"Consulting" English Language Expert, English Resource Center (ERC) Program

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 11:59 PM EST

POSITION SUMMARY

American Councils for International Education is seeking an English Language Expert to provide programming under the framework of the English Resource Center project. The programming will primarily benefit the Bokhtar ERC and the expanding Virtual ERC Community initiative, which services up to a dozen HEIs throughout Tajikistan online. The English Language Expert will be based at the American Councils office in Dushanbe, with periodic visits to Bokhtar city. American Councils will either hire one English Language Expert for the period of 6 months (planned January–June 2025) OR two English Language Experts to split that period (i.e. January–March and April–June 2025), depending upon candidates and circumstances.

The English Resource Center (ERC) program’s overall goal is to provide spaces, physical and virtual, as well as resources that support stronger English language learning throughout Tajikistan by improving the capacity of English language educators at the universities involved, thus strengthening the quality of English language instruction through training on modern English language teaching pedagogy and technology tools and platforms. The English Language Expert will conduct in-person and online activities with Bokhtar ERC members and actively participate in Virtual ERC Community activities as a speaker, short course instructor (online) and moderator.

The ERC program is funded by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan. The position reports to the American Councils Executive Director in Tajikistan and works in close collaboration with the two physical ERC Coordinators (at centers at Bokhtar State University and the Tajik State Pedagogical University in Dushanbe, as well as the ERC Coordinator of Virtual Community programming, who is also based in the American Councils Dushanbe office.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

English Language Expert Primary Responsibilities:

• Mentorship of Bokhtar ERC instructors and pre-service teachers:
  • Conducting and scheduling teacher-training session with instructors on effective teaching and methodology, using in-personal, or hybrid formats;
  • Leading "Choi Chats" - discussion club for instructors once a week;
  • Leading “Mentorship club” – discussion club for pre-service teachers once a week;
  • Conducting in-personal and online “Office-hour” for consultation of instructors;
  • Observing instructor lessons and providing constructive feedback for improving of quality (periodically);
  • Facilitating book studies and discussions to explore relevant literature in the field of English language teaching.
• Contribution to the virtual ERC community:
  • Conducting and moderating “Virtual ERC Community Guests” webinar series once a week;
  • Conducting one mini-course of 5 weeks duration online for the Virtual Community;
  • Leading in 1-2 virtual sessions per month;
  • Assisting in the organization contests for Virtual Community, and, if necessary, to evaluate as a jury.
• Technical Support:
  • Assisting ERC Coordinators with the annual National ERC Conference, which takes place in spring;
  • Providing feedback on content and events merch to the ERC Coordinators in terms of language design.
• Data Collection and Reporting:
  • Gathering feedback on implemented activities and participant satisfaction;
  • Conducting needs assessments for effective implementation of activities;
  • Contributing to quarterly and other reports which has connection with implemented activities.

• At least 5 years of experience as an English Language instructor, preferably in a related role;
• Professional experience working with students and English Language instructors (EFL);
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English (native speaking level);
• Experience with organizing and conducting in-person and online workshops;
• Ability to work with a group/class with participants having different levels of English proficiency;
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills, following a pre-set schedule;
• Demonstrated problem-solving and interpersonal skills, and ability to approach challenges with poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment during implementation of activities;
• Ability to travel (especially to Bokhtar city) and work (some) weekends and/or evening hours
• Proficiency in Canva and other digital tools and platform which will be used during the implementation of activities.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

American Councils is committed to taking affirmative steps to enhance employment opportunities for minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that meaningful employment and promotional opportunities are maintained for everyone. American Councils’ commitment to equal employment opportunity is based not only on federal requirements, but also on a longstanding commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce reflective of the communities in which we operate.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.