Part-time Language Teacher (Russian)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are dedicated to promoting international cooperation and addressing global challenges. Established in 1980, UNOV serves as a hub for various UN activities in Europe, focusing on issues such as drug control, crime prevention, and terrorism. The organization employs a diverse workforce of over 1,000 individuals from various countries, reflecting its commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity. UNOV operates in multiple countries, facilitating international dialogue and collaboration on pressing global issues.

Job Overview:
The position of Part-time Language Teacher for Russian involves preparing and facilitating language lessons, ensuring high-quality delivery of scheduled courses, and maintaining up-to-date learning materials. Teachers are expected to correct assignments promptly, administer evaluations to track learner progress, and report attendance. Collaboration with the UNOV/UNODC administration team is essential, as is the ability to receive and act on feedback from clients and supervisors. The role requires teachers to monitor students' progress and provide constructive feedback, ensuring that the learning experience is both effective and engaging. Classes will be held at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) or online, with a commitment of two classes per week for regular courses and one class per week for workshops. Contracts for language teachers will last up to five months, with potential start dates in March or September 2026, depending on course demand and registration outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Team Leader, Talent Development Team (TDT), the part-time language teacher will be responsible for: a) Planning and preparing course plans and lessons that align with the UN Language Framework (UNLF), ensuring that teaching units are balanced, varied, and current. This includes adjusting lesson plans based on individual student needs and selecting or designing supplementary activities. b) Delivering interactive linguistic training, managing class interactions effectively, and providing clear instructions for both individual and group work. c) Designing and selecting appropriate assessment methods, conducting placement tests, and providing feedback on student progress. d) Seeking feedback from participants and providing reports to the Team Leader on lessons learned and areas for improvement. e) Preparing the learning environment, ensuring all necessary technology and materials are ready for each class. f) Monitoring and recording student attendance, addressing any issues with attendance as necessary. g) Contributing to the success of the Language Programme by attending meetings, collaborating with the administration team, and suggesting improvements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in language area studies, language teaching, applied linguistics, communication, education/pedagogy, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of experience teaching Russian as a foreign or second language is required, with at least three years being recent. Experience with e-learning tools and online collaboration platforms is also necessary, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience working in a multicultural environment is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as language studies, linguistics, or education. A first-level university degree may be acceptable if accompanied by significant teaching experience. The emphasis is on qualifications that demonstrate a strong foundation in language instruction and pedagogy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of teaching experience in Russian as a foreign or second language, with three years of that experience being recent. Candidates should have a proven track record of utilizing various teaching methods and technologies to enhance language learning, particularly in adult education settings.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian is mandatory, with expert-level competence as defined by the UN Language Framework. Candidates must also demonstrate fluency in English, with excellent drafting and communication skills. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for this role.

Additional Notes:
The duration of regular language courses is 17 weeks, with classes held twice a week for 1.5 hours each, totaling 51 hours per course. Workshops will last 16 weeks, with one class per week for 1 hour, totaling 16 hours. Compensation is set at 50 EUR per hour for both regular courses and workshops. Payment will be made in four installments based on the total hours worked. The contract does not include medical insurance or pension benefits. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation, which may include assessments and interviews.