Position at Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH)

Paper Restorer/Conservator
Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH)

Available: Immediately

ADACH is seeking a qualified experienced paper conservator to
undertake long-term conservation work on its books and manuscripts
collection in Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is the
institution in charge of conserving and promoting the heritage and
culture of Abu Dhabi. It was established in October 2005 as an organ
of the Government of Abu Dhabi. ADACH was established with the aim
to achieve the integrated management and promotion of Abu Dhabi's
culture and heritage. The cultural vision for Abu Dhabi is to make
it the cultural centre of the region while promoting national
culture and identity as a source of pride and inspiration to the
people.

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) possesses a
collection of old books and manuscripts kept by the National Library
in Abu Dhabi. The collection is in two parts, a very small number of
items on exhibit in an exhibition hall, and bulk storage of
manuscripts and books in the stacks of the National Library. The
National Library study collection contains approx. 4000 titles, the
oldest manuscripts date back to the 1300's while the majority in the
collection is 3-400 years old. Among the most frequent challenges
for this magnificent collection are mould growth, iron gall ink
corrosion and the connected issues of preventive conservation.

The conservator is in part responsible for establishing and
maintaining the optimal state of preservation for the collection.
Tasks and duties encompass all of the activities (hands-on and
administrative) that fall under preservation and conservation, plus
those related to exhibition and display.

The successful candidate will establish preservation and
conservation priorities and treatment strategies for these materials
in association with the curators, carries out condition surveys,
provides appropriate treatment documentation for treated materials
and monitors the environment of storage and exhibition areas. A
special paper conservation laboratory is currently set-up to allow
for treatments to be undertaken on location.

The conservator is also expected to advise on loans and supervise
possible out-sourcing of conservation projects.

He/she will be reporting to the Director of the Department of
Conservation at ADACH.

Qualifications: The successful applicant has a Masters Degree in
paper conservation or similar academic level of education, and a
minimum of three years work experience in the profession (library,
archives, museum), including recent, practical, hands-on experience.
Working-experience in a museum-context is an advantage.

He/she demonstrated ability to work independently according to the
international accepted code of ethics in this profession on a wide
range of paper-based collection materials in a complex organization
and to communicate effectively with people.

Contract: The term of this consultancy is of 6 months extendible to
longer term employment depending on the achievements. The monthly
salary and benefit package will range from 10,000 to 13,000 US
Dollars lump sum, depending on qualifications and experience.

To ensure full consideration, candidates should send applications,
including resume, at least one peer supporting letter, and three
references to be contacted by February 15, 2008 to the

    Paper Conservator Committee
    Strategic Planning Office
    Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage - ADACH
    PO Box 2380
    Abu Dhabi
    UAE
    +971 2 631 1373
    Fax: +971 2 621 2186
    smasri<-a t->cultural< . >org< . >ae


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:40
                 Distributed: Sunday, February 3, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-21-40-028
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