Vacancy Statement:
Senior Policy Adviser of IFLA
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) - a worldwide federation of library associations and institutions recognized by UNESCO and other international bodies - invites applications for the position of Senior Policy Adviser.
The appointee will develop a new component at IFLA's Headquarters tasked with undertaking and coordinating the Federation's international advocacy work of education, relationship building and interventions in relation to strategic advocacy themes. These may vary from time to time depending on circumstances and priorities, but themes currently emphasized are "Libraries on the Agenda", the role of the library as an agency of inclusion in the Knowledge Society, free and equitable access to information and freedom of expression.
The post is full-time and is offered for a period of three years, renewable by mutual agreement.
How to apply
Applications should be in English and consist of a covering letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, the names of two referees and a brief statement on the applicant's vision for IFLA's advocacy work.
The closing date for applications is 15 November 2007 and interviews will take place in The Hague in December 2007 or early January 2008.
The successful candidate will be expected to assume duty in The Hague in the first half of 2008.
For further details, please contact:
Ms Magda Bouwens, Office Manager
E-mail: magda.bouwens@ifla.org
Please submit your application to:
Peter J. Lor, Secretary General
P.O.Box 95312
2509CH The Hague, Netherlands
E-mail: ifla@ifla.org
Job description
Job title: Senior Policy Adviser
Job purpose: To undertake and coordinate the Federation's international advocacy work of education, relationship building and interventions in relation to strategic advocacy themes. These may vary from time to time depending on circumstances and priorities, but themes currently emphasized are Libraries on the Agenda and the role of the library as an agency of inclusion in the Knowledge Society, free and equitable access to information and freedom of expression.
Position reports to: Secretary General
Staff reporting to position: Policy officer; interns
Job content:
- Horizon scanning to determine trends and developments presenting opportunities and threats to the library community worldwide
- Monitoring relevant movements, international conventions and treaties, activities of international organizations and policy initiatives that may affect the role of the library as an agency of inclusion in the Knowledge Society and free and equitable access to information libraries.
- Evaluating the potential effects of the above
- Policy development: development of alternative policies beneficial to libraries and their users and the drafting of IFLA statements and positions
- Networking with partner organizations and within relevant international bodies
- Representation and ensuring continuity of the Federation's representation at meetings of relevant international bodies, including the presentation and dissemination of IFLA statements and positions
- Education of current and potential stakeholders
- Awareness raising within the library profession and user communities
- Stimulation and coordination of advocacy activities within IFLA structures, including relevant professional units and core activities and management of relevant grant-funded projects
- Contributing to the professional and strategic reflection within IFLA Headquarters and in the Federation as a whole
- Advising the Secretary General and the Governing Board on advocacy issues and strategies
PERSON PROFILE
A graduate (at least master's level) in library/information science and/or international politics or law or other relevant discipline, able to communicate fluently in English and at least one additional language among the official languages of IFLA (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian, Spanish), able to perform at senior management level, and willing to travel internationally.
Knowledge
- Information/Knowledge Society
- Information/cultural agencies in the political process
- Intellectual freedom
- Intellectual property
- Globalisation
- Civil Society issues
- International exposure
- Background in library and information services
Attributes
- Communication and awareness raising
- Relationships and building partnerships
- Diplomacy and ability to make interventions
- Enabling and capacity building
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Passion
Skills
- Analysis
- Policy writing
- Presentation of submissions, papers
- Representation
- Organisation
- Publication & documentation
- Administration, including committees
- Project management
- Bidding for grants
- Financial management
- Language proficiency
