The International Committee of the Red Cross is recruiting an Associate for General Archives in Geneva, Switzerland, offering a 12-month traineeship with a gross monthly salary of CHF 3,934. Apply by 25 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is inviting applications for its Associate for General Archives Traineeship in Geneva, Switzerland. The opportunity is intended for qualified candidates interested in archival studies, records management, information management, library studies and digital preservation.
The ICRC General Archives preserve institutional, operational and diplomatic records documenting the organisation’s history and humanitarian work since 1863. As part of an ongoing digital transformation, the archives are working to improve the accessibility, organisation and searchability of their paper and digital records.
The successful candidate will support archival digitisation, metadata management, digital preservation and related data-driven activities. The assignment is full-time for 12 months, with a planned start date of 4 January 2027.
Applications close on 25 October 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) |
| Opportunity | Associate for General Archives |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Contract type | Traineeship |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Work arrangement | Full-time, 100% activity rate |
| Start date | 4 January 2027 |
| Gross monthly salary | CHF 3,934 |
| Salary payments | 13 installments |
| Visa/permit | Legitimation Card provided |
| Application deadline | 25 October 2026 |
| Official application | Apply through ICRC Careers |
Tasks and Programme Benefits
The Associate for General Archives will work under the supervision of the Head of General Archives and Digital Archivists, supporting the management and preservation of the ICRC’s institutional records.
Main responsibilities include:
- Archival classification and cataloguing: Assist with selecting, classifying and cataloguing audiovisual and textual records.
- Metadata and ontology development: Support the improvement of the ICRC Ontology, including metadata mapping and enhancement.
- Information access and research: Help respond to internal requests for archival information and research.
- Data quality and migration: Perform data entry, metadata cleaning, standardisation of taxonomies and controlled vocabularies, and migration of records from legacy systems.
- Digital preservation: Participate in testing and refining preservation strategies, backup routines, disaster recovery plans and digital preservation systems.
- Documentation: Help update workflows, user manuals and documentation for digital preservation processes.
The traineeship offers practical experience in digital archives, information management and preservation workflows within an international humanitarian organisation.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must hold a degree from a university or higher education institution in one of the following fields, or a related discipline:
- Archival Studies
- Records Management
- Information Management
- Library Studies
- Data Management
Candidates must also meet the following requirements:
Language proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English and French, with a minimum level of C1 in both languages.
Technical knowledge: Understanding of archival and records management principles, including access and preservation, as well as solid digital archiving skills.
Digital interests: Strong interest in metadata, ontologies, data management and data-driven workflows.
Professional skills: Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, interpersonal abilities and the capacity to work independently and collaboratively. Applicants should also be comfortable performing repetitive tasks accurately.
Professional Experience Requirement
The traineeship is open to candidates with a maximum of two years of professional experience, of which no more than one year may be in a full-time paid position after completing their studies.
Applicants should carefully assess this experience requirement before submitting an application.
Additional Information
The assignment is based at ICRC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and is scheduled to begin on 4 January 2027. The gross monthly salary is CHF 3,934, paid in 13 installments. The vacancy also states that a legitimation card will be provided.
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, 25 October 2026.
How to apply: Visit the official ICRC Associate for General Archives vacancy. Review the application prerequisites and submit your application through the ICRC careers portal before the deadline.
The ICRC welcomes applications from qualified candidates and states its commitment to diversity and an inclusive working environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ICRC Associate for General Archives Traineeship?
It is a 12-month traineeship supporting the ICRC’s archival digitisation, cataloguing, metadata management, research and digital preservation activities.
2. Where is the traineeship based?
The position is based at ICRC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
3. How much does the ICRC traineeship pay?
The advertised gross monthly salary is CHF 3,934, paid in 13 installments.
4. When does the traineeship start?
The scheduled start date is 4 January 2027.
5. What qualifications are required?
Applicants need a degree in Archival Studies, Records Management, Information Management, Library Studies, Data Management or a related field.
6. Are English and French required?
Yes. Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English and French, with a minimum C1 level in both languages.
7. Can experienced professionals apply?
The traineeship is limited to candidates with no more than two years of professional experience, including no more than one year in a full-time paid position after completing their studies.
8. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 25 October 2026.
9. Is a visa or permit provided?
The vacancy states that a legitimation card will be provided. Applicants should consult the official recruitment information for details relevant to their circumstances.
10. How can I apply?
Apply through the official ICRC careers portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This ICRC traineeship may suit recent graduates and early-career professionals interested in digital archives, metadata, information management and the preservation of institutional records. Its international working environment and hands-on experience with digital preservation systems make it relevant to candidates seeking a career in archival and information management.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the C1 English and French language requirements and the restrictions on previous professional experience.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares employment and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the ICRC and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, salary details and application instructions through the official ICRC careers website.
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