Information Resource Center (IRC) Director

Vacancy Announcement Number: 16/137

WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/week

SALARY: Ordinarily Resident (OR): FSN- 8; (Step 1- TZS 28,436,883 through Step 13- 42,655,323 per annum)

Not-Ordinarily Resident (NOR): FP- 6)*
*Final grade/step for NORs will be determined by Washington.

The “Open To” category listed above refers to candidates who are eligible to apply for this position. The “Open To” category should not be confused with a “hiring preference” which is explained later in this vacancy announcement.

ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS (See Appendix A for definition) MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.

The US Mission in Dar es Salaam is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of IRC Director in the Public Affairs Section.

The US Mission is accepting applicants for the Information Resource Center (IRC) Director position. The full-performance level of the position is FSN-09. Applicants will be selected at the FSN-08 (trainee) level and have the ability to be non-competitively promoted to the full-performance level. Promotion to the full-performance grade level is contingent upon the Incumbent (trainee) successfully completing on-the-job and classroom training and meeting the required years of experience necessary for the FSN-09, full-performance level. Incumbent must also meet agreed-upon objectives and milestones, and perform in a fully successful (or equivalent) manner. Failure to obtain the minimum qualification of the next grade level may be grounds for termination.


BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION 

Directs and manages the Information Resource Center (IRC). Oversees the research, reference, cataloging and outreach services conducted by the IRC staff. Coordinates services and programs with American Corners. Plans and implements outreach programs to advance the Mission's goals. Develops and maintains continuing personal contact with the highest level target audience members.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Guidance will be provided by the position Supervisor, who will review work to assure compliance with regulations.
At the end of one year, performance will be evaluated formally and if found satisfactory employee will be promoted to FSN-9 (proper grade).

This training level has been established to focus on:

Information Resource Center (IRC) Management: 
25%

As Director, this senior LES position plans, develops and manages the IRC in accordance with Mission Strategic Plan objectives and priorities. Working with the PAO and CAO, develops educational and innovative programs to engage with Tanzanian youth at the IRC. Plan and implement a wide variety of programming, including face-to-face and virtual engagements, to appeal to diverse audiences, including students, young professionals, and opinion leaders, consistent with program standards and goals established by the U.S. Embassy and the Bureau of International Information Programs. Coordinate with U.S. Embassy and other USG personnel, as well as liaise with Embassy contacts and staff of USG-supported initiatives, and American Spaces coordinators to ensure efficient use of the facility.

Oversees the Deputy Director, who manages research and reference services, and ensures that authoritative information about the U.S. is received by target audiences. Provides immediate supervision to one staff member. Directs and coordinates outreach, reference, programming and program support work. Prepares annual evaluation reports for IRC staff members. Assesses their professional development needs and requests training when appropriate. Organizes the recruitment of new personnel when required. Approves time and attendance and requests for leave.

Ensures that Mission officers and staff are kept well-informed about the services provided by the IRC. Prepares IRC contributions to the Public Diplomacy budget submissions. Advises the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Deputy Public Affairs Officer (DPAO) on strategies for managing resources to assure maximum cost-effectiveness and productivity. Reports on special IRC programs and problems; ensures that adequate IRC records and statistics are maintained for Post managers and State Department officers.

Oversees and Coordinates American Corners 
25%

As Embassy liaison, provides support to three American Corners (AC) in Mwanza, Unguja and Pemba. Manages the development and delivery of programs and events at these American Corners, in support of U.S. Mission goals. Overseas AC requests for collection acquisitions, annual sustaining fund requests, monthly reports on American corner activities, reporting on AC needs, coordinating programming and visits to ACs, and scheduling and/or conducting training for AC staff.

Outreach/Public Programs: 
25%

Promotes awareness of U.S. policies and positions in contemporary affairs through a variety of innovative outreach programs and presentations at the American Space – On Compound and American Corners by U.S. Speakers, Fulbright and exchange program alumni, and members of the U.S. Embassy.

Oversees the design of promotional materials to serve the American Space network and develops marketing strategies highlighting products, programs and services. Monitors and assesses advances in information technologies in order to electronically transmit IRC products where feasible.

Develops programs to showcase American information trends and products, including through the Bureau of International Information Programs' (IIP) thematic calendar. Works closely with other members of the Mission to enhance interagency programs.

