LIBRARY ASSISTANT

Contract

This is a G-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 2,034 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations System and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

UNEP's Science Division is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyze and prompt international cooperation and action on the environment. This position is located in the Knowledge & Publications Management Unit of the Big Data Branch of the Science Division at the Nairobi duty station.

Under the direct supervision of the Head, Knowledge & Publications Management Unit, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

Responsibilities Provide reference services to UN staff and the public, assist in the management of the library system and databases; train library users and staff on the use of various reference tools, provide library outreach services and provide administrative support to the library.

1. Provide reference services: (a) Review a variety of sources to identify appropriate materials that meet the information needs of the organization and its information clientele. (b) Perform searches of a wide variety of bibliographic and full-text databases to locate specific items requested. (c) Initiate claims and obtains updated materials, in connection with research requests by library patrons. (d) Provide document delivery services from sources of information not found in the library’s collections, selecting appropriate sources from library networks, online databases, or the Internet. (e) Respond both orally and in writing to library users on the outcome of their requests.

2. Manage databases and ensure their integrity: (a) Assist in development and maintenance of relevant databases, keeping data accurate and current, and preparing new material as needed. (b) Assist in the provision of complete bibliographic descriptions of items to be added to the collection by identifying bibliographic elements. (c) Perform collection maintenance using knowledge of various classification systems and libraries’ specialized collection arrangements. (d) Ensure that library materials are properly shelved at all times and coordinate re-shelving projects on a regular basis. (e) Create and manage user accounts with specific access rights. (f) Provide technical support for library digitization operations. (g) Participate in the creation of electronic and other reference tools, and the compilation of bibliographies.

3. Outreach: (a) Ensure that information queries received through the "UNEP info" and the "UN Library" email accounts on the organization and its resources are addressed in a timely manner, either directly or by channeling the query to the appropriate staff member for response. (b) Periodically review the Library website and identifies broken links for deletion. (c) Prepare new material for inclusion in appropriate web pages.

5. Training: (a) Provide technical support and instruction to library patrons on the use of the Library catalog, cyberspace computers including databases and programs thereon. (b) Train designated staff members of agencies with collections in the Library in the management of their collections. (c) Train new staff members and interns on reference work and the use of various databases available in the Library as well as the library management system.

6. Provide administrative support and perform any other related duties as assigned: (a) Assist in the preparation of terms of reference, recruitment, interview of Library consultants, interns and UNVs. (b) Liaise with appropriate offices for the Library equipment, furniture and office supplies. (c) Draft routine correspondence. (d) Respond both orally and in writing to a broad range of queries and information requests on library services. (e) Maintain statistics on service and workload measures. (f) Act as leave and attendance monitor for the library.

7. Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.

8. Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of organizational information infrastructure, including hardware, software and application systems. Knowledge of relevant programming language(s) and ability to use programming skills to develop information systems. Knowledge of system development workflow and document flow processes, ability to conduct research and gather information from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. Ability to respond to changing requirements and assignments, ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to perform a wide range of application software development and maintenance tasks under minimum supervision. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education Completion of High school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplementary training in Computer Science and/or Information Technology is desirable.

Work Experience A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in library work, archives, information network administration or related field is required.

Experience in project management is desirable.

Experience in advanced online delivery of knowledge and library services is desirable.

Practical experience in the development of institutional repositories, and/ or digital and virtual knowledge/ information services, including web services, is desirable.

One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Note: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice This position is temporarily available for a period of 364 days and may be subject to extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening.

Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.