Information Management Specialist

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Position Title: Information Management Specialist
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 2 January 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to ensure that labor standards are upheld globally, providing a platform for dialogue among governments, employers, and workers. The organization operates in over 180 countries and employs approximately 3,500 staff members. The ILO is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging applications from under-represented groups and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Information Management Specialist position is situated within the Information Management Services Branch (IMS) of the Information and Technology Management Department (INFOTEC). The IMS is tasked with managing the ILO's extensive collections, including legislation, statistics, and various documents related to labor and social issues. This role is pivotal in providing information to ILO staff and facilitating access to knowledge for ILO constituents, researchers, and the general public. The incumbent will be responsible for administering activities related to metadata and information management, including the updating of the ILO Taxonomy and Thesaurus. The position requires collaboration with field offices to promote the dissemination of ILO knowledge and research, aligning with the Director-General's vision of establishing the ILO as the global reference point on labor issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific duties of the Information Management Specialist include evaluating, creating, and implementing workflows for loading metadata for various digital and print resources into the Library Service Platform (Alma). The incumbent will provide original and complex copy cataloguing and indexing of materials across multiple languages and formats, adhering to IMS cataloguing policies and the Anglo-American cataloguing rules. Additionally, the role involves supporting metadata strategies for digital initiatives, contributing to cataloguing projects, and drafting training materials for the cataloguers’ team. The specialist will analyze and manipulate metadata using tools like MarcEdit and Excel, maintain controlled vocabularies, monitor digitization work, and stay updated on cataloguing standards and best practices. Other responsibilities include reviewing information sources for library collections, verifying requisition accuracy, and providing reference services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or a first-level degree with a recognized professional qualification in library or information science or a related field. A minimum of three years of professional experience in library work or information network administration is required, with essential experience in cataloguing and indexing using the Exlibris Library Management System (Alma). Familiarity with MARC21 format and the Anglo-American Cataloguing rules (AACR) is advantageous. Candidates should also demonstrate technical knowledge of MarcEdit, controlled vocabularies, and linked data, along with excellent analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree or a first-level degree accompanied by a recognized professional qualification in library or information science or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of information management and library sciences, which are integral to the role.

Experience:
The position requires three years of professional experience in library work or information network administration. Candidates should have hands-on experience in cataloguing and indexing, particularly using the Exlibris Library Management System (Alma). Familiarity with MARC21 format and the Anglo-American Cataloguing rules (AACR) is considered an asset, as it directly relates to the responsibilities of the role.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of one of the ILO's official languages (English, French, or Spanish) and a working knowledge of another official language. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and with its constituents.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is fixed-term, initially for a period of twenty-four months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. External candidates will be subject to a probationary period of two years. The recruitment process includes an online application, evaluation through written tests and interviews, and may involve the use of communication technologies for assessments. The ILO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background verifications for candidates under consideration. Additionally, the ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.