The e-Libraries Specialist at Tanzania Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH)
Position Description:
Tanzania Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH) is a national body established by the Act of parliament No 7 of 1986. COSTECH Mission is to foster knowledge based economy through promotion, coordination of research, technology development and innovation for sustainable development in Tanzania, while its vision is to be a prime driver of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development in realizing the country Development Vision 2025. COSTECH is the principal advisory organ to the Government on all matters pertaining to Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and their application for socio-economic development of the country.
In collaboration with the Tanzania Science and Technology Higher Education Program (STHEP) under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) COSTECH is undertaking a 7-year Program financed by IDA through two tranches (APL1 and APL2). It is expected to contribute to the NGRSP (MKUKUTA) Cluster One goals of increasing growth by promoting the ability of the tertiary education sector to provide relevant, high-quality graduates, especially in science, technology, and engineering disciplines.
Within STHEP, a major objective of component 2B is to provide a National Research and Education Network (NREN) to: better manage the increasing numbers of students as the education sector expands; improve the quality of data used in decision making and resource management; enhance knowledge sharing; improve transparency; improve classroom student-teacher participation; and improve research capability
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology (MCST) - the National coordinating Ministry for the development of all ICT related activities - is currently building the National ICT Optic Fiber Cable (OFC) infrastructure Backbone (NICTBB).
POSITION SCOPE AND PURPOSE :
The e-Libraries Specialist will be responsible for the deployment via the NREN of shared e-Library services to all HERIs as well as ensuring that essential capacity building for stakeholders is implemented.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work in close collaboration with the consultants contracted to conduct the feasibility study for the implementation of EMIS and e-Library
• Facilitate the survey of all 128 HERIs to characterize their existing IT infrastructure and related environment
• Learn new skills, and experience from consulting firm
• Build good relationships with all HERIs to facilitate the establishment and ongoing improvement of shared e-Library services
• Serve as the recognized Tanzanian expert on e-Library shared application issues
• Making presentations to HERIs leaders
• Provide thought leadership to the HERIs on the application of technical and administration issues, particularly on the issue of “buy, customize, or develop” when considering new shared e-library services
• Engage with system developers and technology providers to design and develop appropriate further improvements to the shared e-library services
• Keep abreast of the latest relevant technological developments, with special focus on relevant FOSS applications
• Maintain the digital library and online subscripti
on of journals
• Update the e-Library databases
• Provide routine maintenance, support and ongoing capacity building for HERIs in e-library related capacity building
• Facilitate mechanisms for developing and sharing e-Library expertise within HERIs that does not yet exist in Tanzania
• Advise as required on the availability of top quality ICT Research students to be seconded to the e-Library team (funded by STHEP), to handle specific problems or opportunities, both to the benefit of the project, and as a practical component of their research qualification
• Provide quarterly status reports to all stakeholders regarding the e-Library program implementation, focusing on activities, challenges and success
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time
• Any other duties as assigned by superior
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Academic Qualifications:
• The post requires a relevant Masters Degree in Management Information Systems, Information Technology, Information Systems or Software Engineering.
• Having a first degree in Document Management/library Services would be an advantage.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
• The e-library expert must have knowledge, skills and experience that include the following
• At least four (4) years of research and/or working experience in a relevant field
• Proven experience in the e-library field, with particular understanding of the technical and social implications of the emerging global networked environment, e.g. Semantic Web skills)
• Knowledge of current and emerging ICTs and technology trends, in particular those related to the Internet
• Sound knowledge of current online database platforms, content management systems and user interfaces suitable for use in e-library applications, particularly of FOSS origin
Salary:
Attractive and competitive, negotiable according to qualifications.
Application Instructions:
Interested candidate should forward the application letter outlining how s/he is suitable for the position attaching up to date curriculum vitae, copies of certificate, testimonials and three names of referees by posting to:
Director General
Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology
P.O. Box 4302
DAR ES SALAAM
Applicants are requested to indicate their telephone and/or fax numbers and e-mail addresses for easy contact.
