Library and Information Specialist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Library and Information Networks for Knowledge (LNK) is located in the department of Strategy, Policy and Information (SPI) within the cluster of Director General's Office (DGO). LNK provides access to knowledge from WHO as well as to other sources of scientific literature produced around the world. WHO Library resources and expertise also provide scientific evidence and knowledge to low- and middle- income countries through Hinari and IRIS. The WHO Library networks and partnerships are an essential component in ensuring that its global initiatives reach a world-wide audience. The unit provides WHO staff with a range of tools and services needed for the organization to remain a leading norm and standard setting institution.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Programme Manager and in close collaboration with LNK colleagues, Research4Life partners and WHO/IMT, the incumbent\:

 

- Oversees technology systems and services of the Research4Life and WHO Library applications; manages and coordinates upgrades, enhancements, new release installations, and special projects; coordinates and monitors environment and applications to ensure reliable performance, data integrity, and timely and accurate completion of processes which include, but are not limited to\: application configuration, database loads, data extracts and transfers, the creation of database statistical reports (25%).

 

- Coordinates and assists in the creation of specifications for new programs and system enhancements related to core content applications; establishes and administers project plans and schedules and transitions newly implemented environments to production status by coordinating, testing, documentation creation and training; manages related communication (20%).

 

- Develops strategies, service goals and functional requirement plans for Research4Life and WHO Library software applications; investigates new products and technologies and conducts evaluation and/or proof of concept work to better understand requirements and solution design; implements solutions to best serve the community in line with needs; develops documentation and procedures; develops training materials and provides training (20%).

 

- Consults with application operators and product support to diagnose and resolve complex problems; provides operational support for investigating and resolving both application and user issues; develops troubleshooting and problem resolution processes to ensure a high level of service and efficiency; influences and collaborates with application operators and product support to maximize the delivery of service and efficiency (16%).

 

- Performs analysis, remediation, and normalization of metadata in the Research4Life content management system and discovery layer and applies basic programming and scripting skills in support of the technical requirements and production needs for metadata creation, conversion, enhancement, and maintenance including crosswalks; develops and/or customizes applications and tools for automation and innovation (12%).

 

- Performs other duties, including in the larger unit or department as required or instructed (7%).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: A first level university degree in the field of library or information science or in a substantively related field, ideally supplemented by an advanced degree in library science.
Desirable\: Continuing education in functional and domain knowledge pertaining to related technologies and services, ensuring fresh knowledge of industry trends.

Experience

Essential\: Professional experience in computing technologies for a minimum of 5 years at the national level with some international experience. Demonstrated experience managing library or publisherbased technologies and applications. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion. Experience drafting and writing training materials for software application operators in English. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and independently with various groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment. Experience working collegially and cooperatively across organizations.
Desirable\: Professional experience in library work of more than 3 years. Intensive experience with automated library systems. Previous professional experience in WHO or other UN agency, preferably at a different duty station. International experience of more than 3 years. Experience training operators in new software applications. Experience in cataloguing or building metadata for scientific publications. Experience with the management and organization of electronic information resources including best practices for managing the records that track electronic purchases, subscriptions, and licenses.

Skills

- Deep understanding of the technologies and processes of online information provision and access as well as excellent knowledge of database and internet related tools.

- Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills and ability to make sound judgements and take decisions.

- Demonstrated capacity for both working independently and as part of a team; relates and works well with people of different cultures, gender and backgrounds; good interpersonal skills.

- Good capacity to work under pressure with ability to face unexpected and urgent issues.

- Familiarity with version control software.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Expert knowledge of French. Expert knowledge of Spanish.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 59,151 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4116 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220./ul>