Job Discussion Forums

[Bebsi]

I am thinking of opening a new language school in Iraq. I will of course, need langauge teachers.

I was thinking of posting the following ad. Any opinions?



EFL TEACHERS WANTED FOR ESTABLISHMENT IN BASRA.

A number of professional, well-qualified teachers are required to teach English in a challenging environment. As we are a new institution, it is envisaged that considerable career development opportunities will present themselves. We have an excellent package by local TEFL industry standards, and can offer a very unique and interesting work environment for those who like something a little different. Our students, who are expected to come from a variety of backgrounds, will possess varying levels of motivation, and while some may need academic encouragement, we can virtually guarantee you that they will all be interesting.



Qualifications (Essential):

-An MA in applied linguistics, TEFL or related area. A PhD would be advantageous. In exceptional circumstances, outstanding candidates with a proven track record possessing a Diploma level qualification will be considered;

-At least 15 years of relevant teaching experience, preferably gained in a similarly challenging environment;

-Diploma level certification in ESP/EAP;

-Certificate in Teaching Young Learners;

-Extensive experience of materials writing at senior acedimic level;

-Native speaker of English (exceptional non-native-speaking candidates with IELTS or similar may be considered;

-Experience of examining Cambridge or similar examinations at all levels;

-Experience of teaching specialised scientific courses with an emphasis on military and political terminology;

-A willingness to work long and unsocial hours, with considerable travel time involved.

Candidates who do not satisfy all of the above conditions, need not apply.

Preferable:

-Experience of management at middle/higher level;

-A long track record of a successful career in international business or political management would be beneficial and highly advantageous;

-A year or more of postdoctoral research in the field of advanced ESP;

-Should have a substantial body of published work in all relevant areas;

-A desire to experience "life in the fast lane".


The Package":

We offer a very rewarding package to the right candidates, including the following.

-Five year contract;

-Excellent local salary, paid in local currency (unfortunately, non-transferable, due to currency control and other regulations). At time of writing, our upper pay levels are in excess of USD 300 a month;

-Atmospheric local accommodation. Due to our extensive list of local retail contacts, we can facilitate easy purchase of luxuries such as tables, air-conditioning and soft-bedding;

-Refund of 50% of airfare after successful completion of first five years;

-Uniquely challenging environment;

-Hands-on survival skills course;

-Local health cover;

-10% discount on repatriation expenses in event of demise or injury;

-Free airport pick-up;

-Free shared internet access during working hours;

-Monthly social events.

As we anticipate hiring on an ongoing basis, we invite applicants at all times of the year. So, for a very unique experience, why not come to work in our Iraqi establishment? We promise you, you will have an unforgettable time with us, and so will your family and friends who, we assure you, will never forget us.

NB As we anticipate a high number of applications, only those applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.



DO YOU THINK I WOULD HAVE ANY TAKERS?

[web fishing]

Why Iraq? Afgan is better.

[veiledsentiments]

Actually there has been advertising for the new American University in Afghanistan... It was for a 'Principal' as they are thinking that the prep year (or two or three) is going to be more of a secondary school than anything else.

(Bebsi... are you back in Saudi? It appears that you have lots of free time for creative writing again... )

VS

[Paul in Saudi]

I would consider working in Iraq, but at this level of pay the offer is simply not too serious.

[Bebsi]

Well, WF, nowadays Afghanistan just doesn't offer the same exciting challanges that Iraq does.

Paul, the posting wasn't meant to be serious anyway. I hope you aren't either, when you say you would go to work in Iraq! While I would be the first to express the view that KSA is safe now, I really do think that Iraq is a different matter. However, I will not get into all that, as it has been dealt with in a previous thread which, unfortunately, got far too political.

My job ad, I would point out in case anyone is thinking of sending me a CV ( ), was intended purely as a bit of light entertainment. And yes, it was very much at the expense of those language schools worldwide (some of whom have the nerve to call themselves 'academic institutions') who have laughably unrealistic expectations.

Anyone who would seriously consider applying for a job such as the one "advertised" by me, probably deserves to be sent to Iraq!!!!

[dmb]

I know this was light humoured(thanks for the laugh)..... but it could be real

[moonraven]

I assume that the OP post was a sick joke.

I was intrigued by the experience requirement, however: Fifteen years experience in a "similarily challenging environment"? Which do you prefer, someone who has been teaching in the middle of the street where the bomb killed Lebanon's former PM last spring--or someone who was teaching gun runners in the Triple Frontier in Paraguay?

