District Officer in Newry

The client is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic District Officer to support the delivery of innovative, customer‑focused library services across the Newry, Mourne & Down area. This role is ideal for someone passionate about learning, community engagement, digital development, and staff leadership.

You will play a key part in shaping excellent services, supporting staff and customers, developing community-focused programmes, and enhancing access to learning, information, and cultural activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality, customer‑centred services in line with agreed standards and policies.
• Provide expert advice, information, and support to customers, staff, and partners.
• Assist users in accessing and maximising the value of resources in all formats.
• Provide timely bibliographical and technical support to meet user needs.
• Contribute to lifelong learning initiatives and other community-focused services.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders on resource and contract management.
• Support equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.
• Identify opportunities for service improvements, partnership working, and income generation.
• Deliver training to staff and customers, ensuring high standards of service.
• Promote services through events, marketing, outreach, and stakeholder engagement.
• Respond to comments and complaints in line with internal procedures.

Policy Support

• Collaborate with colleagues and managers to achieve organisational objectives.
• Deputise for the line manager when required.
• Represent the district at internal or external meetings.
• Participate in working groups and operational teams.
• Support research, planning, analysis, and preparation of reports and proposals.
• Deliver and support training for staff and customers.
• Undertake continuous professional development to remain current in library and information management.

Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, train, motivate, and, where necessary, discipline staff.
• Manage performance to ensure consistent delivery of excellent services.
• Provide leadership that fosters strong relationships and a positive working culture.
• Ensure staff wellbeing, health, and safety.
• Identify and support staff training and development needs.
• Contribute to change management processes and implementation of HR policies.
• Participate in recruitment and selection processes.

Resources & Systems

• Support development and management of print, audio‑visual, digital, and ephemeral collections.
• Assist in policy development, collection analysis, customer needs assessment, and resource promotion.
• Aid in the planning and delivery of ICT-related projects, training, and troubleshooting.
• Prepare layouts, shelving plans, and equipment lists as needed.
• Manage delegated budgets in line with financial procedures.
• Participate in duty officer rota and ensure safety and emergency procedures are followed.

What We’re Looking For:

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Hold a minimum of NVQ Level 3 or two GCE A Levels, or BTEC National or equivalent/higher qualifications and possess a minimum of two years’ experience in developing and/or delivering services. OR Possess a minimum of three years’ experience in developing and/or delivering services.
• Experience of working with internal and external customers to achieve service objectives.
• Experience of implementing policies and/or organisational strategies.
• Experience of assisting in the management of resources to support service provision.

Other Requirements and Constraints:

• Applicants must have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Libraries NI business) or other suitable form of transport which will enable the successful candidate to fulfil the requirements of the post to the satisfaction of Libraries NI.
• Be able to work a mix of mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends as required, both at base and in other service points as required.
• Have no criminal record which would prevent working with children or adults at risk.

Why Join the Client?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact within a community‑focused organisation committed to learning, culture, and public service. You’ll have the chance to lead teams, innovate, and help shape services used by thousands of people.