Information Resource Center (IRC) Director
CLOSING DATE OF THE POSITION: July 27, 2016
Vacancy Announcement Number: 16/137
OPEN TO: All Interested Candidates/ All sources
WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/week
SALARY: Ordinarily Resident (OR): FSN- 9; (Step 1- TZS 35,614,437 through Step 13- 53,421,657 per annum)
Not-Ordinarily Resident (NOR): FP- 5 (Steps 1 through 4)*
*Final grade/step for NORs will be determined by Washington.
The “Open To” category listed above refers to candidates who are eligible to apply for this position. The “Open To” category should not be confused with a “hiring preference” which is explained later in this vacancy announcement.
ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS (See Appendix A for definition) MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
The US Mission in Dar es Salaam is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of IRC Director in the Public Affairs Section.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
Directs and manages the Information Resource Center (IRC). Oversees the research, reference, cataloging and outreach services conducted by the IRC staff. Coordinates services and programs with American Corners. Plans and implements outreach programs to advance the Mission's goals. Develops and maintains continuing personal contact with the highest level target audience members.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
IRC Management:
25%
As head of the IRC, plans, develops and manages the IRC in accordance with Mission Strategic Plan objectives and priorities. Oversees all research and reference services and ensures that authoritative information about the U.S. is received by the target audiences. Devises strategies for cost-effective means of handling information inquiries and optimizing information services, using information and communications technology. Monitors developments in information and communications technology in the U.S. and Tanzania, evaluates their relevance to the IRC program and recommends cost-effective strategies for their use. Develops and implements a yearly strategic plan for the IRC.
Provides immediate supervision to one staff member. Directs and coordinates the IRC team’s outreach, reference, programming and program support work. Prepares annual evaluation reports for IRC staff members. Assesses their professional development needs and requests training when appropriate. Organizes the recruitment of new personnel when required. Approves time and attendance and requests for leave.
Ensures that Mission officers and staff are kept well-informed about the services provided by the IRC. Prepares IRC contributions to the Public Diplomacy budget submissions. Advises the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Deputy Public Affairs Officer (DPAO) on strategies for managing resources to assure maximum cost-effectiveness and productivity. Reports on special IRC programs and problems; ensures that adequate IRC records and statistics are maintained for Post managers and State Department officers.
Oversees and coordinates American Corners:
15%
As Embassy liaison, provides support to three American Corners (AC) in Mwanza, Unguja and Pemba. Support includes collection developments, drafting annual sustaining fund requests, collecting and disseminating widely monthly reports on American corner activities, reporting on AC needs, coordinating programming and visits to ACs, and scheduling and/or conducting training for AC staff.
Keeps abreast of developments in Library and Information Science in the U.S. as well as developments in American political and cultural life in order to respond to public inquiries from IRC patrons (communication with the local media is not authorized unless expressly approved and cleared by the PAO.
Outreach/Public Programs:
25%
Promotes awareness of U.S. policies and positions in contemporary affairs through a variety of innovative outreach programs, including but not limited to afternoon movie programs and presentations at the IRC and American Corners by U.S. Speakers, Fulbright and exchange program alumni, and members of the U.S. Embassy.
Oversees the design of proactive electronic dissemination of Information profiles for select, upper-level contacts, e.g. parliamentarians, government officials, academics, senior civil servants, other policy makers, the media and researchers.
Consults with IRC staff and Mission officers and staff in developing these information dissemination profiles. Reviews information resources at regular intervals and oversees the distribution of information to recipients. Oversees electronic dissemination of targeted information alerts.
Oversees the design of promotional materials to serve the IRC network and develops marketing strategies highlighting IRC products, programs and services. Monitors and assesses advances in information technologies in order to electronically transmit IRC products where feasible.
Develops library and information science programs to showcase American information trends and products, including through the Bureau of International Information Programs' (IIP) thematic calendar. Works closely with other members of the Mission to enhance interagency programs.
Advises web master concerning appropriate materials and links for inclusion in the Mission web site. Evaluates the web site on a routine basis to ensure accuracy of content and relevance to bilateral issues. Promotes and markets the web site to target audiences.
Participates in professional organizations by attending conference and workshops as well as developing programs in conjunction with these organizations. Maintains close and regular ties with local and Department of State information specialists, especially the Regional Information Resources Officer based at Embassy Nairobi.