Advises web master concerning appropriate materials and links for inclusion in the Mission web site. Evaluates the web site on a routine basis to ensure accuracy of content and relevance to bilateral issues. Promotes and markets the web site to target audiences.

Participates in professional organizations by attending conference and workshops as well as developing programs in conjunction with these organizations. Maintains close and regular ties with local and Department of State information specialists, especially the Regional Information Resources Officer based at Embassy Nairobi.

Research/Reference: 
5%

Through the management of the Deputy Director, provides in-depth reference services to Mission officers and staff, and host country contacts including parliamentarians, academics, senior civil servants, librarians, media, researchers and other policy makers. Applies knowledge and understanding of U.S. and Tanzanian political, social and cultural affairs, as well as Mission Resource Requests (MRR) objectives, to provide informed interpretation of U.S. material. Provides guidance in the use of IPC materials for public users. Uses knowledge and understanding of U.S. legislation and legislative processes, political affairs and foreign policy to provide informed interpretation of U.S. material. Provides reference service to the broader public by responding to queries accurately and in a timely manner.

Collection Development: 
5%

Working with the Deputy Director, oversees and manages of the entire collection of print and electronic resources at the IRC and ACs, for meeting the informational needs of a modern information resource center. Selects and procures materials for presentation to contacts. Identifies American Corner collection needs and manages procurement of collections and supplies for American Corners.

Prepares an annual IRC budget for approval by the Public Affairs Officer. Prioritizes purchases for all collections within this budget. Selects databases and materials, such as U.S. Govt. Printing Office publications, congressional and other USG documents, think tank reports, commercial publications and databases for the IRC collections. Prior to selection, assesses material for authority, relevance and balance as well as for contribution to MSP and public diplomacy goals. Regularly reviews and discusses the selection of materials with Mission staff to ensure that the best possible resources are purchased.

Special Projects: 
15%

Undertakes special projects as needed to ensure that a wide-range of audiences not only use, but engage in subjects relevant to U.S. Mission objectives including the area of English Teaching, Book Discussions, and the Mission Speakers Bureau. Routinely conducts surveys within key audiences to determine and advise on appropriate programs and events.

Solicits and nominates candidates, and may assist in selection of candidates from throughout the country for exchange programs, including the International Visitor Leadership Program, E-Teacher program, and other exchange programs.

In coordination with the Public Affairs Section's Alumni Coordinator, maintains accurate and current alumni records of all alumni of exchange programs participants in subject area and ensures alumni are included in outreach programs and other mission programming.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

All applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.

1. Education: 
   University degree in library science, liberal arts, management, political science, international affairs, American Studies or any other related field is required.
2. Experience: 
   Must have three years’ of experience in developing and implementing engaging programs and activities aimed at achieving specific results. Should demonstrate an increasing ability to manage a public space and/or venue is required. Must have experience in outreach techniques to engage effectively with a variety of audiences is required.
3. Language Proficiency:
   Level IV (fluent) (writing, reading and speaking) in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili is required.
4. Skills and Abilities: 
   Excellent service orientation to target audience, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills is required.
5. Knowledge: 
   Expert knowledge of U.S. political, economic, and cultural references. Advanced knowledge of Tanzanian political, social, legal, economic and educational structures is required.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: The complete position description listing all of the duties and responsibilities can be obtained on our website and/or by contacting the Human Resources Office DarRecruitment@state.gov

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER: 
1. AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
2. AEFM / USEFM 
3. FS on LWOP**
 

* IMPORTANT: Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of the most recent Member Copy Four (4) of the DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and, if applicable, a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If claiming conditional eligibility for U.S. Veterans’ preference, applicants must submit proof of conditional eligibility. If the written documentation confirming eligibility is not received in the HR office by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, the U.S. Veterans’ preference will not be considered in the application process. Mission HR’s decision on eligibility for U.S. Veterans’ preference after reviewing all required documentation is final.

** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP.

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Management will consider when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status.
2. Current OR employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply. Current OR employees with an Overall Summary rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance report (EPR) are not eligible to apply.
3. Current NOR employees hired on a Family Member Employment (FMA) or a Personal Service Agreement (PSA) are not eligible to apply within the first 90 calendar days of their employment, unless they have a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.

1. Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form DS-174), which is available on our website or by contacting Human Resources. (See “For Further Information” above);
2. Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. resume, transcripts, degrees, etc.)
3. Copy of University Degree
4. For Tanzanian Nationals: Copy of Passport, or National ID, or Voters ID
5. For Other Nationals: please attach current Resident/Work Permit and copy of valid Passport.

WHERE TO APPLY: Effective immediately only online applications will be accepted via DarRecruitment@state.gov

Applicants MUST follow instructions in the notice on the website.
When sending an online application, please indicate the position title in the subject line.
Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age(below compulsory retirement age), disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs. The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

Appendix A – DEFINITIONS

Eligible Family Member (EFM): An EFM for employment purposes is defined an individual who meets all of the following criteria:

1. U.S. Citizen or not a U.S. Citizen; and
2. Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610); or
3. Child, who is unmarried and under 21 years of age or, regardless of age, is incapable of self-support. The term “child” shall include, in addition to natural offspring, stepchild, adopted child, and a child under legal guardianship of employee, spouse, or same-sex domestic partner when such child is expected to be under legal guardianship until 21 years of age and when dependent upon and normally residing with the guardian; or
4. Parent (including stepparents and legally adoptive parents) of employee, spouse, or same-sex domestic partner, when such parent is at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support; or
5. Sister or brother (including stepsisters and stepbrothers, or adoptive sisters or brothers) of the employee, spouse, or same-sex domestic partner when such sibling is at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support, unmarried, and under 21 years of age, or regardless of age, incapable of self-support; and
6. Listed on the travel orders or approved Form OF-126 of a sponsoring employee, i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member who is permanently assigned to or stationed abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and
7. Is under chief of mission authority.

U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM): A USEFM is an individual who meets all of the following criteria:

1. U.S. Citizen; and
2. Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610) of the sponsoring employee; or
3. Child of the sponsoring employee who is unmarried and at least 18 years old; and
4. Listed on the travel orders or approved Form OF-126 of a sponsoring employee, i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member who is permanently assigned to or stationed abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and resides at the sponsoring employee’s post of assignment abroad, or as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and is under chief of mission authority; or
5. resides at an Involuntary Separate Maintenance Allowance (ISMA) location authorized under 3 FAM 3232.2; or
6. Currently receives a U.S. Government retirement annuity or pension from a career in the U.S. Foreign Service or Civil Service.

Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM): An AEFM is an individual who meets all of the following criteria:

• U.S. Citizen; and
• Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610) of the sponsoring employee; or
• Child of the sponsoring employee who is unmarried and at least 18 years old; and
• Listed on the travel orders or approved Form OF-126 of a sponsoring employee, i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member who is permanently assigned to or stationed abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT); and
• Is under chief of mission authority; and
• Is residing at the sponsoring employee's post of assignment abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and
• Does NOT currently receive a U.S. Government retirement annuity or pension from a career in the U.S. Foreign Service or Civil Service.

Member of Household (MOH) : A MOH is an individual who meets all of the following criteria.

• A MOH is someone who accompanies or joins a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member permanently assigned to or stationed abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and
• A MOH must be officially declared to the COM by the sponsoring employee as part of his/her household; and
• A MOH is under COM authority;
• A MOH may include a parent, unmarried partner, other relative, or adult child;
• A MOH may or may not be a U.S. Citizen;
• A MOH is not an EFM;
• A MOH is not listed on the travel orders or approved Form F-126 of a sponsoring employee.

Not Ordinarily Resident (NOR) – An individual who meets the following criteria:

• An EFM, USEFM or AEFM of a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member permanently assigned or stationed abroad, or as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; or
• Has diplomatic privileges and immunities; and
• Is eligible for compensation under the FS or GS salary schedule; and
• Has a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN); and
• Is not a citizen of the host country; and
• Does not ordinarily reside in the host country; and
• is not subject to host country employment and tax laws.

Ordinarily Resident (OR) – An individual who meets the following criteria:

• A citizen of the host country; or
• A non-citizen of the host country (including a U.S. citizen or a third-country national) who is locally resident and has legal and/or permanent resident status within the host country and/or who is a holder of a non-diplomatic visa/work and/or residency permit; and/or
• Is subject to host country employment and tax laws.

CLOSING DATE OF THE POSITION: January 19, 2017


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