Library Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a focus on five strategic directions: enhancing its role as a knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic policies for economic diversification, implementing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to the continent's development across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The Library Assistant position is situated within the Knowledge Management Services Section of the Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division at ECA. The role involves supporting library operations under the supervision of the Associate Librarian and the Chief of the Knowledge Management Services Section. The Library Assistant will engage in various library functions, including circulation, collection maintenance, and technical support for library patrons. The position requires a proactive approach to managing library resources and contributing to the overall knowledge management strategy of the organization. The Library Assistant will also assist in outreach and marketing activities to promote library services and resources, ensuring that the library meets the needs of its users effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Library Assistant will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: performing basic library circulation functions such as retrieval, check-out, discharge, and recalls of materials; registering incoming and outgoing records; conducting basic research for updating resources; maintaining library collections according to classification systems; supporting senior staff in developing electronic reference tools; ensuring the completeness of UN document collections; assisting in accessioning and database updating; providing technical support to library patrons; acquiring updated materials; managing procurement processes; performing digitization tasks; participating in the design and maintenance of library web pages; providing document delivery services; collecting and analyzing data for reports; assisting in client engagement and outreach activities; maintaining the library's serial collection; and performing other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of five years of progressive work experience in library work, archives, or information management is required. This requirement is reduced to three years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in library services operations and the application of information technology for modern library services, including digital repositories and electronic resources management, is essential. In-depth knowledge of client services and marketing of library resources is desirable, along with experience in developing marketing materials and utilizing social media for promoting information resources. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that higher education is valued and may provide an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in library operations, archives, or information management. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with three years of experience. Experience with library services operations and the use of information technology for modern library functions is crucial. Additional desirable experience includes client services, marketing of library resources, and data analytics.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language is also considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Local recruits are not eligible for international allowances or benefits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to apply online as soon as possible.