Research Library Consultant
Beijing
- Organization: AIIB - Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
- Location: Beijing
- Grade: ["consultant"]
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Occupational Groups:
- Library Science
- Scientist and Researcher
- Documentation and Information Management
- Closing Date: 2025-06-13
Research Library Consultant
Research Library Consultant
Application close date
06/13/2025
1. Project Background
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s (AIIB or the Bank) Library and Research Center (LRC) is a key function of the Information Management Unit within the Facilities and Administration Services Department under the Vice President and Chief Administration Officer. The LRC is primarily responsible for leading the library and information research programs and services of the Bank, including the acquisition and management of electronic resources and subscription databases. The Research Library Consultant role is an opportunity for a dynamic and experienced researcher/librarian who will be able to establish and demonstrate the value of modern library services within the context of AIIB’s mission and strategy as a multilateral development bank (MDB) focused on developing Asia, but with members from all over the world.
2. Objectives of the Assignment
The LRC is looking for a suitable Research Library Consultant to develop and deliver research and reference services and ensure the availability of the Bank’s data and information resources. The consultant shall assume a leading role and act as the main point of contact for complex information and research requests and inquiries from clients (staff, consultants, teams, and business units, including the Bank’s investment operations, banking, legal, Board Secretariat, and other internal and external partners and stakeholders). The incumbent shall also proactively identify AIIB’s information and resource needs and coordinate research and reference services in response to users' emerging areas of interest.
3. Scope of Services
The consultant shall promote and deliver the functions of AIIB’s LRC, aligning its goals with the Bank’s vision, and covering areas such as research and reference services, collection development, resource management, and the development and maintenance of trusted information repositories. They shall develop expertise in navigating a wide range of research platforms, tools, and AIIB’s information aggregator to consolidate complex information into simple and concise reports that consistently meet LRC clients' expectations.
3. Scope of Services (Continued)
(No Value)
4. Consultancy Output / Deliverables
• Lead and undertake simple to complex business, investment, finance, and legal research in response to client requests. • Work independently with the Bank’s internal departments to proactively identify needs and conduct in-depth research services based on users' areas of interest. • Maintain ongoing liaison with project and investment operations, banking, finance colleagues, and other teams across AIIB departments to understand the context and specific information needs. Filter and organize reports and research results to provide expert professional advice tailored to clients’ requirements. • Build strong relationships with clients and contribute to research-based analysis, peer-to-peer learning, and knowledge sharing. • Assist clients by supporting their research work, providing reports, and helping evaluate and validate information—especially data or content generated by AI—to advance information integrity in AIIB’s projects and investments. • Offer customized training and consulting on research tools and library resources to clients. • Maximize the utilization of information databases Bank-wide by promoting subscribed resources and organizing training sessions with database vendors. • Liaise with relevant LRC team members regarding library resources, collection acquisitions, and payment processing. • Manage LRC technologies by serving as the primary technology contact for vendors and providing updates on library systems. • Develop and maintain a user-friendly LRC intranet, and implement enhancements aligned with sound information architecture principles. • Create and publish topical research guides aligned with AIIB’s information and knowledge needs. • Develop media-monitoring procedures and deliver services such as information alert management and information product management, as required. • Take an active role in the development and delivery of LRC training programs and learning opportunities by organizing seminars, conferences, or symposia. • Develop and implement LRC policies, standards, guidelines, procedures, and tools. • Provide training and guidance to junior team members in performing their assigned work, especially in developing subject matter expertise and tools. • Represent the LRC in internal and external meetings, forums, committees, task forces, and projects aligned with the position’s responsibilities. • Perform other relevant tasks and projects as assigned by the Head of Information Management.
4. Consultancy Output / Deliverables (Continued)
(No Value)
5. Implementation Arrangement
The successful candidate will join a dynamic, international team at AIIB headquarters in Beijing. The Research Library Consultant shall report to the Head of Information Management and work with the Records and Information Management (RIM) team of the Bank. The consultant shall make themselves available at AIIB headquarters during core business hours and attend all RIM-related business meetings to receive clarification on the directions provided.
5. Implementation Arrangement (Continued)
(No Value)
6. Support to the Consultant by the Bank
Laptop and/or desktop computer, along with access to the Bank’s relevant databases and service accounts.
7. Knowledge Transfer and Training
During this assignment, the Consultant shall continuously provide deep-dive training to LRC staff and other AIIB operations and corporate colleagues, including management, in the domains of research, reference, and digital library work. They shall transfer knowledge and expertise to the relevant staff by the end of this consultancy to ensure continuity of work. It is expected that the Consultant prepares and hands over a detailed work transfer note to their supervisor upon completion of this assignment.
Qualification Requirement
• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as Library and Information Studies, Public and Development Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Finance, etc. • Minimum of 5 years of experience in information reference and/or research work. • Robust experience in handling research and reference requests; able to manage multiple stakeholders, build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and comfortable working in large, complex environments; highly credible and persuasive. • Strong communication and presentation skills with high credibility. • Proven ability to influence, interact, and consult with staff and management; strong collaboration skills. • Comprehensive knowledge of diverse information products, research tools, and technologies, including AI (Artificial Intelligence) and databases such as Bloomberg, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, LexisNexis, Factiva, Fitch, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and other relevant development and investment databases commonly used in international financial institutions. • Familiarity with library platforms such as OCLC and Insignia, as well as copyright, intellectual property, and other compliance matters, including data privacy and ethical use of information. • Demonstrated ability to operate in a multicultural environment and build effective working relationships with internal and external clients and colleagues from a diverse global workforce.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.