Diplomatic and International Records Specialist
The National Archives
Apply before 11:55 pm on Tuesday 12th November 2024
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About the job
Job summary
The National Archives is a non-ministerial government department, home to over 1,000 years of documents. In CEE we are passionate about using our expert knowledge of those collections to inspire audiences and make them think differently about archives. The Records Specialist (Diplomatic and International) will be part of the CEE team that supports a diverse audience of public, students, academics and the wider archive and government sector to use the records at The National Archives. You will develop a general knowledge of the National Archives’ records and use this knowledge to respond to public enquiries in our day-to-day advisory service, onsite and online. Additionally, you will develop a deep knowledge of records at The National Archives related to British diplomacy and international relations from 1782 to the present, in order to provide specialist support.
The records of the Foreign Office and its successors at The National Archives are one of the world’s most important and challenging archives for global history and have a vital role to play, both within the UK and overseas. You will be passionate about those possibilities. You’ll work innovatively and collaboratively to explore the collections and find ways to surface diverse voices and histories in line with The National Archives’ values, and its ambitions to be Inclusive, Entrepreneurial and Disruptive. You will build specialist knowledge of these collections in order to advise both community and academic researchers and to collaborate with colleagues across The National Archives on a variety of types of project, for example with those who work with schools, with government departments, on research development, or on our events and exhibitions programme.
Job description
Person specification
We are looking for applicants with specialist knowledge of British diplomatic and international history gained in either academic or professional contexts, and experience of using or working with relevant historical collections. You will need to be able to engage in discussions on challenging historical topics sensitively and imaginatively, as well as communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences.
A combination of onsite/home working will be available, and applicants will be expected to be at our Kew site for at least 60% of their working time.
The post may require working some evenings and some Saturdays to support public service and engagement activities. Time off will be arranged in compensation for these contributions.
Must be prepared to travel to other Government departments as required.
Why work for us
In this role you will experience both challenge and variety, from dealing with queries in the reading room, to developing cataloguing projects, to opportunities to extend networks in the heritage sector in the UK and overseas. You will take on responsibilities within the team of specialists ‘Overseas and Defence’, and within the department, whilst having scope for pursuing individual projects and professional development centred on access to and understanding of our collections.
You will be supported to extend your skills in managing collaborative projects, to develop networks among communities of interest and researchers in the UK and overseas, and in seeking grant funding to further these activities.
TNA boasts a collegial working environment and the excellent Civil Service benefits package. This includes flexible working, an on-site gym, wellbeing resources and an opportunity to join the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme.
How to apply:
If you are an internal applicant: please do not use the link on this page. Please apply via your employee Workday account.
If you are an external applicant: to submit your application please click the 'Apply at advertiser's site' button on this page.
You will be asked to upload your CV, complete a task relating to aspects of the role, and provide a personal statement which explains why you are suitable to the role based on the essential criteria below.
Essential
- Specialist knowledge of diplomatic or international history as evidenced through qualifications or experience;
- Demonstrable knowledge of the specialist collections relevant to diplomatic and international records at The National Archives;
- Experience of communicating research effectively to non-specialist audiences (e.g. digital content, exhibitions, public talks, outreach workshops and teaching);
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, and ability to interact well and build effective relationships and networks within the organisation and externally;
- Ability to handle a varied and demanding workload, to work collaboratively to deliver projects to time and budget and to manage own priorities within a supportive team environment;
- Commitment to own learning and professional development.
Desirable
- Published author in records-related material and/or specialist area
Benefits
Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk;
Things you need to know
Selection process details
From the initial applications we will invite selected candidates to an online assessment day. From that assessment day we will make a further selection of candidates who will be invited to attend an interview onsite at The National Archives.
We encourage applicants who may benefit from adaptions to the interview process, for example for disability or neurodiversity reasons. We can work with candidates to identify and implement reasonable adjustments, for example, this could relate to the assessment format or environmental factors.
Reasonable adjustments:
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact The National Archives via careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Recruitment Team
- Email : careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Further information
