Language Teacher - Modern Standard Arabic
Organizational Context
The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) spearheads FAO's efforts in the region to transform agrifood systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. RNE identifies regional priorities for food security, agriculture, and rural development, ensuring the planning and implementation of FAO's strategic response through a multidisciplinary approach. It also advises on integrating regional priorities into FAO's strategic framework and budget. This role supports staff development through language training, typically involving twice-weekly classes for 4-6 months, with two to three sessions annually.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of this role is to deliver high-quality language training in Modern Standard Arabic, thereby enhancing personnel capacities and upholding the organization's required level of multilingualism to fulfill its mandate. This training aims to develop linguistic and cultural proficiency, fostering effective intercultural communication and cooperation both within the organization and with external stakeholders. The role contributes to the overall professional development of staff, ensuring they possess the language skills necessary for successful international engagement and collaboration.
Responsibilities
The incumbent will be responsible for conducting placement tests to assess language proficiency. They will deliver Modern Standard Arabic courses exclusively in the target language, both online in group and individual settings using platforms like Zoom and MS Teams. The role involves teaching all core language skills—listening, reading, speaking, and writing—at the appropriate CEFR or UN Language Framework level. Maintaining updated class folders with syllabi, lesson plans, and attendance records is crucial. The incumbent must also provide regular student progress reports, including level progression, pass/fail status, and qualitative comments, at the conclusion of each class or session.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of three years of experience teaching adults in an international environment, including experience in language training and evaluating language proficiency. Experience in delivering Modern Standard Arabic courses aligned with the Arabic Language Proficiency Test (ALPT) is highly desirable. The ability to maintain schedules for online courses and teach both group and individual sessions is also important.
Skills
Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Demonstrated ability to deliver Modern Standard Arabic courses, adhering to standards like ALPT, is essential. Candidates must be available to maintain online course schedules for group and individual sessions. Strong knowledge of teaching methodologies for group and individual language courses is required, along with the ability to present a clear course syllabus. Excellent communication skills are paramount.