Give us a break, please, from this kind of stupid cynicism. The Iraqis have suffered enough--and no end appears to be in sight--that at least they should be spared sick humor at their expense. A lot of my students in Jordan were Iraqis--and their personal stories of carbombings in which they were miraculously not killed, of their families toughing it out with no electricity until they scraped up their own generator--not to mention the food shortages and problems receiving medical care (one of my students had his mother and two sisters in hospital in Amman, Jordan--paying high medical fees--at the same time)--are the stuff of tragedy, not gratuitous humor.

[web fishing]

Even though it was a joke, and I was being sacastic, from an entrepreneur and humanitarian stand point it is a workable idea. Afgan would be better [since the war is technically over [there]], I'm sure one can get many government and private donations to start a school to teach many of the illiterate adults and children (especially women), and the pay to teachers can be Zero because you will have volunteers who honestly want to help redevelop the country.

[moonraven]

The war may be "technically" over in Afghanistan, but the reality is different. Not only are folks still getting killed there on a regular basis in what appear to be combat situations, but we are also talking about a country which has been at war for hundreds of years.

If you will remember, GWB declared the Iraq invasion (I believe his word was mission?) to be over more than 2 years ago. Seems like reality decided to take precedent over GWB.

[web fishing]

[moonraven]

The lack of postings on this forum from Afghanistan might be a clue....

[Cleopatra]

[web fishing]

I have a crazy streak myself, however, I think I will pass on this job offer:

According to the ARTF ExS employment categories, the overall salary range is between USD 500 to 7,000 per month. Fore more information, please visit the ARTF ExS webpage http://www.artfexpat.gov.af .

Job Description: The global objective is to facilitate implementation of systemic and systematic reform and restructuring of Ministries of Education by assisting the ministry to develop and implement curriculum reform and implementing appropriate training programs to enhance the capacity of the staffs of the ministries in performance of their duties and assignments.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. Design and develop strategies to assist policy makers in developing appropriate curricula for primary education systems and programs;
2. Design and develop curriculum development strategies and procedures;
3. Design and develop monitoring and evaluation programs to assess the impact of newly developed curricula;
4. Design operational plans that cover issues relating to staffing, organization structure and finance relating to curriculum development projects;
5. Assist in implementation of Priority Reform and Restructuring Program in collaboration with IARCSC;
6. Provide relevant practical information on curriculum development projects to donors;
7. Develop capacity in relevant fields including preparing ordinary and development budget;
8. Develop coordination and reporting systems;
9. Perform all the assigned duties at high standard and on time;
10. Provide training to team members;
11. Provide report on performances and activities to the relevant ministry or government agency and the Executive Committee (EC);
12. Make recommendations and provide advice to the EC to improve the ARTF-ExS program; and
13. Submit detailed reports on the performances and recommendations 10 days prior the termination of the contracts.


Additional Qualifications:

1. Professional degree, preferably MA in curriculum development or a related field in education;
2. Relevant experience both inside and outside Afghanistan;
3. Track record of working in a team environment;
4. Experience in designing and developing curriculum development projects and programs in post conflict countries;
5. Working knowledge of the preparation of curriculum development project documents for a variety of requirements and donors;
6. Intimate understanding of educational institutional development process;
7. Wide knowledge of donor / government interaction, donor practices and procedures;
8. Adequate knowledge to solve practical difficulties associated with project planning, execution and monitoring;
9. Adequate knowledge of consultation and analysis;
10. Ability to train other experts (particularly Afghan teams assigned to the expert);
11. Communications skills: listening, speaking, writing and reading in two languages (Dari/Pashto and English);
12. Supervision, monitoring, and evaluation experience;
13. Willingness and enthusiasm to work in Afghanistan for an extended period of time.


How to Apply:
Interested Afghan Expatriates with the required qualifications should fill in the ARTF ExS application form which is available on the ARTF ExS homepage (www.artfexpat.gov.af) or can be obtained by sending an email to [email protected]. Applications together with all required supporting documents can be submitted online at the ARTF ExS homepage or should be addressed to [email protected], quoting above stated Vacancy Number and Position Title in the subject line.

Applications from female candidates are encouraged

[moonraven]

I didn't realize that you were an Afghan Expatriate.

[web fishing]