Research/Reference:
10%
Responds to inquiries, provides in-depth reference service to Mission officers and staff, and host country contacts including parliamentarians academics, senior civil servants, librarians, media, researchers and other policy makers. Applies knowledge and understanding of U.S. and Tanzanian political, social and cultural affairs, as well as Mission Resource Requests (MRR) objectives, to provide informed interpretation of U.S. material. Provides guidance in the use of IPC materials for public users.
Utilizes a wide range of print and electronic resources including, but not limited to, commercial online databases, the Internet, CD-ROMs and U.S. Government sources to provide documentation on issues supporting MSP objectives. Uses knowledge and understanding of U.S. legislation and legislative processes, political affairs and foreign policy to provide informed interpretation of U.S. material. Provides reference service to the broader public by responding to queries accurately and in a timely manner.
Collection Development:
10%
Oversees and manages the entire annual collection development cycle to ensure that the IRC has the best and most appropriate resources, both print and electronic, for meeting the information needs of top-level contacts and Mission officers and staff, in support Mission Program plan objective and U.S. policy. Selects and procures materials for presentation to contacts. Identifies American Corner Collection needs and manages procurement of collections and supplies for American Corners.
Prepares an annual IRC budget for approval by the Public Affairs Officer. Prioritizes purchases for all collections within this budget. Selects databases and materials, such as U.S. Govt. Printing Office publications, congressional and other USG documents, think tank reports, commercial publications and databases for the IRC collections. Prior to selection, assesses material for authority, relevance and balance as well as for contribution to MSP and public diplomacy goals. Regularly reviews and discusses the selection of materials with IRC staff to ensure that the best possible resources are purchased.
Maintains a schedule for ordering annual reference materials to ensure that new editions are ordered as soon as they are published, so that the IRCs have access to the most current information.
Keeps track of orders and works with GSO to ensure that all procurement requests are fulfilled. On receipt of print materials, unpacks the boxes, checking their content against the original order. Ensures that payment requests are submitted in a timely manner so that bills are paid with minimal delay. Catalogs and processes all materials, alerting key contacts to new acquisitions by means of email and the Mission web site.
Special Projects:
15%
Undertakes special projects in the area of English Teaching, Book Discussions, and the Mission Speakers Bureau. With the Book Discussion program, must help identify books for discussion, choose participants, order books, and organize the discussions themselves. For the speakers Bureau, must solicit participation in the bureau from Embassy employees, publicize the bureau and organize speaking engagements; must gather appropriate background materials for the speaker to use in preparing his/her remarks.
Solicits and nominates candidates, and may assist in selection of candidates from throughout the country. for exchange programs, including the International Visitor Leadership Program , E-Teacher program, and other exchange programs.
In coordination with the Public Affairs Section's Alumni Coordinator, maintains accurate and current alumni records of all alumni of exchange programs participants in subject area and ensures alumni are included in outreach programs and other mission programming.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
All applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
Education:
University degree in library/information science, liberal arts, management, political science, international affairs or American Studies required. If degree is not in librarianship, must have training in that area is required.
Experience:
Should have five years’ experience as a librarian or managing an information resource center and at least two years supervising other professionals. Must have experience in outreach techniques and electronic reference services is required.
Language:
Level IV (fluent) in English and Kiswahili (speaking, writing and reading) is required. (This will be tested)
Skills and Abilities:
Excellent service orientation to target audience, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills. Ability to carry out reference searches and respond rapidly to complex requests, often for breaking news; to work effectively with American and foreign national staffs; to independently plan, organize, and carry out assigned responsibilities using electronic based technologies, including Internet, CD-ROM, and print resources; to maintain contact with target audience members; excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to prioritize work schedule and incoming requests is required.
Job Knowledge:
Advanced knowledge of Tanzanian political, social, legal, economic and educational structures. Advanced knowledge of U.S. cultural issues and of the many aspects of U.S. society, education, politics, government, law, history and geography. Must have expert skills in the various aspects of library service: reference, outreach, cataloging, programming, management, etc. In particular, must be familiar with current trends in information management and provision is required.
HOW TO APPLY:
Effective immediately only online applications will be accepted via This email addressdarrecruitment@state.gov
When sending an online application, please indicate the position title in the subject line.
IMPORTANT: Applicants MUST submit the following documents to be considered:
Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form Ds-174), which is available on our website.
Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. resume, transcripts, degrees, etc.)
Copy of Passport, or, National ID, or Resident/Work Permit.
Applicants MUST follow instructions in the notice on the website.
Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application.
CLOSING DATE OF THE POSITION: July 27, 2016
Vacancy Announcement Number: 16/137
OPEN TO: All Interested Candidates/ All sources
WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/week
SALARY: Ordinarily Resident (OR): FSN- 9; (Step 1- TZS 35,614,437 through Step 13- 53,421,657 per annum)
Not-Ordinarily Resident (NOR): FP- 5 (Steps 1 through 4)*
*Final grade/step for NORs will be determined by Washington.
The “Open To” category listed above refers to candidates who are eligible to apply for this position. The “Open To” category should not be confused with a “hiring preference” which is explained later in this vacancy announcement.
ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS (See Appendix A for definition) MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
The US Mission in Dar es Salaam is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of IRC Director in the Public Affairs Section.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
Directs and manages the Information Resource Center (IRC). Oversees the research, reference, cataloging and outreach services conducted by the IRC staff. Coordinates services and programs with American Corners. Plans and implements outreach programs to advance the Mission's goals. Develops and maintains continuing personal contact with the highest level target audience members.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
IRC Management:
25%
As head of the IRC, plans, develops and manages the IRC in accordance with Mission Strategic Plan objectives and priorities. Oversees all research and reference services and ensures that authoritative information about the U.S. is received by the target audiences. Devises strategies for cost-effective means of handling information inquiries and optimizing information services, using information and communications technology. Monitors developments in information and communications technology in the U.S. and Tanzania, evaluates their relevance to the IRC program and recommends cost-effective strategies for their use. Develops and implements a yearly strategic plan for the IRC.
Provides immediate supervision to one staff member. Directs and coordinates the IRC team’s outreach, reference, programming and program support work. Prepares annual evaluation reports for IRC staff members. Assesses their professional development needs and requests training when appropriate. Organizes the recruitment of new personnel when required. Approves time and attendance and requests for leave.
Ensures that Mission officers and staff are kept well-informed about the services provided by the IRC. Prepares IRC contributions to the Public Diplomacy budget submissions. Advises the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Deputy Public Affairs Officer (DPAO) on strategies for managing resources to assure maximum cost-effectiveness and productivity. Reports on special IRC programs and problems; ensures that adequate IRC records and statistics are maintained for Post managers and State Department officers.
Oversees and coordinates American Corners:
15%
As Embassy liaison, provides support to three American Corners (AC) in Mwanza, Unguja and Pemba. Support includes collection developments, drafting annual sustaining fund requests, collecting and disseminating widely monthly reports on American corner activities, reporting on AC needs, coordinating programming and visits to ACs, and scheduling and/or conducting training for AC staff.
Keeps abreast of developments in Library and Information Science in the U.S. as well as developments in American political and cultural life in order to respond to public inquiries from IRC patrons (communication with the local media is not authorized unless expressly approved and cleared by the PAO.
Outreach/Public Programs:
25%
Promotes awareness of U.S. policies and positions in contemporary affairs through a variety of innovative outreach programs, including but not limited to afternoon movie programs and presentations at the IRC and American Corners by U.S. Speakers, Fulbright and exchange program alumni, and members of the U.S. Embassy.
Oversees the design of proactive electronic dissemination of Information profiles for select, upper-level contacts, e.g. parliamentarians, government officials, academics, senior civil servants, other policy makers, the media and researchers.
Consults with IRC staff and Mission officers and staff in developing these information dissemination profiles. Reviews information resources at regular intervals and oversees the distribution of information to recipients. Oversees electronic dissemination of targeted information alerts.
Oversees the design of promotional materials to serve the IRC network and develops marketing strategies highlighting IRC products, programs and services. Monitors and assesses advances in information technologies in order to electronically transmit IRC products where feasible.
Develops library and information science programs to showcase American information trends and products, including through the Bureau of International Information Programs' (IIP) thematic calendar. Works closely with other members of the Mission to enhance interagency programs.
Advises web master concerning appropriate materials and links for inclusion in the Mission web site. Evaluates the web site on a routine basis to ensure accuracy of content and relevance to bilateral issues. Promotes and markets the web site to target audiences.
Participates in professional organizations by attending conference and workshops as well as developing programs in conjunction with these organizations. Maintains close and regular ties with local and Department of State information specialists, especially the Regional Information Resources Officer based at Embassy Nairobi.
