Chief Librarian

Organización de los Estados Americanos; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Annual Leave: 21-30 days

Health Insurance

Pension and Savings Plans

Language Allowance

Job summary

An international organization in Washington, DC seeks a Chief Librarian to oversee the Columbus Memorial Library, managing library services, archives, and records management. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Library Science or a related field with significant experience in library management and technology implementation. The role requires proficiency in multiple languages and involves advising high-level officials on library policy. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 11 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• 7 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree.
• 4 years of relevant experience with a Doctorate.

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall operations of the Columbus Memorial Library.
• Implement policies for preservation and access to archives.
• Oversee acquisition procedures and evaluation of collections.
• Prepare library budget and manage expenditures.
• Provide technical advice on library and information programs.

Skills

Client Orientation

Knowledge Sharing

Teamwork

Interpersonal Skills

Managing and Coaching Staff

Strategic Planning

Encouraging Innovation

Decision Making/Judgment

Education

First University Degree in Library and Information Science

Advanced University Degree in related field

Doctorate in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Relevant Library Software

Job description

The Chief Librarian of the Columbus Memorial Library is responsible for the overall management of the Library, Archives, Records Management, and Documents Control programs. The Chief Librarian serves as the organization's expert in Library Science, advising the Secretary General, the Assistant Secretary General, and governing bodies on acquisition and implementation of new technology and administration of the Library.

Responsibilities

• Develops, plans, organizes, and implements the work of the Columbus Memorial Library and information services, including Library, Archives, Records Management, Access to Information, and documents control programs.
• Develops and implements policies and guidelines related to the preservation of and access to material and digital archives, establishing metadata requirements, retention schedules for electronic recordkeeping systems, transfer, maintenance and security protocols, and digitization selection standards.
• Directs, monitors, and evaluates acquisition procedures, development of collections, bibliographic control of all materials, and information services.
• Formulates overall policies, procedures, objectives, and guidelines for maintenance of the organization’s non‑current records and delivery of reference services, archival description, and records information systems management.
• Ensures preservation of information assets with continuing value by appraising records, implementing retention schedules, and advising users regarding archives and library holdings.
• Prepares the library budget, manages expenditures, produces reports on library activities and programs, and supervises, evaluates, and trains library staff.
• Promotes the Library’s services and the OAS’s special collections through presentations and exhibits.
• Provides technical advice and services to OAS staff and high‑level officials on library and information policy and program matters.
• Assesses, oversees, and directs acquisition of automated techniques and other technologies for library, archives, records management, and documents control, including an integrated system for information storage and retrieval.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Essential: First University Degree (Bachelor) in Library and Information Science, Archives and Records Management, International or Latin American Affairs, Public Diplomacy, or related field, with 11 years of relevant experience.
• OR Advanced University Degree (Master) in one of the listed fields, with 7 years of relevant experience.
• OR Doctorate in one of the listed fields, with 4 years of relevant experience.
• Desirable: Experience or knowledge of the OAS mandate and priorities as related to the area of work and/or the dynamics of the Inter‑American agenda and system.

Computer Skills

Ability to work effectively using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and other relevant software.

Languages

• Essential – Proficient in at least two of the following languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish (read, write, and communicate); language proficiency examination will be required.
• Desirable – Working knowledge of the other two official languages.

Personal Competencies

Client Orientation, Knowledge Sharing, Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Managing and Coaching Staff, Strategic Planning, Encouraging Innovation, Decision Making/Judgment. Ability to communicate clearly in the required languages.

EEO & Diversity Statement

The GS/OAS embraces equality, diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, achieving a diverse staff, and will consider geographic representation and gender equity in selection of candidates.

Language Requirement Details

Official languages are English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Candidates must pass language proficiency exams in at least two official languages, with specific exemptions outlined for staff with native proficiency the other languages. Non‑exempt candidates must demonstrate proficiency in a second official language for higher‑level positions.

Compensation

Professional Category: Remuneration = Basic Salary + Post Adjustment.

Net of taxes for non‑US citizens.

US citizens tax reimbursement: Reimbursed for most taxes paid on OAS remuneration.

Benefits

• Paid Annual Leave: 21 days from 1st year; increases to 30 days within 5 years.
• Sick Leave and Parental Leave.
• Health Insurance: OAS pays 2/3 of premium.
• Pension and Savings Plans: OAS contributes 14% of remuneration to a Retirement and Pension Plan; staff contribute 7%.
• Additional benefits (dependent on contract type): Mobilization allowance, repatriation grant, language allowance, home leave travel, dependency allowance, life insurance.

Other Information

The mandatory retirement age for staff members at the General Secretariat of the OAS is 65 years.