The French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP), a research institution under the French Ministries of External affairs and of Research founded in 1955, carries out research in the fields of culture, environment and society. From its very inception, the institute has striven to combine research along its major verticals with the building up of resources and databases that can support research activities and scholarly collaborations. The rare books of the IFP Library, the Herbarium, the Pollen Collection, the Manuscript Collection, the Temple Art of South India Photo Archives, and the Maps Collection are the products of this endeavour. Over the years, these collections have played a significant role in establishing IFP’s place and reputation within the academic landscape and in attracting scholars from across the world to engage in research activities organized around the collections.

Approaching the seventh decade of its existence, the institute is increasingly attuned to the immense potential of its collections and its own place as a leading centre for archival work. The institute has therefore embarked on a project to archive its own research and institutional history.

To realize this mission, the IFP has decided to recruit an Archive Trainee with a focus on Records Inventory to work closely with the archivist at IFP to survey and inventory the institute’s extensive administrative records, almost the entirety of which is in French. The job involves carefully surveying, inventorying and cataloguing administrative and financial records of the institute from 1955 to the present and assisting the Archivist in determining the relative historical and archival value of the material for preservation. Since the majority of these records are in French, a strong working knowledge of French is mandatory for this position. For those interested in archives and archiving, this will be a great opportunity to acquire hands on experience in setting up and managing an archive and to learn about the history of the institution and its place in Indo-French scientific collaboration.

The work will be onsite.

Responsibilities and Duties

Inventorying and describing IFP’s administrative records

Assisting the Archivist in drafting an appraisal policy for the records

Qualifications

> Education level: Graduate degree

> Experience: None required

> Specific skills:

  • Proficiency with computers and MSOffice. Advanced database skills and archival training are not necessary
  • Proficiency in French and English

> Interest in the subject matter, ability to learn on the job and deliver work within agreed upon timeframes

How to apply:

Send a résumé and letter of intent to: careers@ifpindia.org mentioning in the subject line:

Application for the post of Archive Trainee (Records Inventory)

Deadline: 15th November 2021

Selection process: The candidate will be auditioned by a jury at the IFP. The audition can be conducted online if required.

Allowance: up to 15,000 INR per month

Period: 2 months starting 1st December