Associate in the ICRC Library

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Context

The ICRC library holds unique collections on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and international humanitarian law (IHL). Internally, it is a service available to all ICRC colleagues, to help them find, access, and search the literature they need for their work. The library also welcomes external researchers and practitioners interested in IHL and the ICRC’s work throughout the years. Its online catalogue is the gateway to the most recent scholarship on the subject, documents of diplomatic and international conferences, all ICRC publications, and heritage collections documenting the early development of international humanitarian law and action.  

Purpose

Under the supervision of the ICRC librarians, the associate in the ICRC Library will support the library’s mission and take part in collections management, outreach, and reader services activities. 

Main duties and responsibilities

Collections Management and Outreach:

• Describing and indexing documents in the library management system (Netbiblio) 
• Preparing a collection of publications for digitization
• Supporting the library team’s outreach efforts, internally and externally (including on social media)

Reader Services:

• Responding to research and interlibrary loan requests 
• Welcoming and assisting patrons in the library (1-2 shifts at the reference desk per week, Monday - Friday) 
• Training colleagues and researchers in the use of library tools and resources 

Education and Experience

• University or higher education institution (HES) degree 
• As per the ICRC rules for Traineeships, applicants should have maximum one-year of professional work experience (on a paid contract) or two years of internships/traineeships following their last degree.

Desired profile and skills

• Excellent written and spoken English and French (minimum C1) 
• Interest for the management of library collections in the digital age
• Tech-savvy, with a strong interest for online research and collections management tools
• Patron-oriented 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details 
• Good research and writing skills

Additional information

• Type of role: Associate
• Working rate: 100% 
• Location: Geneva (This position allows you to get a visa and permit for working and living in Geneva, Switzerland) 
• Type of contract: Traineeship
• Gross monthly salary: 3917 CHF
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Estimated start date: May2025
• Deadline to apply: 16th of February 2025

Are you ready to explore the next chapter of your career? Apply now!

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Our Values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this