Consulting Opportunity: Summer Arabic-Speaking Resident Director Morocco

Consultant/Contractor

Compensation for the duration of the assignment: $8,000

ANTICIPATED CONTRACT DATES:

May - August 2026 (exact dates will vary by program specifics). Resident Director training dates will be announced separately.

POSITION SUMMARY

American Councils is currently seeking a qualified consultant to serve as an Arabic-speaking Resident Director to work on a summer Arabic language program approximately eight weeks in length. The language program offers intensive Arabic language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains in undergraduate and graduate students.

The Resident Director represents American Councils on the programs overseas. The Resident Director 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.

The Resident Director must be available to program participants daily; observe classes at the host institution; meet regularly with teachers, administrators, and participants; chaperone and/or arrange group travel and cultural programs; and coordinate other events and activities focused on the immersion experience. The Resident Director must be available to participants during any emergencies that arise and must communicate regularly with American Councils program staff in Washington, DC. The Resident Director is not allowed to leave the program site or group excursions to conduct personal travel. The Resident Director oversees a small program budget and is 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, the Resident Director will be required to complete an orientation program. The Resident Director may be asked to travel to the program site in advance of students’ arrival. The Resident Director reports to the DC-based Program Officer. Completion of a successful background check is 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 college 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;
Providing support to students from a range of backgrounds, including those who have never traveled abroad before;
Working closely with the host institution and local program staff on a daily basis;
Observing the academic program;
Chaperoning and/or 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, including 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 monitoring of host families, conducting site visits, maintaining weekly communication, and assisting with conflict resolution;
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.

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

BENEFITS

This position is not eligible for healthcare benefits.

American Councils is committed to providing employment opportunities for all individuals, in accordance with current federal regulations. Our focus is on ensuring that all individuals have equal access to employment and advancement opportunities based on merit. American Councils’ commitment to employment opportunity is driven by federal requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (supporting individuals with disabilities) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) (protecting covered veterans). We also ensure our employment practices comply with all applicable regulations, including E-Verify requirements for work eligibility. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed and grow, in full compliance with federal law.

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.