Call for Specialist in Research, Documentation and Archiving

Position Title: Research, Documentation and Archiving specialist (consultancy)

Place of Work: Bourj Hammoud (Mount Lebanon)

Reports to: Program Manager & Art Director- NAHNOO

About NAHNOO

NAHNOO is a registered Lebanese Non-Governmental & Non-Profit Organization. NAHNOO has been working since 2009 as a research, capacity-building and advocacy platform for participatory policymaking, towards an inclusive society in Lebanon. The NGO rallies volunteers across Lebanon and through multidisciplinary and participatory research, capacity-building workshops, and grassroots activities, we provide a platform for youth and professionals to lead the planning and implementation of advocacy campaigns and gain the skills needed to impact policy-making at the local and national levels.

Further info: www.nahnoo.org + Facebook NAHNOO

Objective/purpose of consultancy:

NAHNOO seeks a specialist in Research, Documentation and Archiving to develop a comprehensive and sustainable multi-media documentation and archiving and system for traditional textile crafts and accessories in Lebanon, with a focus on Bourj Hammoud. The consultant will be tasked with preserving the cultural heritage and historical significance of these crafts by gathering, analyzing, and documenting key data on their history, production processes, and current state. Additionally, the consultancy aims to create accessible multi-media resources, including a multi-media library, publication and video documentary that will promote and preserve these crafts for future generations.

Project Background

NAHNOO aims to engage youth, artisans, artists/designers, and other traditional crafts-related experts to collaborate in an inclusive space where they can learn, experiment, exchange, and develop their crafts, through the following objectives:

1. To contribute to preserving the know-how of selected traditional crafts, starting with Textile Arts (oldest crafts in the world) englobing associated material & accessories, as cultural and socioeconomic heritage through written and audiovisual documentation, archiving and study of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges.
2. To empower artisans, youth, and artists/designers to enhance innovation in the selected traditional handicrafts by introducing technology transfer through dialogue, exchange of their expertise, and collaborative practical & experimental workshops.
3. To promote linkages between artisans, youth, and artists through the exchange of practices, know-how, experience, and perspective while expanding inter-cultural networking with the MENA region

Scope of work, key responsibilities & deliverable

The Research, Documentation and Archiving Specialist is responsible for leading the comprehensive archiving and documentation of traditional textile crafts and accessories in Lebanon, with a special focus on Bourj Hammoud. This role involves designing a sustainable multi-media documentation and archiving methodology, conducting in-depth research, and gathering data to preserve the historical, technical, and cultural significance of these crafts. The specialist will document current and historical practices, map out local craftsmen/women, and curate physical samples for a small museum collection. Additionally, the specialist will be involved in creating a multi-media library and publication, as well as contributing to social media content and a video documentary on the crafts.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and implement a detailed system, methodology and action plan for the sustainable and safe archiving and documentation of traditional crafts in Lebanon.
2. Conduct extensive research and gather audio-visual and written data on textile crafts in Lebanon, focusing on Bourj Hammoud. This includes documenting the history, processes, and techniques of the crafts, as well as analyzing their socioeconomic impact.
3. Document existing and new production models, identify current opportunities and challenges in the sector, and map out craftsmen in the field of textile crafts in Lebanon.
4. Collect physical samples from craftsmen to establish a small museum showcasing traditional and contemporary textile products.
5. Draft a detailed report in Arabic that encapsulates the research findings, providing valuable insights for the preservation and promotion of traditional crafts.
6. Initiate and manage the creation of a physical and virtual multi-media library that includes maps, documents and audio-visual materials based on the archiving results.
7. Support in transforming the produced report into a publication (writing & content curation) and collaborate with a graphic designer to develop this publication based on the study's findings, ensuring it is visually compelling and informative.
8. Contribute to the development of social media content and participate in the creation of a video documentary (produced by professional video-maker) that highlights the studied crafts, with a focus determined in collaboration with project participants.
9. Work closely with the Art Director and Programs Manager to ensure all tasks align with the overall project goals and artistic vision.

Main deliverable expected:

1. Crafts multi-media Documentation and Archiving system, methodology and action plan

2. Collection of multi-media data on textile crafts in Lebanon with a focus on Bourj Hammoud

3. Research report (Arabic) of findings on selected craft(s), transformed into a publication

4. Multi-media library initiated

5. Contribution of expertise for the development of the audio-visual and social media content on the selected craft(s)

Qualifications/level requirements

Applicants with the following experience are welcome to apply:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in History, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Art History, Architecture, Urban Planning or a related field
2. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in archiving, documentation, or research roles, ideally within cultural heritage, traditional crafts, or similar fields
3. Proven experience in conducting field research, data collection, and analysis
4. Experience working with multi-media libraries or digital archiving systems is a plus
5. Experience in publication development and content creation
6. Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to gather, synthesize, and document complex information
7. Excellent writing and reporting skills, with proficiency in drafting comprehensive reports in Arabic
8. Knowledge of traditional crafts, particularly in the textile sector, and an understanding of their cultural and socioeconomic significance
9. Proficiency in digital tools and software used for documentation, archiving, and multimedia content creation

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, including designers and cultural experts

Fluency in Arabic and proficiency English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of additional languages is an asset

Proposed period and duration of consultancy

To start in September 2024 and the consultancy will extend over a period of 7 months ; specific dates and schedule of work to be agreed with the Consultant while it is understood the Consultant will work with NAHNOO on a regular basis throughout the 7 months.

NB: 1 expert day = 8 hours of work

Selection criteria:

The consultant will be selected based on competitiveness and quality of the technical proposal (C.V & quotation).They will be paid upon successful completion, submission and approval of the above-mentioned deliverables based on an agreed schedule and by cheque to cash (or bank transfer if to a BLOM bank account).