US Embassy Career Jobs - Information Resource Center (IRC) Technician

Organisation: United States Embassy, US Mission in UgandaWelcome to the United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda.  The United States has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years.  Ambassador Scott H. DeLisi currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda.  The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador.  Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are:United States Agency for International Development (USAID)Centers for Disease ControlPeace CorpsJob Summary: The Information Resource Center (IRC) Technician will primarily offer research and reference services to IRC target audiences as well as mission staff. Also, the incumbent will give advice on collection development and recommends and implements outreach programming and training and demonstration activities. The jobholder also uses electronic and traditional resources to respond to inquiries of moderate complexity from the target audience.Key Duties and Responsibilities:  1. Research and Reference Services (60%):  Solicits requisite details and responds to inquiries for basic information from IRC contacts, mission staff, and walk-in clients. Pro-actively identifies and provides information on U.S. society, policies and practices, and MPP theme areas to key audiences. Assists with training new users or special groups on internet and other IRC reference materials and resources. Identifies and disseminates items of interest to Public Affairs staff by reviewing incoming documents and periodicals. Stays abreast of emerging information technology, and closely follows issues, articles, and reports relevant to MPP strategic goals. 2. Programming and Outreach (30%): Recommends to the IRC Director target groups, identifies background information, and assists in planning and implementing IRC outreach in line with MPP goals and mission activities. Actively participates in outreach activities, including presentations on the full range of IRC resources and services. Support the IRC Director in the development of American Corners in target communities/facilities. Makes necessary book and equipment orders for American Corners and donation projects to outside institutions. Rigorously tracks the status of all orders to delivery.Plans, makes, and monitors arrangements for IRC programs, exhibits, book discussions, and training activities. Assists in the selection of materials for book exhibits, poster shows, and other programs in support of Public Affairs section activities. Offers advice to the PAO/ CAO and IRC Director of anything needed to improve IRC programs/activities.Schedules appointments for researchers from government offices and other contacts. Briefs users on IRC services, and provides individual instruction to researchers using reference materials in the Center. Participates in professional organizations and conferences and maintains contact with information professionals to stay abreast of local developments and advise them of IRC services3. Collection Development: (10%) Recommends to the IRC Director the purchase of publications and products to expand and improve IRC holdings. Assists in the selection of books and videos for the American Spaces; Prepares orders for American Spaces, maintains purchase files, and tracks orders. Updates content of Follet Destiny Library Management system. Catalogs and classifies books and videos and performs other cataloguing duties as necessary. Identifies reference materials that are out of date or of marginal interest to the target audiences and recommends disposal/replacement to supervisor. Qualifications, Skills and Experience:  NOTE:  All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.The ideal candidate must have attained a university degree in business administration, liberal arts, or science.The ideal candidate should possess at least three years of progressive work experience in library services, office management, public relations, or project management in a medium to a large organization is required.Orientation to MPP goals, PD programs and objectives by PAO/CAO Instruction in IRC functions by PAO/APAO, IRC Associate Director, and Regional Information Officer. Prior training in electronic and telecom systems as necessary, as well as internet and database search methods is required.Language Proficiency: List both English and host country language(s) by level and specialization.Level IV (Fluent) in both written and spoken English is required.Extensive knowledge and understanding of electronic retrieval and delivery tools. Standard information science practices and procedures. General working knowledge of PD organization and objectives. Some knowledge of U.S. culture and society as well as U.S foreign policy is required.Excellent service orientation, communication and cross-cultural skills. Demonstrated ability to rapidly perform complex reference services and work effectively with American and local staffs. Possess the ability to plan, organize, and carry out assigned responsibilities, including a coordinated outreach plan. Work in close coordination with Public Affairs staff to determine resource needs to support mission is required.All those interested in working with the US mission in Kampala should send their applications and strictly adhere to the following:Universal Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174) Download it Here.A current resume or curriculum vitae.Candidates who claim US Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application.  Candidates who claim conditional US Veterans preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional preference in hiring with their application.Any other documentation (e.g. essays, transcripts/certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above. By email at KampalaHR@state.gov.NB: Only electronic submissions will be accepted and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Please clearly indicate the position applied for in the subject area of the email submission.Please use standard file types such as Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and please send all documents in one file attachment.Telephone:  0414-306001/259-791/5The US Mission in Kampala provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.  The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.