About the opportunity
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency that contributes to peace and security through international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, and communication. The Records Management unit assists staff members at Headquarters and field offices in managing and preserving documents, particularly during departure check-out procedures. Due to a temporary increase in check-out volumes, the unit is recruiting an Archival Assistant to provide operational support, assist staff through the check-out process, and handle archival transfer, sorting, and filing tasks under the supervision of the Chief Archivist and Records Management Assistant.
Salary and benefits
- Service contract (SC3 level) with compensation provided by UNESCO.
- Gain professional experience within a specialized United Nations agency.
- Work in a multicultural international environment in Paris.
Who can apply?
- Education or diploma in archiving or Records Management.
- At least one relevant professional experience in the field of archives, particularly in the transfer and classification of archives.
- Proficiency in both English and French, spoken and written, with the ability to support staff members in both languages.
- Good IT skills and mastery of Excel.
- Rigour, organizational sense, and attention to detail.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work autonomously.
- Ability to occasionally perform physical tasks related to handling and moving archive boxes and documents.
Required documents
- Online application form with complete and accurate information.
When to apply
- Application deadline: 30/10/2026 at midnight (UTC+2 hours).
- Contract duration: From 15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027.
How to apply
- Visit the UNESCO Careers website.
- Complete the online application form and provide complete and accurate information.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Participate in the selection process which may include prerecorded video interviews, written evaluations, panel interviews, and reference checks.
Additional information
- The position is located at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
- Contract type is a Service Contract at the SC3 level for a duration of 2 months.
- Recruitment is open to external candidates.
- UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of harassment.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with formal training in archives or records management who have practical experience in document sorting, transfer, and classification.
- Bilingual professionals fluent in both English and French who can comfortably guide staff members in a multilingual institutional setting.
- Organized individuals comfortable with both administrative tracking tasks and occasional physical handling of archive materials.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a short-term fixed contract lasting only two months, from November 2026 to January 2027.
- The role requires physical on-site presence in Paris, meaning relocation or local residence is necessary.
- Strict bilingualism in English and French is mandatory for assisting staff members throughout the check-out process.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This two-month service contract offers an excellent opportunity to gain direct professional experience within a major United Nations agency. It is well-suited for archivists or records management professionals seeking short-term international exposure, or those looking to add recognized UN system experience to their resume.
Our take
Candidates with a background in archival studies, fluency in English and French, and availability for a two-month assignment in Paris should seriously consider applying before the October deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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