Spanish Language Teacher

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU), which is part of the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS) under the Office of Support Operations (OSO) in the Department of Operational Support (DOS). The LCTU is dedicated to promoting linguistic balance and multilingualism within the UN Secretariat, enhancing the language skills of staff as mandated by various General Assembly resolutions. The LCTU offers language courses in multiple languages including Spanish, English, French, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian, catering to staff at UN Headquarters and across the Global Secretariat. The CDOTS is responsible for providing operational training and facilitating business process management activities within the UN. The DOS was established to deliver comprehensive operational support and advisory services to various UN entities, including field missions and regional commissions.

Job Overview:
The Spanish Language Teacher position is focused on promoting multilingualism and enhancing the communication skills of UN staff in Spanish. The role involves teaching Spanish at various levels, from beginners to advanced learners, and includes specialized courses aimed at improving high-level communication skills. The teacher will be responsible for developing and delivering face-to-face, blended, and online courses, as well as creating and updating course materials and assessments. The position requires collaboration with clients to tailor courses to their specific needs and to provide guidance and feedback. The teacher will also participate in LCTU projects, manage the Spanish Language Programme, and ensure the effective delivery of language proficiency examinations. The role is integral to meeting the language and communication needs of UN staff and contributes to the overall mission of the LCTU.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Spanish Language Teacher will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: teaching Spanish as a foreign or second language at all levels; developing and delivering language and communication skills courses; creating and updating course curricula and materials; designing tailored communication skills courses for UN offices; conducting training and workshops on language learning methodologies; advising clients and providing individualized feedback; participating in LCTU projects; drafting and evaluating Spanish Language Proficiency Examinations; managing the Spanish Language Programme; setting and managing programme objectives; maintaining attendance and grading records; and performing other related duties as required. The teacher will also be expected to engage in continuous professional development and contribute to the overall objectives of the LCTU.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in language area studies, language teaching, applied linguistics, communication, education/pedagogy, or a related field. A strong emphasis on the theory and practice of teaching Spanish as a second or foreign language to adult learners is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 500 training contract hours in relevant areas, such as teaching Spanish, curriculum development, and language examination design. Experience with technology in language teaching is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as language area studies, language teaching, applied linguistics, communication, or education/pedagogy. Degrees that focus specifically on teaching Spanish as a second or foreign language to adults are highly desirable. Candidates should also have completed a minimum of 500 hours of training in relevant areas beyond their university degree, which may include specialized courses in language teaching and curriculum development.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience teaching Spanish as a foreign or second language to adults in multicultural settings, such as corporate or academic environments. At least three years of recent experience in curriculum development, language examination design, or teacher training for adult learners is required. Experience in developing and teaching online Spanish courses, utilizing various web tools and platforms, is also desirable. Candidates should have experience teaching learners at different levels of language competence, including preparation for Spanish proficiency examinations.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. The minimum required level for each skill in these languages is specified according to the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency at UN Level II for English and UN Level IV for Spanish in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of three months, subject to budgetary approval and the availability of funds. This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be located within commuting distance of New York. The United Nations Language Programme operates on a trimester basis, with a normal work week consisting of five days and 36 working hours. Full-time teachers are expected to teach for 15 hours per week and spend an equivalent amount of time on preparation and grading. The UN is committed to gender balance and diversity in its workforce, encouraging female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.