Middle East/North Africa Ottoman Handwriting Recognition Intern

Job DescriptionThe Middle East/North Africa (MENA) team works to make historical records from the Middle East and North Africa region accessible to FamilySearch patrons. A key initiative within this effort is improving access to Ottoman-era records through advanced handwriting recognition technologies. This requires close collaboration with archivists, scholars, technologists, and external vendors.ResponsibilitiesThe Ottoman HWR Coordinator will play a central role in supporting and advancing the Ottoman handwriting recognition program, including: Coordinating and scheduling workflows across internal teams, external partners, and third-party vendors. Supporting the lead Ottomanist scholar and Content Strategist with administrative tasks and leadership reporting. Developing pipeline-based reports for project tracking, visibility, and financial oversight. Creating written content—including blogs and other communications—highlighting the use of Ottoman records in family history research. Transcribing Ottoman-language materials into structured metadata. Preparing Ottoman collections for processing in partnership with external research organizations. Documenting and refining processes related to Ottoman content creation and patron accessibility. Producing and sharing data reports and analyses related to Ottoman-related FamilySearch user experiences. Assisting in regional and diaspora events that promote the use of Ottoman documents and historical records.Required QUALIFICATIONS Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills. Strong organizational and project coordination abilities. Advanced linguistic capability, including the ability to read and write Arabic script. Ability to learn the Ottoman Turkish linguistic system quickly. Demonstrated ability to multitask and work professionally with individuals at all levels, both internal and external. Familiarity with project scheduling concepts and tools.Preferred Fluent or near-fluent reading proficiency in an Arabic- or Persianscript language. Knowledge of Middle Eastern and North African history and cultures. Familiarity with FamilySearch.org and its systems. Understanding of programming fundamentals, machine learning concepts, and natural language processing. Prior project management experience.Additional Information Position reports to the MENA Ottoman Program Lead. Parttime role averaging approximately 27 hours per week. Remote work is supported; occasional inperson attendance for meetings or group activities may be required.Paid Interns are qualified while enrolled in an educational institution and for one year following graduation. They must sign a Paid Internship Engagement Letter.About UsChurch employees find joy and satisfaction in using their unique talents and abilities to further the Lord’s work. From the IT professional who develops an app that sends the gospel message worldwide, to the facilities manager who maintains our buildings— giving Church members places to worship, teach, learn, and receive sacred ordinances—our employees seek innovative ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. They are literally working in His kingdom.Only members of the Church who are worthy of a temple recommend qualify for employment. Apart from this, the Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on any basis that would violate U.S. or local law.Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other legally protected categories that apply to the Church. The Church will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.