Information Resource Center Assistant (US Embassy Qatar)

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
Plans and implements outreach programs to advance the entire Mission’s public affairs goals. Supports the Mission with information products and services. Works with and directly supports the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, Public Affairs Officer, and Cultural Affairs Officer. Conducts research of wide scope in response to complex inquiries for information from the target audience and Mission staff. Develops and maintains contact with the highest level target audience members. Instructs and educates a wide variety of contacts, from highest-level contacts to student visitors, in the use of internet, including USG information, think-tank reports and public access databases. Leads and manages the American Corners program. Serves as a Webmaster for the Embassy. Arabic language skills are highly desirable for this position.

Qualification:
1. Education: A university degree in information science, library science, political science, international affairs, or American studies required.
2. Prior Work Experience: Three to five years of progressively responsible experience inthe field of information research, including experience in traditional research and reference services, and the use of emerging technologies and electronic resources required.
3. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) speaking/writing in English required.
4. Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of U.S. reference and resource materials in the subject areas emphasized in the Post’s Mission Strategic Plan (MSP), and of current trends and developments in American and host country information science and technology required. Knowledge of electronic retrieval and delivery tools, in particular the internet and standard information science practices and procedures required.
5. Skills and Abilities: Ability to lead and proactively develop an information resource center required. Excellent service orientation to target audience, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills required. Ability to carry out reference searches and respond rapidly to complex requests, often for breaking news required. Ability to work effectively with mission staff across sections. Ability to independently plan, organize, and carry out assigned responsibilities using electronic based technologies, including internet, CDROM, and print resources required. Ability to develop and maintain contacts with the target audience required. Excellent written and oral communication skills required.