The U.S. Mission in Nairobi is excited to announce a vacancy for the position of Head of Serials Section in the Library of Congress office. We are seeking a qualified and dedicated individual to fill this role, which is vital to the success of our library operations. The successful candidate will oversee critical processes related to the cataloging, preservation, and maintenance of serials and other continuing resources, ensuring the proper management of materials acquired from over 30 Sub-Saharan African countries.
This position is open to all interested applicants, including U.S. citizen eligible family members (USEFMs), U.S. citizens, and third-country nationals. We encourage individuals with a passion for library services and a strong understanding of serials management to apply.
Announcement Number: Nairobi-2026-059
Position Title: Head of Serials Section
Vacancy Time Zone: GMT+3
Salary: KSh 3,323,835 – KSh 5,650,510 per year
Duty Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Work Schedule: Full-time (Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week)
Promotion Potential: LE-9
Security Clearance Required: Public Trust – Background Investigation
Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No
Travel Required: Not Required
Telework Eligible: No
How to Apply:
Applicants must click the “Apply to This Vacancy” button to begin their application process. All relevant documents, including a CV and other supporting materials, should be submitted as instructed in the application form.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Head of Serials Section will be responsible for overseeing and managing the serials control processes, ensuring efficient cataloging, and maintaining the integrity of records. The incumbent will also manage newspaper preservation efforts and supervise the Serials Control and Preservation Technicians. Key responsibilities include:
Section Management and Technical Review (50%)
- Supervision: Direct supervision of two full-time staff members – Serials Control Technician and Serials Preservation Technician.
- Serials Control: Oversee the creation and maintenance of serials control records in the Integrated Library System (ILS). Ensure all new serial titles are checked-in accurately upon receipt, with correct bibliographic and administrative data (including title, publishing information, and frequency).
- Newspaper Preservation: Manage the preservation program for newspapers and periodicals, setting production goals and reviewing annual work schedules. Work closely with the Library of Congress Washington office to ensure updates and progress on preservation efforts.
- Technical Review: Evaluate the technical aspects of serials preservation and control, ensuring compliance with international standards and guidelines.
Descriptive and Analytical Cataloging (40%)
- Cataloging: Perform original and complex descriptive cataloging for all serials and continuing resources, using the Resource Description and Access (RDA) standard, and following Library of Congress cataloging guidelines.
- MARCMARC Format: Utilize the MARC format to create bibliographic records, ensuring accurate cataloging and adherence to industry standards.
- Database Management: Record cataloged items in both the Library of Congress (LOC) ILS and OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), maintaining up-to-date records and ensuring proper integration across databases.
Web Archiving (10%)
- Primary Point of Contact: Serve as the main point of contact for the Nairobi Office’s web archiving initiatives, collaborating with LOC-Washington and field director to identify important websites for archival.
- Archiving Proposals: Propose websites for inclusion in the web archiving projects, ensuring compliance with library policies and international standards for digital archiving.
- Web Content Review: Assist in reviewing captured web content, ensuring that all relevant material is archived and cataloged accurately.
Qualifications and Evaluations
While the qualifications are not outlined explicitly in the job description, it is anticipated that candidates will need to demonstrate relevant experience in cataloging and serials management, familiarity with MARC and RDA cataloging formats, and a strong understanding of web archiving practices.
Benefits and Other Information
- Compensation: Competitive salary, based on qualifications and experience.
- Leave Benefits: Standard leave benefits as per the U.S. Mission in Nairobi policy.
- Health and Safety: Comprehensive health benefits are provided.
- Family and Relocation: The U.S. Mission offers benefits to eligible family members and may assist with relocation where applicable.
- Employment Conditions: The successful candidate will be employed on a permanent basis, with benefits and compensation aligned with local regulations and the terms set forth by the U.S. Mission.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow the instructions provided on the application platform. Applicants should ensure that they submit all required documentation, including their resume, proof of qualifications, and any other materials requested.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their experience, skills, and ability to meet the qualifications of the position. A complete application must be submitted before the closing date to be considered.
The deadline for applications is March 6, 2026.
For more details, contact the Human Resources section at [email protected] or call 020363000.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The U.S. Mission in Nairobi is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing fair and equitable treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.
