Librarian and Publications Officer

About AREU

The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is an Afghanistan-based nonprofit research organization established in 2002 with the assistance of international community. AREU’s mission is to inform policy and practice by conducting high quality, evidence-based research and actively disseminating the results, and to promote a culture of research and learning in Afghanistan. More information about AREU’s works and activities can be found on its website www.areu.org.af

Position Purpose

AREU Library primarily supports the research work of AREU while also making available its various collections of books, publications, and other print and digital materials to national and international researchers, teachers, students, and other library users and visitors. The role of Librarian and Publications Officer is to provide comprehensive specialist services and support to AREU to select, develop, and maintain its library multilingual collections, publications, and services. Major areas of responsibilities include specialist classification, cataloging, and maintenance of AREU library materials and publications, acquisition of new books, periodicals and digital materials for inclusion in library collection, provision of reference services to users, and conducting – as needed – specialized library information and orientation training programs and tours.

Specific Responsibilities

The Librarian and Publications Officer will report to the Communication and Advocacy Manager, and will execute the following specific duties:

Library Duties

• Providing specialist services and guidance to classify, catalog, and maintain library materials and publications in support of the vision, mission, and values of AREU for a better Afghanistan.
• Providing professional reference assistance and services, including performing manual and online-specialized reference searches in assistance of the library users.
• Maintaining and when necessary developing systems to access AREU library collections and publications, including preparing specialized library policy guides, bibliographies, indexes, reading lists, guides, and other finding aids.
• Identification and acquisition (where feasible) of relevant research and academic materials, including books, periodicals and other print and digital materials for inclusion in library collection.
• Providing – upon request – specialized library information training and capacity building programs and tours, including coordinating and maintaining good and professional relations between AREU Library and other public and private libraries.
• Preforming any other duties related to the safety, maintenance, improvement, user-friendliness, and efficiency and productivity of AREU library.

Publications Duties

• Performing regular fact checking and formatting tasks related to the organization’s print and digital publications including but not limited to organization newsletter, research reports, and other knowledge – related promotional print and digital products.
• Ensuring all print and digital publications of the organization comply with the policies and procedures of AREU as well as the governing laws of Afghanistan.
• Working closing with the Communications and Advocacy Team and other AREU staff in the manual, online, and timely dissemination of all AREU-related publications.
• Managing and when necessary producing content for inclusion in the Afghanistan Research Newsletter.
• Editing, proofreading, and keeping up to date all English, Dari, and Pashto information and materials for the AREU website, social media accounts, and other digital platforms.
• Performing other internal and external publication tasks as required.

Person Specifications  

• Education qualification – a bachelor’s degree in Library of Science, humanities, social science, and or a related field is required (MA and PhD are preferred, but not required).
• Professional experience – evidence of 2 to 4 year working experience in library and publications is required.
• Interpersonal skills –ability to have and establish effective interpersonal relationships, as well as ability to work independently and with diverse teams.
• Technology knowledge – working knowledge of computer skills in Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, Excel, etc., as well as email correspondence, is required.
• Language skill – strong oral and written communications in English, Pashto, and Dari is required.
• Contextual familiarity – familiarity with the current regional and global state of librarianship, research, and publications is desirable.
• Professionalism and integrity – personal and professional commitment, an open-mindset, and tranquility to diversity and equality, and impartiality, is a requirement.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position will be determined commensurate with experience, taking into consideration AREU’s salary scales.

How to apply:

Please apply by sending a CV/resume and a cover letter to   [email protected]. The subject title of your email should be “AREU Librarian and Publications Officer.” Closing date for receiving the applications is 18 October 2023. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.