LUBUTO LIBRARY PARTNERS

Position: Library Operations Officer

Contract Type: Fixed-Term

Location: Lusaka, PHI

Application deadline: Position will remain open until we find the right candidate

Lubuto Library Partners (LLP) is seeking a proactive and energetic Library Operations Officer to join our talented team in carrying out the mission of our unique organization.

LLP’s mission is to demonstrate how a locally owned network of dynamic, free libraries for African children and youth can enable them to develop the knowledge and skills to connect with their culture and community and participate fully in society.  We provide a framework for libraries serving young people, exemplifying public libraries’ unique ability to include children and youth who are highly vulnerable and not in school.  Lubuto libraries support the rights of all young people to equitable education and free expression in safe, accessible and supportive environments.

Lubuto libraries serve as safe havens for all children and include all three components needed for successful public libraries:

• comprehensive, balanced collections of highest quality children’s books, technology resources and other educational and enrichment materials;
• dynamic programming offering education, psychosocial support and self-expression through reading, music, art, drama, computers, mentoring and other activities; and
• ongoing, targeted outreach that brings young people into their library and brings library services to them.

Lubuto libraries are owned and operated by local community-based organizations whose mission and values align with ours.  Supporting the network of locally owned libraries are an urban library model in Lusaka and a rural library model in Nabukuyu, Southern Province.  The urban Lubuto Model Library, which is situated on grounds provided by Zambia’s education ministry, is a center for education, training, and administration of children’s library services.  The rural Mumuni Model Library is located on land provided by traditional authorities of the area and addresses the unique needs and situation of rural children and youth.

Lubuto’s objectives are to:

• create open access to child-friendly, culture-specific, expertly-staffed libraries with the highest quality literature for young people
• support holistic development and advocate for the rights of all children and youth, especially the marginalized
• provide education for librarians, communities and teachers in public library services for children and youth

Lubuto’s approach is to:

1. identify target community and hosts

2. build library facilities reflecting social, economic and cultural patterns

3. provide great collections & resources

4. establish targeted and innovative programming

5. carry out effective outreach

6. provide education in library services for children and youth

7. monitor and evaluate libraries’ impact for learning and advocacy

The Library Operations Officer is based at LLP headquarters and is responsible for supporting library service performance at all Lubuto libraries, including those owned by host organizations. This requires travel to Lubuto libraries in the Lusaka area as transport is available, as well as regular virtual communications with Lubuto libraries in other areas and occasionally traveling to them as possible.

Upon assuming this position, the Library Operations Officer must become thoroughly familiar with LLP’s aims, standards, objectives, services and programs through review of video and written materials and discussions with LLP management team and professional advisors.

Library Operations Officer’s Responsibilities and Tasks:

Support the execution of LLP projects and library services.
Assist in communicating library service and programming priorities, plans and long-term strategy to library staff, guided by the management team and professional advisors.
Promote a team approach and positive learning environment facilitating communication among headquarters and library staff, volunteers, advisors, and partners to consistently enhance the quality of Lubuto library services.
Support library staff in understanding and carrying out their contributions to LLP’s data collection, monitoring, evaluation and learning systems and prompt, complete reporting.
Coordinate with the Finance Team for meeting library and program needs when funds are available, specifically library supplies and maintenance requests/needs from libraries.
Contribute to donor and organizational reporting on library services and programs as appropriate, and maintain awareness and keep LLP management apprised of library performance on a monthly basis.
Work with management team to identify and reach out to potential local supporters of LLP initiatives and libraries in the Lubuto network.
Support engagement of LLP professional staff in the development and coaching (including performance evaluation) of library staff and volunteers and assist in strengthening library service and program performance capacities.
As necessary, participate in recruiting and selecting library staff.
Ensure Lubuto libraries’ compliance with LLP policies and procedures.
Review library monthly reports with the management team and provide feedback to library and host organization management staff. Arrange for system-wide meetings for sharing information and continuing professional development of library staff.
Carry out routine visits to libraries to identify issues and needs and support library services.
Coordinate library and organizational events with the management team and library staff.

Position Location:

• The Library Operations Officer will work out of LLP’s Lusaka office, with regular trips to libraries to support library service performance at all Lubuto libraries, including those owned by host organizations monitor.

Compensation and position start:

• Competitive
• Position starts immediately