Library Assistant

• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Operations and Integration (O&I) collective delivers essential enabling services that support the organisation’s scientific and technical portfolio. Our key functions include corporate services, programme support, partnerships, resource mobilisation, and strategic engagement. These services are coordinated through our regional and satellite offices across the Pacific and Europe. Additionally, the O&I collective leads a dedicated workstream focused on organisational change and transformation to drive continuous improvement and adaptability.

The role – Library Assistant will assist the Senior Information Management Assistant at the Suva Library by cataloguing and processing library records as well as performing ad-hoc Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) support tasks as required.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Cataloguing library records into SPC’s Koha library management system (LMS) and into SPC Digital Library

• Conduct data entry.
• Catalogue new records and edit existing records in Koha LMS and SPC Digital Library.

Processing library and archives records

• Insert barcodes and stamps.
• Update (digital) library records.
• Verify and check records.
• Physically relocate library records.
• Scan, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and photocopy documents as required.

Supporting SPC’s information and knowledge management processes

• Ensure all library information processes and policies are followed.

Assisting the Senior Information Management Assistant with ad-hoc tasks

• Provide timely support through the completion of ad hoc administrative tasks as assigned by the Information and Knowledge Management Coordinator and Senior Information Management Assistant.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A diploma in Library/Information Management Studies and/or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• One year experience in data entry and processing experience in a library or information management environment.
• Experience cataloguing in a library of information management environment.
• Familiarity with MARC, AACR2, Dewey Decimal Classification and Library of Congress subject heading standards.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and a networked environment.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2028 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Library Assistant is a band 5 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 1,636-2,045 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised locally (EPAL) whose duty station is Suva – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.

Application procedure

Closing Date – 29 March 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000933

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. What experience do you have in cataloguing? Please briefly explain.
2. Have you worked with or used an Integrated Library Management System (ILMS)?
3. Are you familiar with international standard library tools like Dewey and Library of Congress Subject Headings? If so, please briefly explain your experience.

Position Description