Senior Information Specialist

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pretoria is seeking a Senior Information Specialist to enhance their library services. Responsibilities include identifying client information needs, managing information resources, and providing research support. Ideal candidates will have a library degree and significant experience in academic library settings.

Benefits

50% contribution to medical aid premiums

Qualifications

• Experience as an Information Specialist in an Academic or Research Library required.
• Advanced skills in research performance assessment.
• Ability to liaise with high-profile researchers.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective information service to assigned departments.
• Design customized information products.
• Market library services to clients.

Skills

Information management skills

Digital Fluency

Interpersonal skills

Conflict management

Time management

Client focused

Education

4 Year library degree (e.g. B.Bibl, B.Inf (Hons))

3 Year library degree

Tools

Libguides

Blackboard Learning Management System

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

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• 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 following:
• Use of Research Performance Assessment tools;
• Liaising with and supporting high profile researchers.
  

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

Advanced knowledge of the following:

• 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.
  
  

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

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

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.
  
  

CLOSING DATE: 3 July 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Mr Gojiwe Malobola: [e-mail] , Tel: [phone] for application-related enquiries. Mrs Suzy Nyakale: [e-mail] Tel: [phone] for post related content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2025, 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.