Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Is Hiring Library Assistant APPLY NOW
Background
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates to “let there be bread”. It was founded on 16 October 1945.
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About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that aims to achieve food security for all, combat hunger, improve nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and enhance rural livelihoods. FAO was established in 1945 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy.
FAO works in collaboration with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address global challenges related to food and agriculture. Its activities include providing policy advice, supporting countries in implementing effective agricultural practices, conducting research and analysis, promoting knowledge sharing, and facilitating international cooperation.
The organization focuses on key areas such as food production and productivity, sustainable natural resource management, rural development, resilience to climate change, and addressing food loss and waste. FAO also plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to food emergencies and supporting countries in building resilient agricultural systems.
FAO works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Through its programs and initiatives, FAO plays a vital role in shaping global policies and strategies to address challenges in the food and agriculture sector, with the ultimate goal of eradicating hunger and ensuring sustainable development for present and future generations.
Why Work At FAO
- Meaningful Impact: FAO’s mission is to combat hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. By working at FAO, you have the opportunity to contribute to addressing global challenges and making a positive impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.
- Global Reach: FAO operates in over 130 countries, providing a truly international working environment. You will have the chance to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures, gaining a global perspective and broadening your professional network.
- Professional Development: FAO offers a range of career development opportunities, including training programs, workshops, and access to specialized knowledge resources. You can enhance your skills and expertise in various areas related to food and agriculture, fostering personal growth and advancement in your career.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: FAO’s work spans multiple sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and rural development. This multidisciplinary approach allows for cross-cutting collaboration and the opportunity to work on complex and interconnected issues.
- Innovation and Research: FAO promotes innovation and research in agriculture and food systems. As an employee, you can engage in cutting-edge research, leverage new technologies, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions to address global food and agricultural challenges.
- Collaborative Work Environment: FAO values teamwork and collaboration. You will have the chance to work with experts, policymakers, and stakeholders at various levels, fostering partnerships and collective efforts to achieve shared goals.
- Work-Life Balance: FAO promotes a healthy work-life balance, recognizing the importance of employee well-being. It offers flexible work arrangements and support for personal and family needs, contributing to a positive and supportive work environment.
- International Exposure: Working at FAO exposes you to a wide range of international platforms, conferences, and events. You may have opportunities to represent FAO at global forums, contribute to policy discussions, and engage with high-level decision-makers in the field of food and agriculture.
Position Title: Library Assistant
Application Deadline: May 7, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: Office of the Chief of Communications (OCC)
Employment Type: Staff position
Requisition Type: General Service
Grade Level: G-4
Primary Location: Rome, Italy
Contract Duration: Fixed-term: two years with the potential for extension
Main Purpose
The Library Assistant performs a variety of routine library functions, to support the operational and administrative activities of the FAO Library. He/she contributes to the knowledge-capturing and -sharing needs of the Organization and to the smooth running of the work unit.
The post is located in the Publications and Library Branch, OCCP of the Office of Communications (OCC) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Supervision Received/Exercised
The Library Assistant reports to one or more professional staff and receives guidance from the Senior Communications Officer of the Publications and Library Branch, OCCP.
He/she acts independently in routine matters in line with established policies and procedures. Supervision received is focused on the quality of the work performed and provides for on-the-job learning.
Working Relationships
The Library Assistant interacts with staff at all levels within the work unit and with other relevant units and offices within the Organization, providing routine information on the use of Library information resources.
Key Functions/Results
• Process incoming serials and periodicals, checking-in items using the Publishing Workflow System (PWS) and the FAO Knowledge Repository, labelling and shelving items as appropriate. Claim late issues, withdraw and discard materials according to retention schedule and procedures.
• Communicate with vendors (subscription agents, publishers, book vendors, shipping agents, etc.), making inquiries, requesting quotes, placing orders, and filing claims. Respond to staff queries about serials and book orders.
• Assist in cataloguing operations in the library ILS (Integrated Library System) KOHA, in particular, reviews and descriptive cataloguing for journals, series and monographs purchased by the library or received as gifts/exchanges, adapting online records when possible, using international bibliographic description standards including MARC21, AARC2, LCSH, UNBIS, UDC. Ensure all information is accurately displayed for users in the library catalogue.
• Review, record and process requests for the library networks, in particular to identify appropriate materials that meet the information needs of the Organization in the Exchange and Depository Libraries Programs, to update current agreements and facilitate proper collaboration with the exchange and/or donations of publications. Update the AGLINET network, updating members information and assisting with interlibrary requests.
• Perform helpdesk service to FAO staff and external researchers, including bibliographic research, library accounts creation in KOHA, computer and printer troubleshooting in the study area.
• Perform library tasks related to shelving library materials, scanning, document delivery, interlibrary loan and circulation when needed.
• Provide assistance for collection maintenance, evaluating materials in need of repair. Assist in conducting paper and binding repairs. Review labels and records for processed materials. Participate in the management of the library stacks.
• Liaise with the Logistics Services (CSL) regarding the library space for damaged, missing or broken furniture and move of library assets for specific events.
• Perform other duties as required.
Impact Of Work
The incumbent’s work impacts on the timely and efficient delivery of Library services and on the overall output of the work unit.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
Education: Secondary School Education.
Experience: Three years of relevant experience in library work, documentation, archives, information network administration or related field.
Language: Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.
IT Skills: Very good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.
Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. “Commuting distance” means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical Skills
• Good knowledge of library and information management resources.
• Very good knowledge of communication and documentation standards.
• Familiarity with international library standards of cataloguing.
• Knowledge of library systems and open procedures.
Desirable Qualifications And Skills
• Experience in the United Nations Common System.
• Experience of Integrated Library Management Systems.
• Limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
