INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER (IRC) DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION:
ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS (See Appendix A for
definition) MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE
ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
The US Mission in Dar es Salaam is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of IRC Director in the Public Affairs Section.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
Directs and manages the Information Resource Center (IRC). Oversees the research, reference, cataloging and outreach services conducted by the IRC staff. Coordinates services and programs with American Corners. Plans and implements outreach programs to advance the Mission's goals. Develops and maintains continuing personal contact with the highest level target audience members.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Information Resource Center (IRC) Management:
25%
As Director, this senior LES position plans, develops and manages the IRC in accordance with Mission Strategic Plan objectives and priorities. Working with the PAO and CAO, develops educational and innovative programs to engage with Tanzanian youth at the IRC. Plan and implement a wide variety of programming, including face-to-face and virtual engagements, to appeal to diverse audiences, including students, young professionals, and opinion leaders, consistent with program standards and goals established by the U.S. Embassy and the Bureau of International Information Programs. Coordinate with U.S. Embassy and other USG personnel, as well as liaise with Embassy contacts and staff of USG-supported initiatives, and American Spaces coordinators to ensure efficient use of the facility.
Oversees the Deputy Director, who manages research and reference services, and ensures that authoritative information about the U.S. is received by target audiences. Provides immediate supervision to one staff member. Directs and coordinates outreach, reference, programming and program support work. Prepares annual evaluation reports for IRC staff members. Assesses their professional development needs and requests training when appropriate. Organizes the recruitment of new personnel when required. Approves time and attendance and requests for leave.
Ensures that Mission officers and staff are kept well-informed about the
services provided by the IRC. Prepares IRC contributions to the Public Diplomacy budget submissions. Advises the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Deputy Public Affairs Officer (DPAO) on strategies for managing resources to assure maximum cost-effectiveness and productivity. Reports on special IRC programs and problems; ensures that adequate IRC records and statistics are maintained for Post managers and State Department officers.
Oversees and Coordinates American Corners
25%
As Embassy liaison, provides support to three American Corners (AC) in Mwanza, Unguja and Pemba. Manages the development and delivery of programs and events at these American Corners, in support of U.S. Mission goals. Overseas AC requests for collection acquisitions, annual sustaining fund requests, monthly reports on American corner activities, reporting on AC needs, coordinating programming and visits to ACs, and scheduling and/or conducting training for AC staff.
Outreach/Public Programs:
25%
Promotes awareness of U.S. policies and positions in contemporary affairs through a variety of innovative outreach programs and presentations at the American Space – On Compound and American Corners by U.S. Speakers, Fulbright and exchange program alumni, and members of the U.S. Embassy.
Oversees the design of promotional materials to serve the American Space network and develops marketing strategies highlighting products, programs and services. Monitors and assesses advances in information
technologies in order to electronically transmit IRC products where feasible.
Develops programs to showcase American information trends and products, including through the Bureau of International Information Programs' (IIP) thematic calendar. Works closely with other members of the Mission to enhance interagency programs. Advises web master concerning appropriate materials and links for inclusion in the Mission web site. Evaluates the web site on a routine basis to ensure accuracy of content and relevance to bilateral issues. Promotes and markets the web site to target audiences.
Participates in professional organizations by attending conference and workshops as well as developing programs in conjunction with these organizations. Maintains close and regular ties with local and Department of State information specialists, especially the Regional Information Resources Officer based at Embassy Nairobi.
Research/Reference:
5%
Through the management of the Deputy Director, provides in-depth reference services to Mission officers and staff, and host country contacts including parliamentarians, academics, senior civil servants, librarians, media, researchers and other policy makers. Applies knowledge and understanding of U.S. and Tanzanian political, social and cultural affairs, as well as Mission Resource Requests (MRR) objectives, to provide informed interpretation of U.S. material. Provides guidance in the use of IPC materials for public users. Uses knowledge and understanding of U.S. legislation and legislative processes, political affairs and foreign policy to provide informed interpretation of U.S. material. Provides reference service to the broader public by responding to queries accurately and in a timely manner.
Collection Development:
5%
Working with the Deputy Director, oversees and manages of the entire collection of print and electronic resources at the IRC and ACs, for meeting the informational needs of a modern information resource center. Selects and procures materials for presentation to contacts. Identifies American Corner collection needs and manages procurement of collections and supplies for American Corners.
Prepares an annual IRC budget for approval by the Public Affairs Officer. Prioritizes purchases for all collections within this budget. Selects databases and materials, such as U.S. Govt. Printing Office publications, congressional and other USG documents, think tank reports, commercial publications and databases for the IRC collections. Prior to selection, assesses material for authority, relevance and balance as well as for contribution to MSP and public diplomacy goals. Regularly reviews and discusses the selection of materials with Mission staff to ensure that the best possible resources are purchased.
Special Projects:
15%
Undertakes special projects as needed to ensure that a wide-range of audiences not only use, but engage in subjects relevant to U.S. Mission objectives including the area of English Teaching, Book Discussions, and the Mission Speakers Bureau. Routinely conducts surveys within key audiences to determine and advise on appropriate programs and events.
Solicits and nominates candidates, and may assist in selection of candidates from throughout the country for exchange programs, including the International Visitor Leadership Program, E-Teacher program, and
other exchange programs.
In coordination with the Public Affairs Section's Alumni Coordinator, maintains accurate and current alumni records of all alumni of exchange programs participants in subject area and ensures alumni are included in outreach programs and other mission programming.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
All applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
Education:
University degree in library science, liberal arts, management, political science, international affairs, American Studies or any other related field is required.
Prior Work Experience:
Must have five years’ experience in developing and implementing engaging programs and activities aimed at achieving specific results. Should demonstrate an increasing ability to manage a public space and/or venue and have at least two years supervising other professionals. Must have experience in outreach techniques to engage effectively with a variety of audiences is required.
Language Proficiency:
Level IV (fluent) (writing, reading and speaking) in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili is required.
Skills and Abilities:
Excellent service orientation to target audience, interpersonal
, and cross-cultural skills. Ability to prioritize work schedule and incoming requests. Ability to train, supervise and evaluate staff or to effectively inform other FSN staff of IRC role and resources; ability to write reports and outreach publications is required.
Knowledge:
Expert knowledge of U.S. political, economic, and cultural references. Advanced knowledge of Tanzanian political, social, legal, economic and educational structures is required.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Online Application, Click HERE to Apply
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