French Language Teacher

Job Posting Organization:
The Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) is part of 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. It aims to enhance the language abilities of staff members as mandated by various resolutions of the General Assembly. The organization operates within the framework of the UN's commitment to multilingualism and offers language courses in multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. The LCTU is responsible for the development, delivery, and assessment of language and communication skills courses, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities, as well as adherence to UN policies and instructions on learning. The unit is staffed by professionals who specialize in different language programs and work collaboratively to meet the language learning needs of UN personnel.

Job Overview:
The French Language Teacher position is designed to support the Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) in delivering high-quality French language instruction to UN staff. The teacher will be responsible for developing and teaching courses that enhance communication skills in French, particularly in a diplomatic context. The role involves creating a new 'French for Diplomacy' course at UN Level II, delivering courses at UN Level III, and conducting workshops for advanced learners. The teacher will work closely with other educators to ensure that the courses meet the needs of the learners and are approved by the French Programme Head. The position requires a commitment to promoting multilingualism and effective communication within the UN, and the teacher will utilize various teaching modalities, including in-person, online, and hybrid formats. The teacher will also be involved in the assessment of student performance and the development of innovative learning materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The French Language Teacher will have a range of responsibilities, including: - Preparing and teaching French language and communication skills courses at all levels, utilizing in-person, online, or hybrid teaching methods. - Assessing students' performance and providing constructive feedback to facilitate their learning. - Utilizing Learning Management Systems (such as Moodle) and e-learning tools for course preparation and delivery. - Administering courses in the Learning Management System, which includes maintaining attendance and grading records. - Developing new French language and communication skills courses and learning materials, incorporating innovative instructional technology. - Designing assessments for French language learning and constructing and grading language proficiency exams according to established guidelines. - Collaborating with other teachers to design workshops and courses that meet the needs of UN staff and align with organizational goals.

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 that emphasize 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 additional 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, indicating a commitment to professional development in this area.

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 a focus on teaching second or foreign languages to adults will be preferred. A first-level university degree along with two years of relevant experience may also be considered acceptable. Additional training in language teaching methodologies is highly valued.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience teaching French as a foreign or second language to adults in a multicultural setting, which can include corporate, academic, or other professional environments. Out of these five years, at least three years must involve recent experience in curriculum development, language examination design, and/or language teacher training. Experience with various e-learning tools, learning management systems, and online collaboration platforms is desirable, as is experience working in an international and multicultural context.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, 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. Knowledge of additional UN official languages is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and expected to last for three months, with the possibility of extension based on demand and budget availability. The role is designed for individual contractors, and the number of contractors hired may vary. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not charged at any stage, including application, interview, or training.