EISF Short-term Consultancy: Library cataloguing

Employer: European Interagency Security Forum
Closing date: 26 Aug 2013
The European Interagency Security Forum (EISF) is an independent, member-led security network of European-based NGOs, which exists to share best practice, provide peer support, and produce practical research for risk management in the humanitarian sector (www.eisf.eu).
EISF is committed to improving the safety and security of relief operations and staff, by strengthening risk management in a way that allows greater access to, and impact for, crisis-affected populations. EISF is not a registered organisation, but an independently-run entity, currently hosted by Christian Aid UK

For further details see www.eisf.eu

The Consultancy

EISF aims to be the primary online reference point for humanitarian security resources. To this end, the Secretariat has begun a project to re-catalogue and re-file our documents to create a new, more user-friendly library. The Consultant’s role will be:
to complete the cataloguing process
to complete the re-filing process
to cross-reference the catalogue against the EISF online library and ensure both include all documents.

The documents are all electronic, and the catalogue is being developed in MS Excel. The previous filing system, though ordered, no longer meets the demands of the network, and is not easily accessible to search for documents.

Though the new system has already been developed and the structure is in place, not all files have yet been catalogued or re-filed. The Consultant will therefore be asked to take over and complete the cataloguing process.

The Consultant will be required to review documents not yet catalogued and identify author, title, year, region etc, as well other identifying salient key words for the website search engine, for example conflict, assault, staff etc.

Each document will also require a short explanatory paragraph of text.

The completed library will take documents from a number of different sources. The consultant will be required to compare the various sources to ensure there are no duplications in order to create one complete catalogue and library in a single location for multiple uses.

Person specification

Essential
Close attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy
Understanding of the terminology used by the humanitarian sector, with particular reference to security.
I.T. literate: basic ability to work in Excel is essential. Existing knowledge of simple website content management systems is not essential, but applicants should be willing to be trained in these skills.
Familiarity with such systems would be an advantage.
Excellent written and spoken English, including spelling.
Ability to handle confidential information.

Desirable
Sound knowledge of humanitarian issues and global contextual understanding.
Interest in NGO security-related issues.
Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and relationship-building ability.
Working knowledge of additional European languages would be an asset.

Closing date: 26th August, interviews w/c 2nd September 2013

Anticipate start date: 10th September 2013

Anticipated duration of the consultancy: 5-10 days, actual duration to be determined as part of the final interview process.
How to apply:

Please submit applications by email to eisf-research@eisf.eu.

Applications should include your availability and daily rate as well as a CV, a short sample of written work and concise outline of your reasons for applying.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by the EISF Secretariat.