Part-time Language Teacher (Russian)

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, enhancing the language abilities of its staff as mandated by various General Assembly resolutions. The organization operates primarily at UN Headquarters in New York and aims to improve communication skills across multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. The LCTU is committed to providing high-quality language education and training to support the diverse needs of UN staff members, ensuring that they can effectively communicate in a multilingual environment.

Job Overview:
The position of Part-time Language Teacher (Russian) 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. The role also includes participation in the development of language projects and requires teachers to report on their progress periodically. The contract duration is limited to 9 months within any 12-month period, aligning with the language learning calendar and course schedules. This position is crucial for meeting the demand for Russian language instruction at the UN, ensuring that staff members can develop effective communication skills in Russian, thereby promoting multilingualism within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Part-time Language Teacher (Russian) include preparing and teaching Russian language courses at all levels, whether in-person, online, or hybrid. Teachers are responsible for assessing student performance and providing constructive feedback. They must utilize Learning Management Systems (such as Moodle) and e-learning tools for course preparation and delivery, maintaining accurate attendance and grading records. Additionally, teachers are expected to develop new Russian language courses and learning materials, incorporating innovative instructional technology. They will also design assessment materials for language proficiency exams and grade them according to established guidelines. The role requires a commitment to 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 with a focus on teaching a second or foreign language to adult learners are particularly desirable. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of relevant experience may be accepted. Post-degree training in second or foreign language teaching is highly desirable, indicating a strong foundation in pedagogical practices and methodologies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as language studies, linguistics, or education. Candidates with a focus on second language acquisition and pedagogy will be favored. A first-level university degree, along with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered acceptable. Continuous professional development in language teaching methodologies is encouraged and viewed favorably.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience teaching Russian as a foreign or second language to adults in diverse settings is required. This experience should include at least three years in curriculum development, language examination design, or language teacher training. Familiarity with e-learning tools and learning management systems is desirable, as is experience in multicultural environments, which enhances the ability to teach effectively in diverse classrooms.

Languages:
Expert-level proficiency in Russian (both oral and written) is mandatory, as per the UN Language Framework. Advanced knowledge of English is also required, given that it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an advantage, further supporting the multilingual objectives of the organization.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is part-time and limited to a duration of 9 months within any 12-month period, linked to the language learning calendar. The role may be performed remotely or in New York, depending on the needs of the organization and the availability of the teacher. The United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring procedure.