Vacancy of Director, Services and Communications at IFLA Headquarters—The Hague, Netherlands

Location: IFLA Headquarters—The Hague, Netherlands

Position Type: 36 hours per week / initial 1-year contract, with possible extension 

Salary: Approx. € 58,620 p.a. (plus benefits), based on experience and qualifications

Closing date: 6 August 2012

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IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, is seeking a Director, Services and Communications (36 hrs p/week) to join a team of 14 staff in its Headquarters housed in the National Library of The Netherlands in The Hague. If you are interested in working with IFLA in this position as outlined below, we would be pleased to receive your application.

IFLA is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. We are an independent, international, non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation, promoting libraries and advocating for their benefit in international forums. We are a member-based organisation. Currently the IFLA membership comprises around 1500 libraries, associations and individual librarians from more than 150 countries worldwide.

Our Governing Board, through our Strategic Plan 2010–2015, sets the direction for our many activities. More information on IFLA can be found on this website.

Position

This position plays a key leadership and strategic role in the development and oversight of the member services, partnerships, and communications programmes; and also has the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction and policies of the organisation. The position reports to the Secretary General. Within this position you require excellent management skills; a good knowledge and understanding of: current and emerging library and information services professional practice issues; the purpose and function of an international member-based organisation; and the effective use of communications to support strategic and operational activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and review goal-focused member services and professional programmes, resulting in sustained membership growth, participation, and a high level of member satisfaction with IFLA services;
• Develop, implement and review communications strategies to support our advocacy, promotional and events related activities and to raise IFLA's profile internationally;
• Assist the Secretary General with the various strategic partnership programmes and activities; represent IFLA as required;
• Contribute to IFLA's strategic directions planning and policy development; participate in the organisation's governance and provide advice as required;
• Contribute to the overall management of IFLA's Headquarters and regional/language operations.

Selection Criteria

The person in this position will be an experienced and strategic senior manager with:

• Excellent analytical and planning ability, with demonstrated initiative and vision, and solutions-oriented approach; good financial skills, including income generation and budgeting skills;
• Experience in developing and implementing successful international programmes, in a consultative and inclusive way;
• Proven ability to engage in the library and information services sector and represent the organisation in a variety of forums;
• Proven ability to develop and manage communications strategies to maximise the organisation's effectiveness and responsiveness, and in applying the most appropriate communications platforms and approaches to meet communications needs;
• Good understanding of the role and functions of an international professional member-based organization; demonstrated knowledge and capacity to apply IFLA's purpose and values as set out in its Statutes.
• Highly developed written and spoken communication skills in English and the ability to target style to different audiences. IFLA works in seven official languages so a good knowledge of at least one of IFLA's working languages other than English is advantageous.
• A commitment to participative management practices, workplace diversity and to working effectively within a team environment.

How to Apply

• Applicants must already have eligibility status to work in the European Union in order to meet Dutch employment requirements [for example hold or be eligible for a European Union passport]. IFLA is not able to arrange employment eligibility status.
• Applications should be in English, and include: an introductory letter of no more than one page; your availability for the position; and specific response to the selection criteria. Please also attach your curriculum vitae, and the names of two referees.
• The closing date for applications is 6 August 2012.
• Interviews of selected candidates will be held in the week commencing 27 August 2011. IFLA may choose to conduct interviews by telephone. IFLA reserves the right not to make an appointment in this application round. The successful candidate will be expected to assume duty in The Hague in or before early October 2012.

For further details please contact:

Jennefer Nicholson

Secretary General of IFLA

Email: jennefer.nicholson@ifla.org

Please submit your application to:

Magda Bouwens

IFLA Headquarters

P.O.Box 95312

2509 CH The Hague, Netherlands

Email: magda.bouwens@ifla.org