Librarian Job@ IFLA Headquarters

Job Title: Policy and Research Officer

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is looking for a new Policy and Research Officer to work on Internet governance and digital issues.

The Internet plays an indispensable role in achieving key library objectives – access to information, freedom of expression, individual empowerment. But for it to do so, risks must be managed. The open architecture of the Internet is challenged by both public and private actors. Individuals face threats to their privacy from companies and governments.

Key areas of Responsibility

The successful candidate will lead IFLA Headquarters’ work on Internet governance and digital issues on a day-to-day basis. They will coordinate IFLA’s engagement in the Internet Governance Forum process, and our advocacy around public access to the Internet. They will be on top of current policy questions, supporting the development of policies and positions as appropriate. They will also have an eye on the future, and emerging opportunities, as well as maintaining a strong focus on ensuring that IFLA’s work is relevant and valuable to its members.

Location      

IFLA Headquarters is located in The Hague (next to The Hague Central Station) in The Netherlands.

This is a full-time position (36 h/week), with a provisional start-date of 1 April, and a contract running until the end of 2018, with possible extension to be determined subsequently.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in library or information studies or an equivalent qualification;
• A higher degree, or its equivalent, in library or information studies or a related field (desirable)
• Awareness of issues in the information environment, the library profession;
• Experience in working in a distributed, international team;
• Experience in an international membership organisation.

Additionally, the candidate will have:

• Understanding of, and interest in, digital rights and/or internet governance issues, especially as relating to libraries;
• Strong research and analytical skills: demonstrable ability to provide rapid analysis of texts and events in order to inform positions and decision-making;
• Strategic thinking: demonstrable ability to contextualise, spot opportunities and plan for the long-term;
• Strong communication skills: fluent in English, both written and oral and fully competent in using the web and social media;
• Organisation skills: ability to juggle different tasks and priorities to maximise effectiveness;
• Interpersonal skills: demonstrable ability to relate to and build up relationships with, people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, inside and outside the organisation. A sense of diplomacy and the ability to convey this in writing;
• Demonstrable understanding of the policy process, including policy development;
• Demonstrable project management skills;
• A commitment to participative management practices, workplace diversity and to working effectively within a team environment;
• Proficiency in one of the other official languages of IFLA (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian, Spanish);

Salary

The gross monthly salary offered will be € 3,570 per month in line with the Collective Agreement of Public Libraries in The Netherlands.  You will also receive a holiday allowance (8% of your annual salary), an end of year bonus and enjoy 25 days of holidays per year.  You will also participate in IFLA’s group pension scheme.

Closing date

The closing date is 27 February 2017.  Due to the high volume of applications we are expecting to receive, interested candidates are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible.

How to apply

Please send your CV including a motivation letter addressing the responsibilities and skills required for the position in English to vacancies@ifla.org.  Only candidates with valid documentation to work in EU will be considered.

For more information visit: http://www.ifla.org/node/11190