Waterfalls Gardens Junior School is looking for a passionate and highly skilled Librarian to foster a love of reading and support literacy development across the school.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Education
- Closing Date: 2026-09-05
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and maintain the school library and resources
- Promote reading for pleasure and information literacy
- Support teachers and learners with information needs
- Organise library activities, book clubs and literacy events
- Ensure a safe, welcoming and well-organised library environment
Requirements
- A fluent and articulate English speaker
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a private school environment
- Strong knowledge of reading strategies and literacy development
- Ability to manage a school library effectively and promote a reading culture
- Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
- Passion for working with children and supporting teachers
- A relevant qualification in Library Science or Information Management is an added advantage
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
Phone: 0774500645
Phone: 0774500645
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for an Experienced Librarian role in a Zimbabwean junior school?
Applicants usually need a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science (or equivalent) from a ZIMCHE-recognised institution, plus registration with the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA). Some schools prefer or require a postgraduate qualification or teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE), especially if the librarian supports curriculum delivery or supervises learners.
What does a typical day look like for a librarian at a junior school like Waterfalls Gardens in Zimbabwe?
Daily duties include managing book lending/returns, cataloguing new resources, supporting classroom teachers with lesson-aligned reading materials, and running literacy activities such as storytime or reading clubs. Librarians also maintain library records, supervise learners during breaks or study periods, and often assist with ICT access—especially important where digital resources are limited and internet connectivity is intermittent.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations for librarians differ in Zimbabwean schools compared to other countries?
Librarians in Zimbabwean junior schools are expected to be highly adaptable, resourceful, and community-oriented—often taking on informal mentoring or pastoral support roles due to staff shortages. Punctuality, respect for hierarchy (e.g., reporting to the headteacher), and active participation in school events (e.g., Parents’ Day, Book Week) are strongly valued cultural norms.
What realistic career progression paths exist for librarians working in Zimbabwean private or trust-run junior schools?
Experienced librarians may progress to Senior Librarian or Library Coordinator roles across multiple schools in a trust, or transition into curriculum support, ICT coordination, or school administration—especially with additional qualifications like a Master’s or leadership training. Some move into teacher training institutions or ZimLA governance roles, though opportunities depend heavily on institutional capacity and national education policy developments.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) can I realistically expect in this type of role in Zimbabwe?
Most reputable private junior schools offer at least 21–30 days annual leave, sick leave per the Labour Act, and basic medical aid—though coverage varies widely and may exclude dependants or specialist care. Pension contributions are increasingly common but not universal; many schools participate in the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) scheme, while others offer voluntary private pension plans.
How should I apply, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in librarian candidates?
Applications are typically submitted via email or in person with a CV, certified academic certificates, ZimLA registration proof, and a signed application letter addressed to the school’s Board or Headteacher. Employers prioritise evidence of practical experience managing small-school libraries, familiarity with Zimbabwe’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and demonstrated initiative—such as developing reading programmes with limited resources or integrating local language materials.