Librarian

ntroduction

The University of Namibia (UNAM) is the largest and leading national institution of higher education in the country. It is a diverse institution with a student population from all over the African continent and beyond. UNAM’s seat is in Windhoek, the capital of the Republic of Namibia, and boasts twelve (12) campuses country-wide. The aims and objectives of this reputable academic institution are to provide quality higher education, undertake research, advance and disseminate knowledge, render extension and advisory services to the public, cultivate and nurture cultural and moral values of society, and generate well balanced and highly marketable graduates with competencies of critical thinking, pragmatic analysis, diverse communication skills, and problem solving acumen. UNAM is poised to gain a higher national and international reputation, and to achieve an academic status equivalent to that of any leading University in the world.

The University of Namibia invites applications for the position of University Librarian, the strategic and administrative head of the university library system and member of University’s strategic and executive management. The University Librarian provides strategic leadership to ensure the library system excels in providing support for teaching and learning, research and studies at the University of Namibia. The University Librarian is responsible for the overall administration, human resource management and capacity building/development, and budget for the UNAM Libraries and UNAM Archives, and for the management and policy development for library services, operations, resources, physical facilities, infrastructure and equipment.

Eligibility

The position of the University Librarian is stipulated as an appointment of the University Council as specified in the University of Namibia Act (13(c). Act 18 of 1992).

Qualifications: The prospective candidates must have a strong academic background. A Doctoral degree (PhD) in library and information science from an accredited university will be an advantage. Applicants that hold a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Information and Knowledge Management, and at least 6 years’ working experience in senior and leadership positions at Libraries of academic and research institutions may be considered on merit.

Essential attributes and skills: This position requires a wealth of experience and thorough knowledge of current trends and best practices for university library management; an understanding of the university and research environment, and the role of the library in support of the academic lives of students, lecturers, and researchers. The position requires knowledge of advanced technology and electronic information management; experience with human resources management; excellent oral and inter-personal communication skills; strong traditional and digital marketing skills; confident presentation skills; collaborative and consensusbuilding skills. The position further requires ability to develop strong relationships with the UNAM’s executive management team, UNAM Council, Deans and head of administrative units, the Student Representative Council (SRC), Government and private sector stakeholders.

Experience: The position requires a minimum of six years of experience in a library administration and leadership position. Experience should include international cooperation, financial administration, utilisation of library technologies and managing of capital projects.

Roles

Leadership Responsibilities: Responsible for overall strategic direction of UNAM Libraries. Develop and account for the achievement of library strategic goals and objectives. Develop and implement library policies and procedures. The position requires that one may have to troubleshoot highly sensitive or confidential issues. Work involves high-level responsibility for budget, revenues and expenditures. Human resources responsibilities include authority to hire, discipline, and recommendation to terminate employment. This position forms part of the University management and serves on the Vice Chancellor’s Management Committee. The University Librarian reports to the Pro-Vice Chancellor: Academic Affairs & Research.

Independent Judgment and Problem Solving Skills: This position requires a very high degree of independent judgment. Ability to solve complex problems is key to success in this position. Personal and Organisational Contacts: Regular and substantial contacts with other senior professionals, institutions and organisations including SANLIC, SCECSAL and IFLA. Contacts usually involve discussions on Library Management Systems, technological developments, library policies, and programmes. Other initiatives/ contacts include activities such as writing of proposals, financial negotiations and international cooperation initiatives. The position may involve handling of sensitive, complex, and/or confidential information.

Customer Service Relationships: Anticipate customer needs and regularly motivate or influence others to deliver quality customer service. Identify barriers to effective customer service and set customer service standards. Establish a customer feedback system and exhortsdesignated staff toward customer service excellence within the organization. Benchmark standards of library customer service using quality assurance tools, such as, SERVQUAL and LibQUAL+

Selection Process and appointment

The selection process will involve screening of the applicants by a Council Search Committee, including psychometric assessments and behavior-based structured interview process. The shortlisted candidates will be required to deliver a public lecture/ seminar, through which they will be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate their preparedness, their vision and their competence for the challenging post of University Librarian.

The appointment would be based on a performance management contract of five (5) years, but may be renewed at the discretion of the UNAM Council.

Invitation of applications

Interested, eligible and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the vacant post of University Librarian. In the interest of national capacity building and all things being equal, possession of Namibian citizenship will be an advantage. The position carries an attractive salary and fringe benefits. The application documents should contain the following details:

• Copies of degree certificates and other relevant qualifications, certified as true copies with appropriate legal stamps (e.g. from Commissioner of Oaths)
• Full curriculum vitae
• A vision statement titled: “My vision on the roles and functions of the University Librarian and how my experience and special attributes will make a difference”
• Names and contact information of three professional referees with experience in senior level administration or equivalent, who could be approached on the applicant’s unique attributes and suitability

The application must be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to:

The University Librarian Search Committee, University of Namibia
Attention: Vice Chancellor
Private Bag 13301
Windhoek, Namibia

NB. Only Short listed candidates will be contacted and no personal documents will be returned.