Digital Archivist Job Vacancy in Saint-Louis, Senegal – Cultural Preservation & Digital Archiving

Job Description

Position: Digital Archivist Job Vacancy in Saint-Louis, Senegal

Company: Aga Khan Foundation Senegal

Location: Saint-Louis, Senegal

Experience: 3-5 years

Education: Master’s degree in Library Science, Digital Archiving, or related field

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Cultural Preservation & Digital Archiving

Department: Cultural Heritage & Technology

Salary: 300,000 – 450,000 SSP

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

The Aga Khan Foundation Senegal is a global non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in communities through education, culture, and economic development. With a focus on preserving cultural heritage while embracing digital innovation, the Foundation supports initiatives that bridge traditional knowledge with modern technology. In Saint-Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Foundation is launching a groundbreaking digital archiving project to document and protect the region’s historical and cultural assets.

Job Overview

This Digital Archivist role is part of a multi-year initiative to digitize and preserve Saint-Louis’ unique cultural heritage, including historical documents, oral histories, and architectural records. The position requires expertise in digital archiving methodologies, metadata standards, and cultural preservation technologies. The role is ideal for professionals passionate about safeguarding intangible heritage through innovative digital solutions.

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Key Responsibilities

• Lead the digitization of historical archives, including manuscripts, photographs, and audiovisual materials.
• Develop and implement metadata schemas for digital collections using international standards (e.g., Dublin Core, METS).
• Collaborate with local historians and cultural experts to contextualize archived materials.
• Design and manage a searchable digital repository accessible to researchers and the public.
• Train local staff in digital preservation techniques and software tools.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and intellectual property laws for cultural materials.

Required Skills

• Proven experience with digital archiving software (e.g., Archivists’ Toolkit, Archiware).
• Proficiency in XML, XSLT, or other markup languages for metadata creation.
• Strong understanding of cultural heritage preservation principles.
• Fluency in French and English; knowledge of local languages (e.g., Wolof) is an asset.
• Excellent project management and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting with limited supervision.

Education

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Library Science, Digital Archiving, Information Technology, or a related field. Certifications in digital preservation (e.g., from the Digital Preservation Coalition) are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in digital archiving, preferably in cultural or heritage institutions. Experience working on international heritage projects is a plus.

Salary

300,000 – 450,000 Sénégalais Francs (SSP) per month, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage for the candidate and immediate family.
• Annual professional development allowance (up to 50,000 SSP).
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Opportunities for fieldwork in collaboration with UNESCO and local cultural institutions.

Training

• On-the-job training in specialized digital archiving tools and workflows.
• Workshops on cultural sensitivity and community engagement in heritage projects.
• Access to global Aga Khan Foundation knowledge-sharing networks.

Working Environment

The role involves a mix of office-based work in Saint-Louis and field visits to historical sites. The position requires flexibility to adapt to changing project priorities and occasional travel to regional cultural centers. The work environment is collaborative, with regular interaction with local historians, IT specialists, and community stakeholders.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, and three professional references to the Aga Khan Foundation’s online portal by [insert deadline]. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and practical assessments.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Aga Khan Foundation Senegal is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Applications from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

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