IPU Historical Archives Digitization Internship

Background

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), with its 137 years of history and its status as the oldest international political organization, has, over time, built up an exceptionally rich archival collection. Its archives contain documents, images and various materials covering the period from the late nineteenth century to the present day.

The IPU is carrying out a project to digitize, provide access to and promote its historical archives starting with the period from 1889 to 1939. The call for tenders has been launched. The operational phase – large-scale digitization, deployment of the online consultation platform, and progressive publication of content – will begin in June/July 2026.

Organizational setting and reporting relationships 

The intern will work under the direct supervision of the project manager responsible for the archives digitization to support the operational phase.

Accountabilities

Within delegated authority, the intern will support the work of the Archives Digitization Project and related activities, contributing to deliver the project on schedule and in scope. The intern will contribute to the following activities:

• Inventory and metadata tracking: check the consistency and completeness of descriptive data (countries, personalities, subjects) produced by service providers.
• Quality control: verify digitized and indexed batches against defined standards, flagging anomalies and following up on corrections.
• Coordination and reporting: support project progress monitoring, participate in exchanges with external service providers, and contribute to project documentation.
• Occasional valorization: identify documents or archival series of particular historical or thematic interest and draft valorization content for social media, in coordination with the IPU Communications Team.
• Operational support: assist with the physical preparation of archival materials and any other tasks related to the project execution.

Requirements
Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent command of French and English (the project's working languages). Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
• Rigour, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel; experience with databases or content management systems is an asset.
• Ability to contextualize archival documents for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work independently while integrating into a small team.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in history, political science, international relations or a related field, with plans to pursue further studies in information sciences (bachelor’s or master’s degree).

OR

A completed apprenticeship in information and documentation services within the archives service of an international organization, with plans to pursue further studies in information sciences (bachelor’s or master’s degree).

Location

The internship will be carried out at the IPU headquarters in Geneva. Preference will be given to candidates based in Geneva.

Duration

The internship will be on a full-time basis for a period of six months. The intern should be able to work for at least 37.5 hours per week. Working arrangements can be tailored to the situation of the chosen candidate. The preferred start date is 1 July 2026.

Remuneration

A monthly allowance of up to CHF 1,500 (based on a 37.5 hour week), pro rata the number of hours worked, will be paid towards living expenses. 

Geneva
Switzerland