Digital Repository Officers

• Blantyre


• Contract (Full-Time)


• Closing Date: 17/08/2026

Job Description

The Malawi – Liverpool – Wellcome Programme (MLW), a globally recognized centre for research and training, is seeking to fill two Digital Repository Officer positions. Funded by the Wellcome Trust and collaborating with institutions like Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHeS), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), and the University of Liverpool (UoL), MLW is dedicated to advancing research and training led by Malawian and international scientists to improve regional health outcomes. Visit www.mlw.mw for more details.

The MLW Library has recently established a Digital Repository (DR) to manage its research output. These roles will be crucial in populating and maintaining this repository, ensuring the institution’s scholarly work is effectively cataloged and accessible. Successful candidates will assist in creating metadata, reviewing digital resources, and uploading various research outputs, including theses, dissertations, articles, conference papers, and datasets, under the guidance of the Library Manager.

This is a 3-month contract, with a potential for a 3-month extension based on performance. The positions are based in Blantyre.

Digital Repository Officers will report directly to the Library Manager.

Responsibilities

1. 
   Repository Content Management
   

• Generate precise bibliographic details and metadata for the DSpace-CRIS system, adhering to institutional and international standards.


• Upload and meticulously organize diverse research materials, such as journal articles, conference papers, theses, dissertations, reports, and datasets.


• Establish clear links between publications and the corresponding researchers, research themes, groups, departments, and projects.


• Uphold the integrity, organization, and discoverability of all content within the repository.

1. 
   Content Quality Assurance
   

• Thoroughly review metadata records for completeness, uniformity, and accuracy.


• Identify and rectify any errors in metadata, duplicate entries, or inconsistencies.


• Ensure strict adherence to repository metadata standards and controlled vocabulary guidelines.

1. 
   Copyright and Access Rights Support
   

• Verify copyright status and obtain necessary license permissions before uploading full-text documents.


• Apply appropriate Creative Commons licenses and repository access permissions, ensuring compliance with publisher regulations.

1. 
   Reporting
   

• Submit weekly and monthly progress reports on repository growth, usage statistics, and research output deposits to the Library Manager.


• Undertake any additional digital library-related tasks as assigned by the Library Manager.

Requirements

Education: Minimum educational qualifications required for satisfactory job performance.

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science, a BSc. in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or a BSc. in Computer Science, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.


• Prior experience with digital institutional repository software (especially DSpace-CRIS), metadata standards, or research data management is advantageous.

Experience: Minimum years of relevant experience needed for effective job execution.

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience.


• Basic proficiency in database management systems.


• Demonstrated meticulousness and accuracy in data entry.

KEY COMPETENCIES/ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS (e.g., IT Skills, Personality, Communication, Teamwork, etc.)

• A solid understanding of Open Access publishing principles and current trends in scholarly communication.


• Advanced IT skills, including familiarity with institutional repositories (particularly D-Space-CRIS) and research data management practices.


• Excellent organizational capabilities and a proven ability to meet deadlines.


• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.


• Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team environment.

Further details regarding the job description are available on the MLW website: www.mlw.mw

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

MLW provides a competitive remuneration package, including a salary commensurate with the role, a medical aid scheme, 24-hour insurance coverage, a pension scheme, and annual gratuity benefits. MLW also supports employee development through scholarships, upgrading programs, and training opportunities, contingent upon successful job performance and other established criteria.

Applications must be received by 15th August 2026. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, and a detailed CV with contact information for 3 traceable referees (at least 2 professional) to vacancies@mlw.mw. Please submit all documents as a single PDF file, named in the format: FirstName_Surname_RoleApplied, with the email subject line: Digital Repository Officer.

MLW is committed to safeguarding and protecting the communities, research participants, and patients it serves. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular intervals during their employment.

ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.