Senior Information Specialist

University Of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 480 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Gauteng is seeking a Senior Information Specialist to proactively support departments, manage information services, and enhance the research environment. The role requires a 4-year library degree and significant experience in academic settings. Ideal candidates will possess strong information management skills and be client-focused. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid contributions.

Benefits

50% contribution to medical aid schemes

Qualifications

• 4 years' experience as Information Specialist in an Academic or Research Library.
• Advanced experience in supporting high profile researchers.
• Creativity and innovation are essential.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify client information needs.
• Provide effective information service to departments.
• Design customized products and services for clients.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of information sources in various formats

Building information retrieval strategies

Libguides and Blackboard Learning Management System

The research process and methodologies

Information management skills

Digital Fluency

Client focused

Education

4 Year library degree (e.g. B.Bibl.)

PG Dip.LIS or B.Inf (Hons)

Tools

Research Performance Assessment tools

Job description

UP Professional and Support DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY SERVICES SENIOR INFORMATION SPECIALIST PEROMNES POST LEVEL 7

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Responsibilities

• Proactive identification of current and future information needs of clients
• Providing an effective information service to assigned departments / clients
• Designing customised products and services relevant to clients' needs
• Marketing products and services using different media for optimum reach
• Provide proactive, effective and efficient research support service to assigned departments / clients
• Information resources budget management for assigned departments
• Facilitating the information access process
• Liaising with dedicated departments and proactively communicate current and emerging scholarly resources and technologies to users
• Participating in organisational initiatives / projects
• Training clients in the use of information products
• Ad-hoc duties in the library as delegated by the Head of the Faculty Library

Minimum Requirements

• 4 Year library degree (e.g. B.Bibl.)
• PG Dip.LIS or B.Inf (Hons)
• PLUS 4 Years experience as Information Specialist in an Academic or Research Library, in the fields of Natural & Agricultural Sciences AND Engineering or related subject fields
• OR 3 Year Library degree plus 5 years' experience as Information Specialist in an Academic or Research Library in the fields of Natural & Agricultural Sciences AND Engineering or related subject fields
• Advanced experience in the use of Research Performance Assessment tools; Liaising with and supporting high profile researchers

Required Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behavioural Attributes)

• Advanced knowledge of information sources in various formats
• Building information retrieval strategies
• Libguides and Blackboard Learning Management System
• The research process and methodologies
• Information management skills
• Digital Fluency
• Advocacy
• Training and evaluation methods
• Creativity and innovation
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Conflict management and good organisational skills
• Client focused
• Time management

Added Advantages and Preferences

Experience in providing support in the Research Commons.

Benefits

UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Application Process

Applicants are requested to apply online at In applying for this post, please attach: A comprehensive CV; Certified copies of relevant qualifications; Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three work related referees whom we have permission to contact. All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessment as part of the selection process. The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Closing Date

3 July

Contact

Enquiries: Mr Gojiwe Malobola : , Tel : for application-related enquiries.

Mrs Suzy Nyakale : Tel : for post related content.

EEO Statement

Please note: Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under‑represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.