Archivist and Collections Manager at Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)

Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) - We are the Museum of West African Art. We are dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the expansion of knowledge and celebration of West African arts and culture. We are a catalyst for deepening connections between contemporary arts and culture and the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, and a centre of excellence creating opportunities for African and Diaspora artists and scholars. To do this, we provide exceptional infrastructure and programmes for the preservation, display, research, learning and exchange in arts and culture from a world-class campus in the heart of the historic district of Benin City, Nigeria.

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is an independent non-profit organisation in Nigeria set up to drive research and execute high-value cultural, arts and heritage initiatives in West Africa. Our multi-purpose campus integrates a research centre, conservation labs, exhibition spaces, and artist residencies, serving as a hub for scholarship, collaboration, and public engagement. A critical part of our mission is to conserve and make accessible a collection of antiquities, modern art and contemporary works – connecting West Africa’s ancient heritage to its thriving contemporary arts and culture.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Archivist and Collections Manager

Location: Benin City, Edo (Flexible)
Employment Type: Full-time
Reporting Line: Head of Collections
Contract Duration: Indefinite, subject to performance

Job Overview

• The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is an independent non-profit organisation in Nigeria set up to drive research and execute high-value cultural, arts and heritage initiatives in West Africa. 
• Our multi-purpose campus integrates a research centre, conservation labs, exhibition spaces, and artist residencies, serving as a hub for scholarship, collaboration, and public engagement. 
• A critical part of our mission is to conserve and make accessible a collection of antiquities, modern art and contemporary works – connecting West Africa’s ancient heritage to its thriving contemporary arts and culture.
• As part of our commitment to building a world-class collection of exemplary West African art and advancing museum development and conservation practices across the region, MOWAA is seeking an experienced Archivist and Collections Manager to shape and drive its archival and collections strategy for historic works. 
• Reporting to the Head of Collections, the Archivist and Collections Manager will play a key role in developing and promoting MOWAA’s growing collections while supporting the execution of critical archival and collections initiatives.
• The Archivist & Collections Manager is expected to remain informed about advancements in the field and actively engage with the professional community. 
• This role will provide expertise in facilitating access to collections, contributing to program delivery, reviewing processes and procedures, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards related to collections access.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the care and preservation of MOWAA’s collections and assets.
• Catalogue and document archives and collections owned and/or managed by MOWAA.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, policies, and documentation related to archives and collections management.
• Maintain accurate records of all documentation related to objects within the collection, including copyrights, installations, accessions, deaccessions, condition reports, insurance certificates, loan agreements, and deeds of gift.
• Manage guest access to archives and respond to inquiries.
• Research and address copyright issues.
• Oversee database maintenance, internal and external object transfers, and ensure accurate object location records.
• Supervise and train staff and partner institutions on archival and collections management practices
• Collaborate with other staff members including curators, exhibition designers, art handlers and conservators to coordinate and schedule exhibitions, installation, and collection rotations.
• Monitor and communicate budgets related to the management of the database and physical archives to the appropriate authority in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with the Learning and Outreach Department to produce educational materials from MOWAA’s collections.

Key Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Library and Information Studies, Collections Management, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Computer studies or related field.
• A minimum of 6 - 8 years’ relevant work experience.
• Proficiency in collections management system, museum practice, database applications, and Microsoft Office Package suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with archival research methods and the ability to navigate archival resources.
• Experience in setting up and managing digital databases/inventory.
• Proficiency in handling physical spaces (i.e. library, archives, gallery store, etc).
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with team members and stakeholders.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all tasks.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic cultural organization.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Why Join Us?

• This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in West Africa while advancing your professional expertise in archival and collections management.
• Career Growth, Training & Development: MOWAA has a strong culture of constant learning and invests in developing people. This post offers exposure and hands-on experience on ways of working global institutions across MOWAA’s wide network of partners and affiliates. By joining our team, you’ll have an opportunity to shape a growing organization, work on ground-breaking initiatives and build a rewarding long-term career.
• Compensation & Benefits: Highly Competitive, subject to credentials

Application Closing Date
28th February, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a Cover Letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role to: careers@wearemowaa.org using the job title as the subject of the mail.