Part-time 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, as mandated by various General Assembly resolutions. The organization focuses on improving the language abilities of staff members through structured language and communication skills courses. The LCTU operates at UN Headquarters in New York and extends its services to the Global Secretariat, ensuring that staff members have access to high-quality language education. The unit is committed to aligning its offerings with organizational goals and priorities, adhering to UN policies, and fulfilling the recommendations of the Secretary-General regarding multilingualism. The LCTU is continuously adapting to the demand for language learning, which may necessitate the hiring of additional part-time language teachers as individual contractors, depending on budgetary constraints and the needs of the organization.

Job Overview:
The position of Part-time Language Teacher involves preparing and facilitating lessons for assigned language courses, correcting assignments and homework promptly, and monitoring student progress. Teachers are expected to provide constructive feedback to students, both in group settings and individually, and to administer evaluations, tests, and exams as scheduled. At the conclusion of each course, teachers must submit final evaluations and attendance reports for their students. The role also includes participation in the development of language or communication skills projects, where teachers will report on their progress and integrate feedback from supervisors to ensure high-quality deliverables. The contract duration is limited to nine months within any twelve consecutive months, and it is linked to the language learning calendar and the specific pedagogical activities assigned. This role is crucial for maintaining the linguistic capabilities of UN staff and ensuring that they can communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Part-time Language Teacher include preparing lesson plans and instructional materials for assigned courses, delivering engaging and effective lessons, and assessing student performance through various evaluation methods. Teachers are responsible for providing timely feedback on assignments and homework, monitoring student progress, and suggesting effective learning strategies. They must also administer tests and exams as scheduled and provide final evaluations and attendance reports at the end of each course. Additionally, teachers may be involved in the development and design of language and communication skills projects, requiring them to report on their progress periodically. They are expected to collaborate with supervisors to ensure that the quality of their work meets established standards and deadlines. The role may also involve adapting teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive learning environment for all students.

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. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they may still qualify if they have an additional two years of relevant experience. Post-degree training in second or foreign language teaching is highly desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to deliver effective language instruction.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as language area studies, language teaching, applied linguistics, communication, or education/pedagogy. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying experience. Specialized training in second or foreign language teaching is also highly regarded, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to teach effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience teaching Arabic 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 e-learning tools, learning management systems, and online collaboration platforms is desirable, as these skills are increasingly important in modern language instruction. Experience in an international and multicultural context is also highly valued, as it contributes to the teacher's ability to navigate diverse classroom dynamics and enhance the learning experience for students from various backgrounds.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include expert-level competence in Arabic, 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. Proficiency in French is also necessary, and knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an advantage, further enhancing the teacher's ability to communicate effectively with a diverse student body.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time, with a contract duration limited to nine months within any twelve consecutive months. The contract is directly linked to the language learning calendar and the specific pedagogical activities assigned. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial obligations during their application or interview process. This commitment to transparency and fairness is a fundamental aspect of the UN's recruitment policy.