Part-time Chinese 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 General Assembly resolutions. The organization operates primarily at UN Headquarters in New York and extends its services to the Global Secretariat, offering language and communication skills courses in multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. The LCTU is committed to aligning its offerings with organizational goals and priorities, ensuring that the language training provided meets the needs of the UN staff and adheres to the Secretary-General's recommendations on multilingualism. The unit is staffed by language teachers who are distributed across six language programs, and it frequently hires additional part-time contractors to meet the demand for language learning.

Job Overview:
The position of Part-time Chinese 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 evaluations, and report on student attendance and performance at the end of each course. The role requires participation in the development of language projects and necessitates periodic reporting on project progress. Teachers must integrate feedback from supervisors to ensure quality deliverables and timely completion of assignments. The contract duration is limited to nine months within any twelve-month period, linked to the language learning calendar and course lengths. The position can be performed in-person in New York or remotely, depending on the needs of the organization and the teacher's availability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Part-time Chinese Language Teacher include preparing and teaching Chinese 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. They are responsible for administering courses within the Learning Management System, maintaining attendance and grading records, and developing new courses and learning materials using innovative instructional technology. Additionally, teachers will design assessments and proficiency exams for Chinese language learners, ensuring adherence to specific guidelines. The role also involves contributing to the overall mission of promoting multilingualism and enhancing communication skills among UN staff.

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 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 strong foundation in pedagogical practices.

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 experience may also qualify an applicant, demonstrating flexibility in educational requirements based on practical experience.

Experience:
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience teaching Chinese as a foreign or second language to adults in diverse, multicultural settings, such as corporate or academic environments. Out of these five years, at least three years must involve recent experience in curriculum development, language examination design, or language teacher training. Familiarity with e-learning tools and online collaboration platforms is desirable, as is experience in international and multicultural contexts, which enhances the candidate's ability to adapt to various teaching environments.

Languages:
Expert-level proficiency in Chinese (both oral and written) is required, as per the UN Language Framework. Additionally, candidates must have advanced knowledge of English, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of French and other UN official languages is considered an advantage, reflecting the multilingual nature of the organization and its operations.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time, with a contract duration limited to nine months within any twelve-month period, which is tied to the language learning calendar and course schedules. The role can be performed either in-person in New York or remotely, providing flexibility for the teacher. 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 procedure.