Part-time Language Teachers (French)

Job Posting Organization:
The Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) operates under the Capacity Development and Operational Training Services (CDOTS) of the Office of Support Operations (OSO) within the Department of Operational Support (DOS) at the United Nations. The LCTU is dedicated to promoting linguistic balance and multilingualism within the UN Secretariat, enhancing the language abilities of staff as mandated by various General Assembly resolutions. The organization provides language and communication skills courses in multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish to UN staff at Headquarters in New York and across the Global Secretariat. The LCTU is committed to aligning its offerings with organizational goals and priorities, adhering to UN policies and instructions on learning, and following the Secretary-General's recommendations on multilingualism. The unit employs a diverse team of personnel distributed across six language programs, focusing on the delivery, development, and assessment of language skills. The need for part-time language teachers arises from the demand for language learning that current staff cannot meet, leading to the hiring of individual contractors based on demand and budget availability.

Job Overview:
The role of part-time language teachers at the LCTU involves preparing and facilitating lessons for assigned courses, correcting assignments and homework promptly, and monitoring student progress while suggesting effective learning strategies weekly. Teachers are responsible for providing both group and individual feedback, administering assessments, and grading tests and exams as scheduled. At the conclusion of each course, teachers must provide final evaluations of students and report on attendance. Communication is key, as teachers are expected to respond to emails within 48 hours. The position may also involve participation in the development of language or communication skills projects, requiring periodic reporting on project progress and integration of feedback from supervisors to ensure quality deliverables. The contract duration is linked to the language learning calendar and the length of assigned courses and pedagogical activities, with the possibility of working remotely or in-person in New York.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties of part-time French language teachers include preparing and teaching French language and communication skills courses at various levels, utilizing both in-person and online or hybrid modalities. Teachers are expected to assess student performance and provide constructive feedback. They will administer courses through Learning Management Systems (such as Moodle), maintaining attendance and grading records. Additionally, teachers are tasked with developing new French language courses and learning materials, employing innovative instructional technology. They will also design assessments and construct language proficiency exams according to specific guidelines, ensuring that the courses meet the needs of adult learners in a multicultural environment.

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 emphasizing 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 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 in relevant fields such as language studies, linguistics, communication, or education. Candidates with a focus on teaching methodologies for adult learners will be favored. A first-level university degree, along with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered acceptable. Furthermore, post-degree training specifically in second or foreign language teaching is highly regarded, as it demonstrates a commitment to professional development in this area.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience teaching French as a foreign or second language to adults in a multicultural setting is required. This experience should include at least three years of recent involvement in curriculum development, language examination design, and/or language teacher training. Familiarity with various e-learning tools, learning management systems, and online collaboration platforms is desirable, as is experience in an international, multicultural environment, which is highly valued in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is essential, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate expert-level competence in French, both oral and written, in accordance with the UN Language Framework. Advanced knowledge of English is also required, while knowledge of additional UN official languages is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and the contract duration is contingent upon the language learning calendar and the specific length of courses and pedagogical activities assigned. The role may be performed remotely or in-person in New York, providing flexibility for candidates. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, maintaining a focus on the integrity of the recruitment process.