Job Description

What the role is:

Government records are a valuable, authentic resource for understanding and appreciating Singapore history. You will be part of the team in the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) which facilitates good practices in declassification of official files throughout the whole of government, promotes access to this original source of Singapore content, while mitigating information risks.

To oversee the Declassification function within NAS and across the whole of government, educating public agencies on the importance of declassifying records of national and historical significance with the aim of ensuring public access and contributing to NLB\'s strategic thrust to achieve excellence in Singapore content and a nation that connects with our history and culture. The desired outcomes are:

• Enable more content to be unlocked for public research and education
• Timely delivery of declassified files
• Efficient databases to facilitate storage and retrieval of records and accessibility by members of the public

What you will be working on:

I File Reviews:

Review official files and recommend appropriate access types Liaise with government agencies on the review and declassification of files under their purview Facilitate government agencies\' access to files under their purview for declassification Verify metadata of reviewed files, ensuring that they are accurately reflected on the public search portal (Archives Online) Preparing files for public viewing in a secured format Deliver declassified files according to conditions of the assigned access types to researchers who request them

II Plan for continued optimal discoverability of official files

Continually review existing information management systems used by public and staff to ensure optimal efficiency of systems Propose ways to enhance the different databases and achieve compatibility of all databases Manage projects to enhance and improve databases to maximise storage, retrieval and delivery of records.

III Outreach to raise NAS\' profile in the area of declassification

Identify and approach potential target audiences Maintain links with industry peers, advisors, media relevant for promoting NAS\' work Maintain links with vendors and suppliers, institutions for training and development, associations for networking and potential talent for recruitment Participation in professional associations events and actively contribute papers at conferences Conduct briefings and talks to introduce NAS\' work to others Contribute articles about NAS and/or NAS\' collection in suitable public platforms such as journals, locally and internationally Represent NAS at conferences and professional associations

IV Training and engaging government agencies

Develop Basic Declassification Training (BDT) syllabus and keep content updated Contribute ideas and content to regular communications with government agencies such as Declass Digest (written) and engagement sessions (presentations) Conduct BDT Provide continual advice and guidance to government agencies on file review work

V Declassification policy

Participate in updates to Instruction Manual on Management of Public Records (IM4L) and its Appendix 12 Work with Records Management, NAS, to ensure consistency between upstream (appraisal and ingestion) and downstream work (review and declassification) Work within government audit process and IM to strengthen declassification process

VI National Records Advisory Committee (NRAC)

Propose agenda items for discussion at NRAC meetings Prepare and present items and papers for NRAC meetings Participate in special engagement sessions involving NRAC members

VII Records Management Steering Committee (RMSC)

Identify agenda items to be tabled at RMSC meetings Prepare and present items and papers for RMSC meetings

VIII Support Services

Regularly update statistics of the department\'s work Oversee and track department assets Perform procurement related roles such as certifying receipt of goods and services Represent department in NAS cross-divisional projects

IX Other Projects: (1) Managing the Policy History Documentation Project (PHDP) Pilot Phase

The pilot phase is due to end in 2024. You will work with the 7 participating agencies to:

ensure consistency in the format and presentation of the final project document declassify the files used in their respective narratives produce a desensitized version of the narratives do an evaluation of the project and assess whether it should be continued and, if so, whether it will continue on a selective or WOG basis

X Other Projects: (2) Central Pool of Reviewers (CPR) Pilot Project

The CPR comprises a team of Reviewers performing file reviews on behalf of 6 participating agencies. This pilot phase started in October 2023 and will run until end-March 2025. Your job includes:

undertaking administrative tasks pertaining to the project doing an evaluation of the scheme at the end of the pilot phase and assess whether it should be continued and, if so, whether it will continue on a selective or WOG basis

What we are looking for:

• Preferably 5-8 years of relevant experience.
• Capable of working with data and information, with a good knowledge of applications used to organise, visualise and present data.
• Experience in re-engineering or project management would be an asset.
• Knowledge in mathematics or science, and having public service experience would be an advantage.
• maturity, and good judgement, the ability to analyse and assess situations strategically, understanding of history and geopolitics of Singapore.
• Confident in engagement with senior management and external stakeholders such as international archivists and academics/researchers
• Integrity and discretion in protecting sensitive information.
• Able to work independently within a lean team
• Excellent command of oral and written English
• Time management

Work Location will be at National Archives of Singapore (NAS), 1 Canning Rise, Singapore 179868.

The successful candidate will be appointed on a 2-year contract in the first instance. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About National Library Board:

To each reader, the library is a window to a vibrant imagination and exciting possibilities. For families, the library experience occupies a special in their hearts and of memories collected over generations. Libraries hold a special and familiar place in each of our hearts. NLB seeks to provide a trusted, accessible and globally-connected library and information service so as to promote a knowledgeable and engaged society. If you share our passion to create memorable library experiences for all our readers, we invite you to join the NLB family.

National Library Board