The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Headquarters is looking for a Policy and Research Officer, specialising in copyright, open access and other legal matters (full time position, 36 hr/week) to join a dynamic international team working with members and volunteers worldwide.

IFLA is the global organisation for libraries of all types, with members in approximately 150 countries around the world. Its vision is of a strong and united library field powering literate, informed and participatory societies, and it has a mission to inspire, engage, enable and connect the global library field. It does this in particular through strengthening the global voice of libraries, inspiring and engaging professional practice, and connecting and enabling the field.

Its work on copyright and open access focuses on the need for policies and practices around the world that support meaningful access to information for all. In particular, we argue that libraries and their users should benefit from a core set of exceptions and limitations to copyright, and to support the spread of open access in a way that promotes equity.

The successful candidate will join a busy team working for the benefit of libraries around the world, through developing policy, advocating at the global level, and supporting advocacy at the national level.

Location

IFLA Headquarters is located in The Hague (next to The Hague Central Station) in The Netherlands.  Due to COVID-19 regulations, the successful candidate will be required to work remotely or from home until further notice.

Key tasks and areas of responsibility

In particular, the successful candidate will:

  • be the lead within the team on issues around copyright, open access and other legal matters
  • support the work of IFLA’s Advisory Committee on Copyright and other Legal Matters in promoting exchange and developing policy
  • provide support to IFLA members engaging in copyright reforms, developing materials to help them engage effectively as well as to build capacity
  • play a key role in IFLA’s work at the World Intellectual Property Organization and other international copyright discussions and negotiations
  • help identify and deliver actions around open access, scholarship and culture that add value for IFLA’s Members
  • support IFLA’s wider work to support the field

Required skills

  • strong knowledge of at least two of copyright, open access and libraries
  • strong analytical skills, in particular in reading and interpreting law
  • strong research skills, and the ability to present findings effectively and convincingly
  • strategic vision, and the ability to monitor the horizon for emerging issues
  • communication and networking skills, in order to work with members, and prepare tools and guides they can use
  • self-organisation, in order to be able to manage a busy and diverse brief
  • native-level English
  • at least a bachelors’ degree in a relevant field

The following skills are strongly welcomed

  • experience of working with governments and/or intergovernmental organisations
  • knowledge of other languages, in particular other IFLA official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian, Spanish)

Salary

The gross monthly salary offered will be EUR 3845 (€3,845) per month in line with the Collective agreement of Public Libraries in The Netherlands.  You will also receive a holiday allowance (8% of your annual salary), an end of year bonus and enjoy 25 days of holidays per year.  You will also participate in IFLA’s group pension scheme.

Closing date

The closing date is 27 September 2021.  Interested candidates are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible.

How to apply

Please send your CV and motivation letter addressing the responsibilities and skills required for the position in English to vacancies@ifla.org using “Policy and Research Officer: Copyright and Open Access” in the subject line.  Only candidates with valid documentation to work in The Netherlands will be considered.