Research/Reference:
10%
Responds to inquiries, provides in-depth reference service to Mission officers and staff, and host country contacts including parliamentarians academics, senior civil servants, librarians, media, researchers and other policy makers. Applies knowledge and understanding of U.S. and Tanzanian political, social and cultural affairs, as well as Mission Resource Requests (MRR) objectives, to provide informed interpretation of U.S. material. Provides guidance in the use of IPC materials for public users.
Utilizes a wide range of print and electronic resources including, but not limited to, commercial online databases, the Internet, CD-ROMs and U.S. Government sources to provide documentation on issues supporting MSP objectives. Uses knowledge and understanding of U.S. legislation and legislative processes, political affairs and foreign policy to provide informed interpretation of U.S. material. Provides reference service to the broader public by responding to queries accurately and in a timely manner.
Collection Development:
10%
Oversees and manages the entire annual collection development cycle to ensure that the IRC has the best and most appropriate resources, both print and electronic, for meeting the information needs of top-level contacts and Mission officers and staff, in support Mission Program plan objective and U.S. policy. Selects and procures materials for presentation to contacts. Identifies American Corner Collection needs and manages procurement of collections and supplies for American Corners.
Prepares an annual IRC budget for approval by the Public Affairs Officer. Prioritizes purchases for all collections within this budget. Selects databases and materials, such as U.S. Govt. Printing Office publications, congressional and other USG documents, think tank reports, commercial publications and databases for the IRC collections. Prior to selection, assesses material for authority, relevance and balance as well as for contribution to MSP and public diplomacy goals. Regularly reviews and discusses the selection of materials with IRC staff to ensure that the best possible resources are purchased.
Maintains a schedule for ordering annual reference materials to ensure that new editions are ordered as soon as they are published, so that the IRCs have access to the most current information.
Keeps track of orders and works with GSO to ensure that all procurement requests are fulfilled. On receipt of print materials, unpacks the boxes, checking their content against the original order. Ensures that payment requests are submitted in a timely manner so that bills are paid with minimal delay. Catalogs and processes all materials, alerting key contacts to new acquisitions by means of email and the Mission web site.
Special Projects:
15%
Undertakes special projects in the area of English Teaching, Book Discussions, and the Mission Speakers Bureau. With the Book Discussion program, must help identify books for discussion, choose participants, order books, and organize the discussions themselves. For the speakers Bureau, must solicit participation in the bureau from Embassy employees, publicize the bureau and organize speaking engagements; must gather appropriate background materials for the speaker to use in preparing his/her remarks.
Solicits and nominates candidates, and may assist in selection of candidates from throughout the country. for exchange programs, including the International Visitor Leadership Program , E-Teacher program, and other exchange programs.
In coordination with the Public Affairs Section's Alumni Coordinator, maintains accurate and current alumni records of all alumni of exchange programs participants in subject area and ensures alumni are included in outreach programs and other mission programming.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
All applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
Education:
University degree in library/information science, liberal arts, management, political science, international affairs or American Studies required. If degree is not in librarianship, must have training in that area is required.
Experience:
Should have five years’ experience as a librarian or managing an information resource center and at least two years supervising other professionals. Must have experience in outreach techniques and electronic reference services is required.
Language:
Level IV (fluent) in English and Kiswahili (speaking, writing and reading) is required. (This will be tested)
Skills and Abilities:
Excellent service orientation to target audience, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills. Ability to carry out reference searches and respond rapidly to complex requests, often for breaking news; to work effectively with American and foreign national staffs; to independently plan, organize, and carry out assigned responsibilities using electronic based technologies, including Internet, CD-ROM, and print resources; to maintain contact with target audience members; excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to prioritize work schedule and incoming requests is required.
Job Knowledge:
Advanced knowledge of Tanzanian political, social, legal, economic and educational structures. Advanced knowledge of U.S. cultural issues and of the many aspects of U.S. society, education, politics, government, law, history and geography. Must have expert skills in the various aspects of library service: reference, outreach, cataloging, programming, management, etc. In particular, must be familiar with current trends in information management and provision is required.
HOW TO APPLY:
Effective immediately only online applications will be accepted via This email addressdarrecruitment@state.gov
When sending an online application, please indicate the position title in the subject line.
IMPORTANT: Applicants MUST submit the following documents to be considered:
Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form Ds-174), which is available on our website.
Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. resume, transcripts, degrees, etc.)
Copy of Passport, or, National ID, or Resident/Work Permit.
Applicants MUST follow instructions in the notice on the website.
Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application.