Job Advert: Information Resource Center (IRC) Director
WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours/week
CLOSING DATE: June 14, 2017
The U.S. Mission in Yaounde, Cameroon is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position Information Resource Center (IRC) Director. This position is located in Yaounde, Cameroon.
BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION
Under the supervision of the Cultural Affairs Officer, the incumbent directs and manages the Information Resource Center (IRC) in accordance with Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) objectives and priorities for Cameroon. He/She oversees the research, reference, and inreach/outreach services provided by the IRC staff; plans and implements outreach programs to advance Mission goals; coordinates and supports American Corner (AC) activities, including collection development, outreach programs, training, English Language Programs such as the ACCESS Microscholarship program, English Language Fellow, (ELF) and English Language Specialist (ELS). He/She develops and maintains continuing personal contact with Cameroonian universities, schools, institutions, library and information science professionals, authors, and publishers; and supervises two employees: an Information Resource Program Assistant and a Library Technician.
IRC MANAGEMENT 35% of Time
Develop and manage the IRC in accordance with ICS objectives and priorities. Devise IRC annual strategic plan and budget in coordination with the Public Affairs Officer (PAO), Cultural Affairs Officer (CAO), and regional Information Resources Officer (IRO). Monitor developments in Department policies regarding Public Diplomacy (PD) strategy and IRC utilization. Devise outreach programs to promote Department PD objectives. Prepare Mission Activity Tracker (MAT) entries and other required reporting documents for the IRO and Department. Monitor developments in American political and cultural spheres in order to develop the collection of books, periodicals, and electronic materials in English and French from U.S. vendors and ARS Paris. Maintain an inventory of all IRC-managed equipment, print resources, and DVDs. Oversee the management of the IRC automated collections catalog, and work with vendors to assure quality cataloging and inventory. Monitor information technology developments in Cameroon and their relevance to Public Affairs Section (PAS) programs. Devise strategies for cost-effective means of responding to information inquiries. Provide guidance to IRC staff in assessing professional development and training needs. Approve time and attendance and leave requests; conduct counseling, performance evaluation, and other appropriate personnel actions.
AMERICAN CORNERS 30% of Time
Coordinate planning, programming, and support of post's American Corners (AC), including monthly activity data collection for entry into the AC Cooperative Database. Ensure ACs have the necessary computer equipment and Internet connections. Order reference books, periodicals, CD-ROMs for ACs and train AC coordinators in appropriate management, cataloging and inventory procedures, and online research techniques. Liaise with the regional IRO to keep abreast of new changes and procedures. Prepare and update all Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) and grant agreements with AC host institutions annually.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMS 25% of Time
Devise and implement specific outreach activities in primary schools, secondary schools and universities to advance the Mission's public diplomacy objectives. Manage ACCESS English Microscholarship Program by identifying, supervising, and monitoring implementing partners. Finds placements for English Language Fellow and English Language Specialist and oversees related activities in coordination with partner host institutions. In coordination with the Cultural Affairs Officer, plan and implement enrichment activities in support of post's English teaching programs. Plan and implement frequent activities to engage IRC patrons, local school children, and other interested audiences using IRC resources, including films, music and e-books, and other materials. Coordinate with the post Education Advisor to promote Education USA and IRC resources to prospective students. Plan and implement activities that engage IRC and PAS contacts outside of the national capital.
INFORMATION OUT/IN-REACH ACTIVITIES 10% of Time
Promote awareness of American policies in contemporary affairs through innovative programming. Respond to inquiries for in-depth information from other sections at post. Ensure that quality research and reference services are provided to target audiences, using a wide range of traditional and electronic resources. Develop information packages for target audiences on ICS themes of topics of interest to the Mission. Regularly review information resources and overseas distribution of materials to highest-level contacts such as parliamentarians, government officials, academics, senior civil servants, other policy makers, media, researchers, and Embassy officers. Develop and deliver presentations on timely and relevant topics for various professional groups and target audiences. Train contacts and target audiences on specific Internet research resources and on U.S. government databases. Participate in professional conferences and workshops; organize such events and maintain regular ties with other information specialists for outreach purposes. Oversees in-reach activities performed by the IRC Technician.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
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 Education, Library Sciences, Journalism, Mass Communications, American Studies, History, Philosophy, Literature, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, Computer Sciences, or Information Sciences is required.
EXPERIENCE: At least three years of progressively responsible experience in providing Library services, including topic-focused event programming and patron outreach. The three years should include at least one year of supervisory experience.
LANGUAGE: Level IV (Fluency) Speaking/Reading/Writing of English and French are required. (This will be tested.)
SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The incumbent must demonstrate the following skills: Excellent public relations skills; excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to present complex topics clearly and concisely to audiences ranging from school children to university students and professionals. Ability to maintain high-level contacts in the mission and Cameroon society and work effectively with American and foreign national staffs. Ability to perform complex reference searches and respond rapidly under time constraints. Ability to multitask and independently plan, organize, and prioritize among assigned responsibilities. Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate subordinate staff. (This may be tested.)
JOB KNOWLEDGE: The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of U.S. institutions, history, culture, and values. Working knowledge of library procedures, as well as U.S. government, commercial, and academic databases, especially in subjects emphasized in the Integrated Country Strategy. Functional knowledge of library and electronic information management and social media platforms.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
- Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form DS-174), which is available on our website or by contacting Human Resources. (See “For Further Information” above);
- Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. transcripts, degrees, etc.)
WHERE TO APPLY:
Human Resources Office
P.O. Box 817, Tel.: 222-201-500, Ext 4006, U.S. Embassy Yaounde, Cameroon
- E-mail Address: ydeapplicants@state.gov
- Indicate the position title on the subject line.
