This position is located in the General and International Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collections Services. The position description number for this position is 12792. The salary range reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metro area. The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to communicate in English and at least one indigenous African language (e.g., Swahili, Wolof, Yoruba, etc.); proficiency in French is highly desirable.** Knowledge of the history, culture, politics, and literature of African countries.** Ability to supervise and lead a diverse workforce.** Knowledge and application of the principles, concepts, and techniques of Library and Information Science.** Ability to provide public programs outreach and consultation and liaison services. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Supervises the work of the Section's staff. Plans the work of the Section, including formulating goals and objectives and identifying opportunities for improvements in methods and procedures. Supervises and participates in the preparation of reports, translations, bibliographies, exhibits, web pages and other information products of the Section. Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. Observes workers' performance; demonstrates and conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Develops work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to workers related to work and administrative matters. Effects disciplinary measures appropriate to the authority delegated in this area. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests. Assures subordinates are trained and fully comply with safety regulations. Responsible for furthering the goals of equal employment opportunity (EEO) by taking positive steps to assure the accomplishment of diversity objectives and by adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability. Specifically, initiates nondiscriminatory practices for the area under his/her supervision in the following: (1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of applicants; (2) fair treatment of all; (3) encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of their skills. Plans, establishes, and directs a library reference program to provide information about the region. Oversees all reference services provided by the section's staff. On assignment, supervises staffing of the division's reading room and administers the policies and regulations concerning security and access to the collections. Collaborates with other Library staff and outside partners in developing and providing access to library resources through the web and by other means. Participates in the implementation and evaluation of reference and public service policies, procedures, and publications. Implements new reference services and techniques to improve and expand services. Meets with researchers and analyzes questions and requirements in depth and detail and suggests search strategies. Uses broad knowledge of multiple information sources, including experts both inside and outside the Library, to assist readers and to develop domestic and international resources for obtaining future information. Makes significant recommendations to change, interpret, and develop important and/or innovative policies affecting the process and funding of acquisitions from and relating to the area of the section's responsibility. Oversees staff making authoritative recommendations for the acquisition of materials in all languages, formats and subjects of relevance to the study of the region, including legal, audiovisual, and electronic items. Ensures the comprehensiveness and accessibility of collections within the scope of the section. Conducts a continuous survey of all relevant Library collections in all appropriate languages for the purpose of creating and maintaining the highest possible level of resources for the study of the region. Maintains relations with potential donors, government agencies, scholars, publishers and other sources for the purpose of bringing appropriate materials to the Library by purchase, gift, exchange or other means to enrich and diversify the collections. Evaluates offers of gifts for compatibility with library acquisition policies and recommends acceptance or rejection. Plans and produces public programs, exhibits, seminars, and colloquia on the region, bringing attention to research developments and collections of interest to both scholars and the general public. Under the guidance of the Division Chief, may be responsible for cultivating relations with potential donors and securing funds for acquisitions, public programs, exhibits, and other activities related to the section's geographic area. Reviews and analyzes major issues in information research and dissemination as they apply to providing information about the region. Provides highly specialized research for the use of Congressional clients, the courts, national security agencies and other researchers inside and outside the Library. Prepares definitive and highly complex reports, responses to inquiries, and research products using knowledge as a recognized authority in field of expertise.