Archivist & Library Manager at Museum of West African Art

Job Overview

As part of our commitment to building a world-class collection and advancing museum development and conservation practice in the region, MOWAA seeks an experienced and highly organised Archivist & Library Manager to lead the management, development, and preservation of MOWAA’s archives and institutional library. The role also combines strategic oversight with operational execution, ensuring that MOWAA’s archival holdings, research collections, and library resources are professionally managed, accessible, and aligned with international best practices.

This is a pivotal role within MOWAA’s institutional infrastructure. The Archivist & Library Manager will ensure that the organisation’s archival and research assets are preserved, professionally managed, and strategically developed to support scholarship, exhibitions, and long-term institutional growth.

Key Responsibilities

  Archives & Collections Management

• Lead the cataloguing, documentation, and digitisation of archives owned and/or managed by MOWAA.
• Oversee archival standards, metadata systems, and database integrity.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, conservation coordination, and long-term preservation of archival and collection materials.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies relating to archives, records management, and library systems.
• Maintain accurate records of installation notes, accessions, deaccessions, condition reports, loan agreements, and insurance documentation.
• Monitor and track object movement within the collections database.

Library Development & Management

• Lead the development and management of the MOWAA Library, including:
  • Space planning and physical organisation
  • Collection development strategy
  • Acquisition and cataloguing systems
  • Digital database and research access systems
• Establish access protocols for internal staff, researchers, and the public.
• Oversee both physical and digital library assets.

 Research & Access

• Facilitate researchers and guests access to archives and library holdings.
• Respond to research inquiries and provide guidance on archival materials.
• Conduct research relating to collection provenance, copyright, and ownership matters.
• Support publication, exhibition, and curatorial research initiatives.

Institutional Collaboration

• Collaborate with curators, conservators, and exhibition teams to support scheduling, installations, and collection rotations.
• Support preparation of educational materials in partnership with the Learning & Outreach Department.
• Provide archival support for exhibitions and programming initiatives.

Team Supervision & Compliance

• Train and supervise interns, volunteers, and temporary staff supporting archival and library work.
• Ensure compliance with professional archival standards and health and safety requirements.
• Identify and escalate risks relating to collections care, storage, or documentation integrity.

Key Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Library and Information Studies, Collections Management, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Computer studies or related field.
• Minimum of 4–6 years’ relevant experience in archives, library management, collections management, or a museum/cultural institution setting.
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Setting up and managing digital databases or inventory systems
  • Collections management systems
  • Records management frameworks
  • Managing physical archive/library spaces
• Proficiency in database applications and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong knowledge of archival research methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organisation and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a growing cultural institution.

Career Growth, Training & Development

MOWAA has a strong culture of constant learning and invests in developing people. This post offers exposure and hands-on experience on ways of working global institutions across MOWAA’s wide network of partners and affiliates. By joining our team, you’ll have an opportunity to shape a growing organization, work on ground-breaking initiatives, and build a rewarding long-term career.

Terms and Conditions

• Reporting Line: Head of Collections 
• Duty Station: Benin City, Nigeria
• Contract Duration: Indefinite, subject to performance
• Compensation & Benefits: Highly Competitive, subject to credentials