Senior Librarian, United Nations (NY)

Unit Chief, Senior Librarian, United Nations – NY

Posting dates for this positions are 25 August 2015-24 October 2015.

The position is located in the NY Dag Hammarskjöld Library, Department of Public Information (DPI) in the Outreach Division. The incumbent reports to the Chief Librarian and  may be required to take charge of the Section in the absence of the Chief.

 The Library’s primary function is to enable the delegations, Secretariat and other official groups of the Organization to obtain, with the greatest possible speed, convenience and economy, the information and documentation needed in the execution of their duties.

		Responsibilities
	Within delegated authority, the Senior Librarian will be responsible for some or all of the following duties as the needs of the service require: 1. Under the guidance of the Section Chief, leads on the formulation and application of overall policies, procedures, objectives and guidelines in a specific area or for the Library as a whole. Main work areas within the Library are; Collection development:  Acquisition and exchange of materials; Development and production of bibliographic and other databases; printed and electronic products; cataloguing, indexing and abstracting standards, and ensures they are maintained; Client services; Online services/digital library; Preservation and digitisation; Outreach and the Depository Libraries system. 2. Plans and oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Unit; ensures that work programmes and service are delivered in a professional, timely and effective manner, setting and observing defined standards; ensures liaison with other Units in the Library, other Secretariat services and other partners as required for delivery. 3. Contributes to the collective formation and delivery of Library strategy, business plans and marketing strategy. Works effectively with colleagues in the Library management team and in project teams to achieve the defined goals. 4. Ensures Unit services meet the needs of Delegations & Permanent Missions; the Secretariat; Depository Libraries; the wider public; in that order of priority. 5. Ensures the Unit is aware of relevant current professional and technological developments and adopts suitable best practice in both. Ensures the broad professional development of general service and professional staff, in relation to library & information work in general (not only their current functions) and, so far as practicable, their options for a future career in the wider Organisation. 6. Evaluates the performance of vendors and exchange partners and negotiates charges where necessary. 7. Manages budgets and undertakes procurements as required, in conjunction with the relevant services of the Organisation. 8. Performs other duties as assigned. Competencies   •Professionalism:  Knowledge of library & information service operations;  Understanding of technologies relevant to library & information services;  Experience in managing projects;  Ability to produce reports and papers on library & information issues and to review and edit the work of others;  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; •Planning& 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. •Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;  Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. • Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. •Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority;  Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly To apply: https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=45087