Consulting Opportunity: Summer Arabic-Speaking Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors

CONSULTANT/CONTRACTOR

Compensation for the duration of the assignment: $5,000 - 8,000 depending on program type and length.

ANTICIPATED CONTRACT DATES

May - August 2025 (exact dates will vary by program specifics). Resident Director training dates will be announced separately.

POSITION SUMMARY

American Councils is currently seeking qualified consultants to serve as Arabic-speaking Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors to work on a variety of summer Arabic language programs ranging from six to eight weeks in length. Individual programs are designed for either high school or undergraduate and graduate students. All programs offer intensive Arabic language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. By prioritizing inclusion and access, the programs ensure that the next generation of America's global leaders reflects its diversity.

Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors represent American Councils on programs overseas. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors will work with the host institution, manage communication between American Councils, program participants and local staff, arrange logistics for the group, advise participants as required, and resolve medical and other issues as necessary.

Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors must be available to program participants daily; observe classes at the host institution; meet regularly with teachers, administrators, and participants; arrange group travel and cultural programs; and coordinate other events and activities focused on the immersion experience. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors must be available to participants during any emergencies that arise and must communicate regularly with American Councils program staff in Washington, DC. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors are not allowed to leave the program site or group excursions to conduct personal travel. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors oversee a small program budget and are responsible for proper documentation of program expenditures and timely completion of a budget report at the end of each month and at the end of the program. Other reporting requirements may apply.

Prior to departure, Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors will be required to complete an orientation program. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors may be asked to travel with their respective participant groups at the beginning of their programs and return to the U.S. with the group at the end of the program. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors report to the DC-based Program Manager and staff. Completion of a successful background check may be required. All offers are contingent upon the candidate's ability to receive and maintain a visa to the host country where applicable.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Being responsible for and available to a group of American high school or undergraduate and graduate students 24/7 at all times during the program;
• Responding to participant emergencies, including assisting participants with securing medical care and navigating local clinics and hospitals;
• Advising program participants as needed on a variety of language-learning, cultural, adjustment and logistical aspects of the program, including on issues such as group dynamics and interpersonal relationships;
• Reporting on program activities to program staff in Washington, DC or staff in the host country;
• Supporting students from diverse backgrounds as well as students who have never traveled abroad before;
• Working closely with the host institution and local program staff on a daily basis;
• Observing the academic program;
• Arranging group travel and cultural programs, as well as volunteer opportunities and other program events (varies by program);
• Maintaining adherence to program rules and policies among participants - for some programs, this includes a language policy;
• Managing a small budget of program funds and maintaining detailed financial documentation, including monthly reports;
• Collecting photographs and videos from students and local staff and creating newsletters (varies by program);
• Completing a pre-departure orientation and training session;
• Working with host families, which may include selection and monitoring of host families, conducting site visits, maintaining weekly communication, and conflict resolution (varies by program);
• Resolving other program-related issues as necessary; and
• Performing other program-related tasks as directed.

• Advanced written and oral language skills (minimum 2/2+ on DLPT scale, Advanced on ACTFL scale) in Arabic - knowledge of a local dialect in addition to Modern Standard Arabic is preferred;
• Study, work, or extensive travel experience in the Arabic-speaking world;
• Experience working in a position of authority with high school, undergraduate, or graduate students;
• Experience overseeing and guiding groups;
• Demonstrated skills in academic and personal counseling preferred; and
• Demonstrated skills in general financial accountability.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION

Position contingent upon funding and upon the approval of overseas travel for participants. Program location is subject to change prior to program start. The consultant agreement includes a scaled compensation fee structure in the event of a cancellation six weeks or less before the start of the program.

All candidates offered a position will be required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status.

Applicants should provide a description of previous experience in Jordan, Morocco, Oman, or other Arabic-speaking countries. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

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.