the project and its objectives. Dive into the details of the Humanitarian Archive Emergency Project and think about how your skills and experience align with the goals. This will help us see your passion and commitment.
Tailor Your Proposal:Don’t just send a generic proposal! Make it specific to the consultancy you're applying for. Highlight your relevant experience in mapping archives or developing ethical frameworks. We want to see how you can contribute directly to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your ideas and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate proposals that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to submit your proposal, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important details. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Preservation Coalition
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the current landscape of humanitarian archives and the challenges they face. Familiarise yourself with recent funding cuts and geopolitical shifts that impact these archives. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely invested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Ethical Approach
Since the role involves developing an ethical process for strengthening archival resilience, be prepared to discuss your views on ethics in data management. Think about how you would address issues like ownership and accessibility, and be ready to share examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to ethical practices.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the project and the organisation. Ask about their vision for the future of humanitarian archives or how they plan to tackle the challenges outlined in the job description. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
✨Connect the Dots
Be ready to explain how your previous experiences relate to the objectives of both consultancies. Whether it's conducting assessments or developing frameworks, draw clear connections between your skills and what the organisation is looking for. This will help them see you as the perfect fit for shaping the future of humanitarian archives.
