Arada | Emiratisation Community Lead

Arada; Dubai; On-site; AED 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Arada is seeking an Emiratisation Community Lead to drive the Group’s UAE National talent strategy, coordinate across government entities and universities, and ensure National talent growth aligns with Nafis and MoHRE guidelines.

You will collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Marketing, and L&D to build an authentic employer brand, manage events, and create community moments that engage UAE nationals. Fluency in Arabic and English is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Emiratisation, or talent acquisition, employer branding, or talent development.
• Strong knowledge of MoHRE Emiratisation requirements and the Nafis programme.
• Established network across UAE government entities, universities or the Emirati talent community.
• Experience building an employer brand and graduate development programmes.
• Fluent in Arabic and English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Co-develop the Group’s Emiratisation strategy and three-year roadmap with the Group Head of Talent & Culture, identifying roles Emiratis should grow into beyond entry level.
• Own Emiratisation compliance for all UAE entities: track headcount, hires and exits, model effects on targets, and ensure targets are met.
• Plan Arada’s presence at UAE career fairs and events, budgeting and staffing for outcomes.
• Lead delivery of the UAE National Graduate Programme, intake to permanent placement.
• Build Arada’s employer brand for Emirati talent across LinkedIn, universities and Nafis platforms.
• Partner with Marketing/Communications on campaigns and content; represent Arada with government bodies.

Skills

UAE Emiratisation expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Job description

About us

At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive.

Joining Arada means becoming part of a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering excellence across every aspect of our business.

Role Purpose:

The Emiratisation Community Lead is the strategic driver and public face of Emiratisation at Arada. You will shape the Group’s Emiratisation strategy with the Group Head of Talent & Culture and own its delivery across every Group entity in the UAE: meeting national workforce targets, building a pipeline of exceptional UAE National talent, leading the UAE National Graduate Programme, and building a community where Emiratis feel seen, heard and ready to grow.

This is an outward-facing, relationship-led role. Working closely with Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Marketing and business leaders, you will represent Arada with government, universities and at events across the UAE, planning ahead so Arada is always in the right rooms.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-develop the Group’s Emiratisation strategy and three-year roadmap with the Group Head of Talent & Culture, and identify the roles and levels Emiratis should grow into, beyond entry level.
• Own Emiratisation compliance for all UAE entities: track Emirati headcount, hires and exits, model their effect on MoHRE targets, and ensure every entity meets its targets each half-year cycle, with every hire in a genuine, skilled role in line with Nafis and MoHRE rules.
• Anticipate federal and emirate-level policy changes, advise leadership on their impact, and shape PX policies on reward, learning and careers to attract and retain national talent.
• Build and own a rolling 12-month Emiratisation calendar of career fairs, government and industry events, university milestones and internal community moments, reviewed every quarter.
• Plan Arada’s presence at key UAE career fairs months ahead, from objectives and budget to staffing and results.
• Partner closely with Marketing and Communications on stand design, campaigns, content and social coverage.
• Build Arada’s employer brand within the UAE National community outside the Group: define an authentic employer story for Emirati talent with Marketing, and grow a consistent presence on LinkedIn, social media, university networks and the Nafis platform.
• Turn Emirati colleagues into brand ambassadors, pursue external recognition for Arada’s Emiratisation work, and track brand reach and perception every quarter.
• Build relationships with MoHRE, Nafis and emirate-level government entities, and represent Arada at government events, industry forums and sector initiatives.
• Partner with key UAE universities and colleges on internships, graduate intake, guest talks and campus presence.
• Build and own the UAE National talent book, holding proactive conversations with prospective talent and presenting profiles to hiring managers ahead of vacancies.
• Work with Talent Acquisition to fill Emiratisation roles through Nafis and other channels, and coach hiring managers on attracting, interviewing and onboarding Emirati talent.
• Work with the Group Head of People, the Group Head of Talent & Culture and Learning & Development to enhance the UAE National Graduate Programme, and lead its delivery from intake and rotations to permanent placement.
• Build a visible UAE National community across Arada’s businesses, running community moments such as a UAE Nationals breakfast, and feed what Emirati colleagues care about into PX priorities.
• Support the PX Business Partners on the performance and development of UAE National colleagues, from objective setting and reviews to development plans and talent discussions.
• Support Emirati colleagues’ career plans with Learning & Development, identify high-potential talent for leadership pathways, and set up mentoring and buddy support for new joiners.
• Report to PX leadership and the executive team on Emiratisation progress, attrition and risks, and manage the Emiratisation budget for events, partnerships and programmes.

What you'll bring:

• This role is dedicated to the Emiratisation and therefore, UAE Nationals only.
• 5+ years in Emiratisation, or talent acquisition, employer branding, talent development, ideally in a multi-entity UAE private-sector group.
• Working knowledge of MoHRE Emiratisation requirements and the Nafis programme.
• An established network across UAE government entities, universities or the Emirati talent community.
• Experience building an employer brand with Marketing, ideally for Emirati or graduate audiences.
• Experience running a graduate or national development programme, and exposure to real estate, hospitality, healthcare or fitness, are advantages.
• A confident presenter, comfortable on stage, at a career fair or with senior officials.
• Strategic and forward-planning, able to turn a long-term view into a 12-month plan and deliver it.
• A collaborator and influencer who can challenge and coach senior leaders and hiring managers.
• A natural networker and community builder who makes people feel seen and heard.
• Happy to be out of the office often, including evenings and events.
• Fluent Arabic and English, written and spoken.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, communications or a related field; CIPD or equivalent is an advantage.

Using GenAI in Your Application Process

To support a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that assessments and interviews are completed independently and without assistance from generative AI tools. This ensures we understand your strengths, your thinking, and how you approach real situations.

Why join Arada?

At Arada, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that transform communities while working alongside talented professionals in a culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous growth. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arada is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and make employment decisions based on merit, experience and business needs.