The National Gallery of Ireland (Gallery) is the country’s most popular free visitor attraction housing the nation’s collection of European and Irish art from about 1300 to the present day, and an extensive Library & Archive. Nominated for European Museum of the Year (2018), and winner of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Culture-Public Building award (2018), the Gallery continues its mission of serving our visitors in their enrichment and enjoyment of visual art. Entry to the collection is free for all to enjoy, learn and be inspired. The ESB Centre for the Study of Irish Art (CSIA) is a research centre which holds an important and valuable library and archive collection for studying the history of art in Ireland. The care and development of this part of the Gallery collection is a core objective of the CSIA. The collection is continually growing exponentially with new acquisitions of large artist archives in addition to ongoing library acquisitions.

The Gallery wishes to recruit an ESB CSIA Assistant Librarian/Archivist in the Library & Archive Department on a fixed-term basis. The purpose of the role is to support research in the area of the visual arts in Ireland and to promote an interest in Irish art and its history. Reporting to the Curator of the ESB Centre for the Study of Irish Art the successful candidate will:

• Support the daily operations of the ESB CSIA
• Support the general upkeep, care and maintenance of the CSIA collections
• Support reading room services, provide assistance to researchers and deal with enquiries
• Work closely and collaborate with the broader library and archive team on matters relating to collection care, development, management, access and engagement
• Support the processing and cataloguing of the Irish art archive and ephemera collections
• Contribute to the cataloguing of the Irish art library and special collections
• Assist in the development of collection management systems and the provision of online access to the collections
• Contribute to digitisation programmes and online projects
• Support collection development and acquisitions
• Oversee the administration of new accessions and the circulation, loan and movement of CSIA collections
• Assist with development and implementation of CSIA projects and programmes
• Contribute to planning and delivery of CSIA public engagement programmes
• Support both existing partnerships and opportunities to build collaborations with scholarly, cultural and heritage organisations.
• Contribute actively to promoting the ESB CSIA collections and services
• Work with colleagues across the Gallery to support public and research programmes relating to Irish art
• Complete other duties as required

The successful candidate will have:

• A post-graduate qualification in archive management, librarian information management or related field
• Background in Irish art history, history of art or related area
• Experience with archive and library cataloguing procedures, systems and standards
• Experience dealing with researchers and working in a library, archive or similar environment
• Familiarity with handling, organising and processing archival and library collections
• An interest in the Irish visual arts, archives and special collections
• Excellent organisation and time management skills coupled with ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• A keen interest in research and strong written communication skills
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills
• A collaborative approach to work and an ability to work as part of a team or on own initiative
• Excellent IT (Microsoft), systems and digital skills
• An enthusiasm and interest in working in a cultural institution and a willingness to contribute to a positive working environment

Note: This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening, security and Garda vetting procedures

Grade and Salary: Salary will be in accordance with point 1 of the Assistant Keeper II Salary Scale (PPC), currently €32,321 per annum. Candidates should note the National Gallery of Ireland complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment
 
Duration: 2 year fixed-term contract
 
Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 37 hours per week (net of breaks) onsite and/or remotely. Please note, flexibility is required and the successful candidate may be required to work occasional late evenings and weekends
 
Closing date for receipt of applications: 18 August 2021

Interviews will be held week commencing: 23 August 2021

How to apply: Please upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates should note that panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled.
Candidates should note that panels will be formed from which future positions may be filled.