Library Assistant

• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

Description 

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. 

The Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC divisions and programmes. It consists of three key teams: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services. 

The Library Assistant will assist the Senior Library Information Management Assistant in the Suva Library to catalogue and process library records and perform ad-hoc library support tasks as requested. 

The key responsibilities of the role include: 

• Catalogue library records into SPC’s Koha library management system (LMS)
• Processing library records
• Support SPC’s Information and Knowledge Management Processes
• Assist the Senior Information Management Assistant with ad-hoc tasks 

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description. 

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications 

• A diploma in library studies or information management studies 

Technical expertise 

• 1 year of data entry and processing experience preferably in a library or information management environment
• Experience cataloguing in a library or information management environment
• Familiarity with MARC, AACR2, Dewey Decimal Classification and Library of Congress subject heading standards
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and a networked environment 

Language skills 

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) 

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness 

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment 

Salary, terms and conditions 

Contract Duration – 364 days 

Remuneration – The Library Assistant is a Band 5 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 1,558-1,948 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. 

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. 

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.

Application procedure 

Closing Date – 28 March 2023 at 11:59pm Fiji time

Job Reference: JM000406

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with: 

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role. 

Screening Questions: 

1. What experience do you have in cataloguing? Please briefly explain.
2. Have you worked with or used an Integrated Library Management System (ILS)?
3. Are you familiar with international standard library tools like Dewey and Library of Congress Subject Headings? If so, please briefly explain your experience.