Library/Research Assistant

UNOPS ETMCO is recruiting for this position: Library/Research Assistant  based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).


Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply.   These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

Within delegated authority, the Library/Research Assistant performs the following duties.

• Assists in the review of sources to identify appropriate materials that meet the information needs of the Organisation and its information clientele.

• Assists in cataloguing operations, in particular, reviews and completes descriptive cataloguing and content analysis and adapts online records according to guidelines in all subject areas using international bibliographic description standards including MARC21, AARC2, LCSH, UNBIS, UDC, etc.

• Undertake relevant research and performs searches on a wide range of full-text databases and e-journal collections to locate specific information resources requested.

• Assists in development and maintenance of relevant databases, keeping data accurate and current, and preparing new material as needed.

• Initiates claims and obtains updated materials, in connection with research requests by library patrons.

• Provides statistical data for assessing usefulness and relevance of posted materials.

• Provides technical support and instruction to library patrons in using electronic resources and reference tools. 

• Assists in the marketing of the Library’s information resources through the development of promotional materials, Library digests,  social media and other outreach materials as well as liaison services;

• Assists in the development of Knowledge Management products and services using new emerging Information Management technologies such as Libguides etc.

• Assist in the development of new content for inclusion in appropriate KLSS related web pages

• Provides technical support for library digitization operations.

• Assists in management of library accounts.

• Co-ordinates work and/or participates in training of junior support staff.

• Undertakes other duties as assigned.

 Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A BSc degree in Library Science, Information Sciences or related field is an advantage.

 Work Experience

• A minimum of six (6) years of experience in library work, information management, archives and information network administration or related field is required.

 Languages

• Fluency in written, spoken and reading English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN Official language is an asset.

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: LICA/ICS -6
Contract duration: One year

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.