Archivist & Library Manager at Museum of West African

Job Description

Are you an experienced archives or collections professional seeking a leadership role in a cultural institution? This Archivist and Library Manager Job in Benin City offers an opportunity to shape the archival and research infrastructure of a growing museum. The position is based onsite in Edo State and plays a central role in institutional development and long term preservation strategy.

The role is with Museum of West African Art, an institution committed to building a world class collection and advancing museum practice across the region.

Job Overview The Archivist and Library Manager will lead the management, development, and preservation of the institution’s archives and library. This role combines strategic oversight with operational execution to ensure archival holdings and research resources are professionally managed, accessible, and aligned with international standards.

This is a pivotal infrastructure role supporting scholarship, exhibitions, research initiatives, and long term institutional growth.

Job Details Job Title: Archivist and Library Manager

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Benin City, Edo State

Job Field: Administration and Secretarial

Experience Required: Minimum of 4 years

Key Responsibilities of the Archivist and Library Manager Job Archives and Collections Management Lead cataloguing, documentation, and digitisation of archival materials

Oversee archival standards, metadata systems, and database integrity

Ensure proper handling, storage, and long term preservation of materials

Develop and implement policies and standard operating procedures for archives and records management

Maintain accurate documentation including accessions, deaccessions, condition reports, loan agreements, and insurance records

Monitor and track object movement within the collections database

Library Development and Management Lead space planning and physical organisation of the library

Develop collection strategies and acquisition systems

Oversee cataloguing systems and digital research access platforms

Establish access protocols for staff, researchers, and the public

Manage both physical and digital library resources

Research and Access Facilitate researcher and guest access to archival and library holdings

Respond to research inquiries and provide professional guidance

Conduct research on provenance, copyright, and ownership matters

Support publication, exhibition, and curatorial research initiatives

Institutional Collaboration Work closely with curators, conservators, and exhibition teams

Support scheduling, installations, and collection rotations

Assist in preparing educational materials with the Learning and Outreach team

Provide archival support for exhibitions and programming

Team Supervision and Compliance Train and supervise interns, volunteers, and temporary staff

Ensure compliance with professional archival and health and safety standards

Identify and escalate risks related to collections care and documentation integrity

Qualifications and Requirements To qualify for this Archivist and Library Manager Job, candidates must have:

Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Library and Information Studies, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Collections Management, Computer Studies, or a related discipline

Minimum of 4 to 6 years relevant experience in archives, library management, collections management, or a museum environment

Proven experience managing digital databases and inventory systems

Strong knowledge of records management frameworks and collections systems

Experience managing physical archive and library spaces

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database applications

Strong understanding of archival research methodologies

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

High attention to detail and strong analytical ability

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Career Growth and Development This Archivist and Library Manager Job offers exposure to global museum practices and collaboration across an international network of partners and affiliates. The institution promotes continuous learning and provides opportunities to shape innovative cultural initiatives while building a long term career.

Terms and Conditions Reporting Line: Head of Collections

Duty Station: Benin City, Nigeria

Contract Duration: Indefinite, subject to performance

Compensation and Benefits: Highly competitive and based on credentials

How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should forward their updated CV to:

[email protected]