FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

 VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT No.: 1148-GIL

 DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 29 May 2003 Post number:  Unidentified
Position Title

INFORMATION RESOURCE SPECIALIST, (Reference)		 Level 
(grade)

P-2

 CGOG Code

1C03b
Post code

C

 Duty station

Rome

 Date for entry on duty

As soon as possible

 Duration of assignment

Fixed Term:
three years.
 

 
Organizational Unit
David Lubin Memorial Library
Library/Documentation System Division
General Affairs Information Department		 This vacancy is open to male and female candidates. 
Application from qualified women candidates are encouraged. 
Please note that FAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director-General and may be assigned to any activities, offices or duty stations of the Organization.

 
Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Reference and Documentary Information Group will provide a reference point for information resources access. Specifically will:

  • provide expert assistance to library users in identifying information requirements, advising on the best course of action to access quality information resources, through individual or assisted use of subject databases, electronic journal aggregators, library catalogues, union catalogues, subject gateways, etc.;

  • maintain web pages promoting effective access to information resources, for the library; participate in collaborative digital reference services and contribute to relevant subject portals in partnership with institutions and networks such as AGLINET and AGORA;

  • assist in the development and delivery of training sessions to provide staff with a global understanding of available resources and information access mechanisms;

  • review changing technologies such as bibliographic linking mechanisms, integrated library systems, library information and service integration systems, etc., making proposals for potential use in FAO library user services;

  • develop and manage current awareness services including desktop delivery of Tables of Contents services and of Selective Dissemination of Information, ensuring, to the extent possible, desktop access to full text;

  • select and review electronic and print information resources and product utilization, proposing replacements as appropriate for use of FAO staff and Member Nations;

  • participate in the development of information products and services training packages for onsite and distance learning;

  • perform other related duties as requested.
    		• Qualifications and experience - Essential

    University degree in information/library science, or in agriculture, economics, nutrition or social sciences, with a specialization in information science.

    Three years professional experience in reference services, and electronic information systems in a large international or national library or information centre. Working experience with textual database retrieval systems and software, information resource providers, aggregators and current awareness services relevant to FAO’s subject areas and web publishing.

    Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two.

    High sense of responsibility and ability to plan and organise work. Knowledge of information management and retrieval methodologies, Internet resources and search engines. Ability to collate, analyse and evaluate complex technical issues. Computer literacy and ability to use effectively word processing and office automation equipment. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

    Qualifications and experience - Desirable

    Knowledge of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), editing tools and related standards; familiarity with the FAO Web site and the Organisation's policies for dissemination of information through electronic media. Knowledge of other official languages.

     
    Level P-2 carries a net salary per year (inclusive of a variable element for post adjustment) from US$49,636 to US$61,024 (without dependents) and from US$52,919 to US$65,398 (with dependents).

     
    BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PLEASE READ GUIDELINES TO APPLICANTS.

    APPLICATIONS: (in all cases quote the vacancy announcement number) to: 

    Chief Librarian, David Lubin Memorial Library, (GILB) - FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 0100 Rome, Italy - Fax no. +39 06 57052002 - Email: GILB-VA@fao.org

    Staff members: Complete 10 copies of form ADM 75. 
    Other Candidates: Please complete two copies of Personal History Form or send detailed Curriculum Vitae if form not available.

    Applicants will be contacted only if they are short-listed.  In this connection please note that the selection process may take up to six months for completion.

    Note: FAO is a non-smoking environment.