National Librarian

National Library Service (NLS)

Organisation Overview

The National Library Service Board (NLS) is a Statutory Corporation established under the National Library Service Act of 1967. It operates nationwide public library and information services in Malawi currently within 16 branches. The statutory responsibilities are to promote, establish, equip, manage, maintain, and develop libraries in Malawi. The mission is to ensure that people of Malawi have access to educational, training, recreational, and information materials for national development whilst the vision is to “become a centre of excellence for information and knowledge”

National Library Service is seeking qualified and highly motivated individuals to fill the following vacancies at the institution:

JOB TITLE : National Librarian (CEO) (Re-advertisement)
Duty Station : National Library Service Head Office, Lilongwe
Reporting to : Board of Directors

Job Summary

The National Librarian operates as the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation and is responsible for the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the National Library Service Board. The successful candidate is expected to provide leadership in setting and managing the strategic direction of National Library Service as well as in the implementation and review of policies, systems, procedures, strategies, projects, budgets and work plans as approved by the Board of Directors.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

These shall include:

  1. Formulating, implementing and reviewing policies, strategies, systems and work plans and creating appropriate work environment;
  2. Planning, organizing, directing and implementation of financial, procurement, administrative and other core activities in accordance with the Board’s mandate, good practice and legal provisions;
  3. Ensuring that the Board designs, operates, enforces and reviews a proper accounting and internal control systems in conformity with relevant regulations and generally acceptable standards;
  4. Identifying and implementing reforms; and institutional development initiatives including functional reviews;
  5. Monitoring and evaluating organizational performance in meeting strategic objectives and determining areas of potential improvement;
  6. Establishing good working relationship with various stakeholders including Government agencies and Development Partners to help achieve goals of the Board.
  7. Determining staffing requirements for the Board and implement a performance management system for all staff which
  8. includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review;
  9. Preparing and presenting appropriate reports to the Board of Directors, Government and Development Partners as required and approved from time to time;
  10. Ensuring the expansion of the NLS services to meet the increased demand of its users.
  11. Carrying out any other duties relevant to the post as assigned from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Minimum of Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from a recognized institution of higher learning.
  • 10 years working experience at senior management level.

Skills and Other Attributes

  • Strong leadership and management skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Team building and organizational skills
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Technical skills
  • High integrity with visionary thinking
  • Ability to initiate and implement short and long-term strategic plans
  • Ability to build and maintain a network of professional relationships

Appointment and Remuneration

The successful candidates will be offered performance-related contracts of three (3) years renewable based on satisfactory performance with competitive remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply
Interested persons should apply to the address below enclosing detailed Curriculum Vitae with names and contacts of three traceable referees, a cover letter specifying the position being applied for, and photocopy certificates by 7th October, 2024.

The Comptroller of Statutory Corporations
Department of Statutory Corporations
P. O. Box 30061
Capital City Lilongwe 3

NOTE:
Those who responded to the previous advertisement are encouraged to re-apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for interviews.

Scroll to Top