Head of Library and Information

Position: Head of Library and Information (locally employed)
Location: Goethe-Institut Colombo
Salary: According to the local salary scheme of the Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka
Start date: 1 April 2026

As Head of Library and Information, your main responsibilities include:

• Developing and positioning the library as an attractive space for intergenerational knowledge transfer, education, and exchange.
• Continuously updating and further developing the library’s media collection, including new media formats (DVDs, gaming, VR).
• Developing regular, target-group-specific programmes in cooperation with other departments (Cultural Programme, Educational Cooperation German, Language Courses), and preparing texts for library events.
• Designing and planning events related to library, information, and translation topics, and supporting programme activities where areas overlap.
• Networking and maintaining relationships with Sri Lankan institutions and partners in the fields of libraries, books, and publishing.
• Monitoring and managing the library budget and preparing reports.
• Developing and implementing strategies to communicate projects effectively to target audiences.
• Creating promotional and press materials for projects and events, including producing a monthly newsletter.
• Managing the institute’s website, country portal, and intranet in cooperation with other departments; acting as the institute’s web contact person.
• Regularly maintaining the Goethe-Institut’s presence on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram).

YOUR PROFILE:

• Completed academic university degree or equivalent qualifications and experience.
• Excellent German language proficiency, e.g. C2 certificate or native-level fluency.
• Strong coordination and organisational skills.
• Experience in financial management and project management.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• High level of flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong social and intercultural competence.
• Willingness to undertake frequent multi-day business trips and participate in training programmes in South Asia and Germany.
• Experience in managing and supervising digital projects and virtual workspaces, or willingness to quickly familiarise yourself with them.
• Good IT skills (MS Office, MS Excel, internet) and confident use of social media.
• Willingness to quickly familiarise yourself with administrative procedures and Goethe-Institut planning tools.

WE OFFER:

• A varied and meaningful role in a globally recognised cultural institution.
• A competitive salary package in accordance with the Goethe-Institut’s local salary scheme.
• Additional health insurance.
• A cooperative and supportive international team environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

The Goethe-Institut stands for diversity among its staff. We welcome applications from all interested candidates, regardless of cultural or social background, age, religion, gender, worldview, disability, or sexual identity.


APPLICATION:

Please send your written application, including your CV, certificates, and motivation letter (in German), by 20 March 2026 via email with the subject line: “Application Head of Library and Information” to the Institute Director at: stefan.winkler@goethe.de