Job @IFLA Headquarters: Conference and Events Officer

IFLA Headquarters: Conference & Events Officer

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Headquarters is looking for an experienced Conference & Events Officer to join a dynamic international team undertaking global projects.

Over the next ten years, IFLA aims to transform the library field and itself through concerted and coordinated efforts at the global, regional, and national level. Each year IFLA organizes the World Library and Information Congress in a different region of the world. The Congress brings together up to 4,000 librarians from over 130 countries in a face to face networking and learning event. It is the most international library conference in the world. IFLA also holds meetings at the regional level to work together with individual countries to assist libraries to more strongly benefit and impact their communities.

Location

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

Position

This position is responsible for the organisation and programme planning of IFLA’s Annual Congress and other events.

Key Areas of Responsibility

·         Organise the congress cycle and its processes with the aim of ensuring a high level of participant satisfaction, annual surplus financial results and the raising of IFLA’s profile internationally;

·         Oversee the planning and day-to-day activities of the congress;

·         Develop successful relationships with the National Committees and the Professional Conference Organiser contracted by IFLA to produce the World Library and Information Congress;

·    Liaise with IFLA Officers, National Committees and the IFLA Governing Board and its committees on conference issues;

·         Provide advice to members and IFLA staff, the Governing Board and its committees;

·         Provide secretariat services to IFLA’s Conference Advisory Committee;

·         Develop policy proposals and services, and review existing practices;

·         Oversee grants and awards directly associated with attendance at the Congress;

·         Oversee the IFLA Corporate Supporter Programme and enhance fundraising opportunities;

·     Assist with the preparation and implementation of other IFLA events including two regional meetings per year and the President’s Meeting.

International travel is a requirement of this position.

Qualifications and Experience

·     A university degree in library and information science or relevant subject;

·  At least 5 years’ experience in developing and implementing successful international conferences and events;

·   Solid understanding of the conference management business;

·  Excellent analytical and planning ability, with demonstrated initiative and vision, and a solutions-oriented approach;

·   Experience in overseeing budgets and finances for events;

· Good understanding of the role and functions of an international professional member-based organisation;

· Outstanding people and teamwork skills, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to inclusive consultation and communication;

·   Ability to engage in the library and information services sector and represent the organisation in a variety of forums and countries;

·    Knowledge / awareness of issues in the information environment / the library profession;

·    Proven ability to manage complex events and achieve positive outcomes;

·    Highly developed written and spoken communication skills in English and the ability to target style to different audiences. IFLA works in seven official languages so a good knowledge of at least one of IFLA’s other languages would be advantageous.

Salary

The gross monthly salary offered will be EUR 3,660 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 25 March 2019. 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 The Netherlands will be considered.