Librarian at the University of Jos (UNIJOS)

The University of Jos, a comprehensive public institution which started as the Jos Campus of the University of Ibadan in 1971, became a full-fledged University in 1975. The University which is situated in Jos, capital of Plateau State, a city of serene environment with near temperate climate in Nigeria is very conducive for learning and research. The vision of the University is to be a globally rated university providing an excellent educational experience with high impact on the society. The University of Jos has contributed a lot to research and development of the needs of the community, solving various scientific, technological, environmental, sociocultural, economic and other problems of the society.

In the four decades of its existence, the University has built a reputation as one of the top-ranking research institutions in Africa; an effort which has made it to win many international awards the latest being the World Bank African Centre for Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development. The University has collaboration with many national and international institutions. It has strong undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in 17 Faculties with a population of 45,287 full time Undergraduate students, 806 Postgraduate Diploma students, 6,846 MSc students and 1,060 full time PhD students. The University has a full-time academic staff strength of 1,653, senior technical staff of 216, senior administrative staff of 1,544, and junior staff of 604.

In accordance with the University of Jos Act, CAP UB, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003, and the Conditions and Scheme of Service for Senior Staff, the Governing Council of the University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below which will be vacant on 14th February, 2025:

Job Title: Librarian

Location: Jos, Plateau
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• The University Librarian is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the effective development, leadership, day-to-day management of all Library Services and learning spaces in the University.
• The University Librarian will oversee collection, acquisition and development, budgeting, staff, fundraising, partnerships, library services, physical and virtual space, and strategic planning.
• The ideal candidate will be a collegial, visionary and experienced leader, with the proven ability to manage, develop, and forward the strategic vision of an academic research library, while successfully implementing operational details and managing staff.

Specific Responsibiities

• Support Teaching, Learning and Research: The University Librarian will advance the teaching learning and research mission of the University by ensuring quality resources and learning spaces are available to staff and students to support their academic activities at all times
• Develop and Manage Learning Spaces: The University Librarian will ensure that there is sufficient learning space and resources required for the varied learning and research needs of university staff and students.
• The Librarian is expected to develop policies for effective and efficient use of all university libraries.
• Financial Resource Management: The University Librarian will plan, budget and manage financial resources within his/her disposal, as well as to seek support for the University's libraries and learning resources through external sources.
• Manage and Mentor Staff: The University Librarian will develop, motivate, mentor, and evaluate all Library staff in line with their professional roles, and the University mission.
• Collaboration: The University Librarian shall be collegiate, working closely with various stakeholders in the provision of learning and research resources
• Innovation: The University Library will develop a vision to ensure that the University is prepared to remain competitive in the evolving global trends in higher education and skills development.
• Library & Information Science Programmes: The University Librarian shall participate effectively in ensuring that the University's progrmames in Library & Information Sciences are of high quality and effectively delivered.
• Engage in University Activities: The University Librarian will be involved in the University's scholarly activities, developing and maintaining relationships with staff and students at all levels, the research community, and be involved in contributing to the scholarly activities of the University.
• Health and Safety: Participate in the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment in the Library
• Other Responsibilities: Perform any other responsibilities for the development of the University and as may be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

• The successful candidate must possess a Ph.D in Library and Information Sciences or related relevant area from a recognized university.
• The successful candidate will bring a combination of expertise and experience from both the academic discipline and library/information sciences
• The Candidate should have at least, a minimum of 15 years of relevant postqualification working experience in Librarianship, including experience in an upper Management position in a University or similar Institution.
• The Candidate must be a serving officer not below the rank of Deputy Librarian. Candidates must not be above the age of sixty (60) years on the 14th February, 2025.
• The candidate must demonstrate good human. relations and exhibit considerable ability and competence in Librarianship.
• He/she must also have extensive and in-depth knowledge of the University system.
• The Candidate must have thorough knowledge of the role of a University Librarian in knowledge creation and dissemination, and have demonstrated skills and expertise in harnessing of digitalized resources towards meeting the core role of a University.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of key trends in library science, including the ability to evaluate emerging technologies.
• Must be highly Computer Literate and proficient in relevant Computer applications as applicable in the running of a Complex and modern University Library.
• Must be a member of the following:
  • Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria
  • Nigerian Library Association
• Must have experience with regional accreditation requirements
• The Library, being the centre of Academic activities of the University requires a Librarian with a proven record of research, publications and administration.
• The Librarian should also be endowed, among others with the following qualities:
  • Strong leadership and spirit of teamwork
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • High level of attention to details iv. Integrity, independence and objectivity
  • Superb written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desirable:

• Successful fundraising experience, with a record of obtaining grants.
• Experience with international accreditation requirements
• Ability and willingness to work, manage and supervise Library operations on a daily basis.

Condition of Service

• The appointment is for a single tenure of five (5) years in the first instance and on satisfactory performance, the person may have his/her tenure extended for a further period of one (1) year and no more.
• Salary and other benefits shall be as approved by the Federal Government and the Governing Council of the University of Jos.

Application Closing Date
4th October, 2024.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should forward fifteen (15) copies of their typed Applications, detailed Curriculum Vitae and photocopies of Credentials duly signed and dated. The Curriculum Vitae should at least, include these details:

• Name (surname first),
• Date and place of birth,
• Nationality,
• Marital status,
• Current and permanent home address,
• Educational institutions attended (and qualifications) with dates,
• Working experience,
• Present post and salary,
• Candidates should also include the names and addresses of three (3) referees who must be in a position to attest to the applicant's character, professional and administrative abilities.

Applications should be addressed and submitted under confidential cover in a sealed enveloped marked "Application for the Post of Librarian" to:
The Registrar,
University of Jos,
P.M.B. 2084,
Jos, Plateau State,
Post Code 930001 Nigeria

Note

• Candidates should request their referees to send the confidential reports in a sealed enveloped marked "Post of Librarian: Referees Report" at the top left hand corner directly to the Registrar.
• Candidates should note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applications and referees' report should reach the Registrar not later than the application closing date.