Cultural Heritage Digital Archivist Job Vacancy in Tema, Ghana – Digital Preservation and Cultural Heritage
Job Description
Position: Cultural Heritage Digital Archivist
Company: UNESCO Ghana Office
Location: Tema, Ghana
Experience: 3-5 years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science, Digital Archiving, or related field
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Digital Preservation and Cultural Heritage
Department: Cultural Heritage Digitization
Salary: 15,000 – 20,000 SSP
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
UNESCO Ghana Office is a global leader in promoting cultural heritage preservation through innovative digital technologies. With operations in over 180 countries, UNESCO partners with local communities to safeguard intangible cultural heritage through digital archiving, education, and sustainable development initiatives. In Ghana, UNESCO has spearheaded projects to digitize historical artifacts, oral traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Job Overview
The Cultural Heritage Digital Archivist will lead efforts to digitize and curate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, including manuscripts, oral histories, and traditional art forms. This role combines technical expertise in digital archiving with a passion for preserving cultural narratives. The position is based in Tema, a strategic hub for Ghana’s maritime and cultural industries.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement digital archiving workflows for cultural artifacts and historical documents
- Collaborate with local communities to document intangible heritage (e.g., folklore, music, rituals)
- Develop metadata standards and cataloging systems for digital collections
- Ensure compliance with UNESCO’s digital preservation guidelines and international standards
- Train local stakeholders in digital archiving techniques and software tools
- Curate virtual exhibitions and interactive platforms to showcase Ghana’s cultural heritage
Required Skills
- Proficiency in digital archiving software (e.g., Archivists’ Toolkit, CONTENTdm)
- Experience with metadata schema (Dublin Core, METS)
- Strong understanding of cultural heritage preservation principles
- Fluency in Ghanaian languages (e.g., Twi, Ewe) preferred
- Excellent project management and cross-cultural communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science, Digital Archiving, or related field
- Master’s Degree in Cultural Heritage Management or Digital Humanities preferred
Experience
- 3-5 years of experience in digital archiving or cultural heritage preservation
- Proven track record in managing large-scale digitization projects
Salary
15,000 – 20,000 SSP per annum, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Professional development stipend
- Annual cultural heritage fieldwork allowance
- Remote work flexibility (2 days/week)
- Access to UNESCO’s global digital preservation network
Training
- Onboarding training in UNESCO’s digital archiving protocols
- Workshops on indigenous knowledge documentation techniques
- Certification in digital preservation best practices
Working Environment
The role involves a mix of office-based work at UNESCO’s Tema headquarters and fieldwork in rural cultural sites. Candidates must be adaptable to dynamic environments and committed to ethical cultural preservation practices.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, and portfolio of past digital archiving projects to the UNESCO Ghana Office through the official application portal. Applications must include three professional references and a statement of cultural preservation philosophy.
Equal Opportunity Statement
UNESCO Ghana Office is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability.
