Part-Time Russian Language Teacher

Job Posting Organization:
The Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) operates under the Capacity Development and Operational Training Services (CDOTS) within the Office of Support Operations (OSO) of the Department of Operational Support (DOS) at the United Nations. The LCTU is dedicated to promoting linguistic balance and multilingualism within the UN Secretariat, as mandated by various General Assembly resolutions. The organization aims to enhance the language abilities of UN staff through structured language and communication skills courses. The LCTU offers courses in multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, catering to staff members at UN Headquarters in New York and across the Global Secretariat. The organization is committed to aligning its offerings with organizational goals and priorities, as well as adhering to UN policies and instructions on learning. The LCTU is continuously evolving to meet the demands of language learning, which necessitates the hiring of additional part-time language teachers as individual contractors based on demand and budget availability.

Job Overview:
The position of Part-Time Russian Language Teacher involves preparing and facilitating lessons for assigned courses, correcting assignments and homework promptly, and monitoring student progress. Teachers are expected to provide both group and individual feedback, administer assessments, and grade evaluation tasks, tests, and exams as scheduled. At the conclusion of each course, teachers must provide final evaluations and report on student attendance. The role also includes participation in the development of language or communication skills projects, with expectations to report periodically on project progress and integrate feedback from supervisors to ensure quality deliverables. The position requires flexibility in teaching modalities, including in-person, online, or hybrid formats, and necessitates the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) for course administration and record-keeping. The overarching goal is to promote multilingualism and enhance communication skills among UN staff, thereby contributing to the organization's mission of effective communication across diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Part-Time Russian Language Teacher include preparing and teaching Russian language courses at various levels, assessing student performance, and providing constructive feedback. Teachers will utilize Learning Management Systems (such as Moodle) and e-learning tools for course preparation and delivery. Responsibilities also encompass administering the course within the LMS, maintaining attendance and grading records, and developing new Russian language courses and learning materials, including self-study options. Additionally, teachers are tasked with designing language learning assessment materials, constructing, and grading language proficiency exams according to established guidelines. The role requires a commitment to promoting multilingualism and effective communication skills among UN staff, ensuring that the courses align with the organizational goals and the needs of the learners.

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. Degrees with a focus on the theory and practice of teaching a second or foreign language to adult learners are particularly desirable. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Post-degree training in second or foreign language teaching is highly desirable, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes 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. Candidates with degrees emphasizing the theory and practice of teaching a second or foreign language to adults are preferred. A first-level university degree, along with two years of qualifying experience, may be considered as an alternative to the advanced degree. Additional training in second or foreign language teaching post-degree is also highly desirable, indicating a commitment to professional development in this area.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience teaching Russian as a foreign or second language to adults in a multicultural setting, which can include corporate, academic, or other professional environments. Of this experience, at least three years must involve recent work in curriculum development, language examination design, and/or language teacher training. Familiarity with a variety of e-learning tools, learning management systems, and online collaboration tools for teaching a second or foreign language is desirable. Experience in a multicultural environment is also highly valued, as it aligns with the diverse context of the UN.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include expert-level competence in Russian, both oral and written, as per the UN Language Framework. Additionally, advanced knowledge of English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is linked to the language learning calendar and specifically to the length of courses and pedagogical activities assigned. The role is part-time, and the number of contractors hired will vary based on demand and budget availability. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Furthermore, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.