Head of Talent Planning and Acquisition Section

Dubai Careers - A Smart Dubai Initiative; Dubai Emirate; On-site; AED 446,000 - 781,000; Full time

Job summary

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is seeking a senior HR leader to drive talent planning, Emiratization, job descriptions, career paths, and workforce analytics in alignment with Dubai Government HR law and organizational strategy.

The role oversees recruitment, internal mobility, and policy compliance while coordinating with government bodies and external partners to ensure a high-performing, compliant HR function within the aviation sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher degree in HR-related field with strong knowledge of HR processes.
• Advanced HR certifications and UAE-specific HR regulations are preferred.
• Experience coordinating with government HR bodies and Emiratisation programs is essential.

Responsibilities

• Direct the analysis of job functions and development of the annual workforce plan.
• Lead annual recruitment planning, sourcing, assessment and onboarding processes.
• Direct the preparation, review and evaluation of job descriptions and career paths.
• Oversee Emiratization, succession and workforce statistics activities.
• Manage recruitment, transfer and internal mobility across the organization with governance.
• Develop and integrate competency frameworks linked to job descriptions and development programs.
• Ensure adherence to Dubai Government HR laws and policies; deliver awareness workshops.
• Coordinate with government entities and external partners to support talent objectives.
• Oversee workforce analytics, reporting, and decision support for management.
• Lead section strategy, people leadership, governance, and continuous improvement.

Education

Bachelor's degree in HRM/Business Admin/Organizational Psychology

Master's degree in HR Management / MBA (preferred)

CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above)

Interview and selection certification

Human Resources Management diploma or equivalent (preferred)

Talent management or workforce planning certification (preferred)

UAE Government HR or Emiratisation programme certification (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

Role Purpose

To lead and manage the Talent Planning and Acquisition Section by directing the implementation of workforce planning, recruitment, Emiratization, job description, and competency frameworks across DCAA, ensuring the Authority attracts, selects, and retains the right talent in alignment with the approved organizational structure, annual workforce plan, and Dubai Government HR legislation. The role ensures that recruitment, job evaluation, career pathing, and Emiratization processes are executed with precision, institutional integrity, and strategic alignment, positioning DCAA as an employer of choice within Dubai's government and aviation sector.

Key Responsibilities/Duties

• Functional:
• Direct the analysis of job functions and development of the annual workforce plan based on needs identified in organizational units' operational plans, ensuring plans are approved through appropriate governance channels. Provide data inputs to support the development, review, and approval of DCAA's organizational and functional structure in coordination with relevant units and the HR Director, without extending into job description ownership which is managed separately.
• Annual Recruitment Plan & Talent Acquisition:
• Lead the preparation and execution of the annual recruitment plan based on the approved budget, overseeing candidate sourcing, assessment, and selection processes in coordination with relevant DCAA stakeholders. Ensure contracting, appointment, probation period management, new employee orientation programmes, and position confirmation procedures are activated and implemented in accordance with DCAA's established procedures and approved frameworks, with employee records, payroll inputs, and ongoing lifecycle transactions handed over to the HR Operations Section upon completion of the onboarding process.
• Job Description, Evaluation & Career Path Management:
• Direct the preparation, review, updating, and evaluation of job descriptions for all DCAA positions, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with the approved organizational structure. Oversee the definition and documentation of career paths with relevant organizational units, and ensure the measurement, documentation, and evaluation of new positions are tracked and processed according to established procedures. Career path frameworks defined here are subsequently activated and managed by the HR Policies and Development Section.
• Emiratization, Succession & Workforce Statistics:
• Lead the preparation and implementation of Emiratization and replacement plans, overseeing the tracking of workforce statistics including turnover rates, recruitment outcomes, Emiratization targets, and retirement and pension planning. Ensure all related procedures are followed up and completed in accordance with applicable legislation and institutional frameworks.
• Recruitment, Transfer & Internal Mobility Implementation:
• Oversee and ensure the implementation of all recruitment, hiring, and internal mobility activities across the organization, including permanent recruitment as well as non-standard employment types such as temporary, part-time, special contracts, and outsourced workforce arrangements, ensuring compliance with approved policies, procedures, budget allocations, and Dubai Government HR regulations. Ensure all recruitment and mobility processes are properly documented, position titles and workforce records are accurately updated in HR systems, and full alignment is maintained with approved organizational structures and workforce plans. Participate in secondment and delegation procedures from a workforce readiness and positional suitability perspective, ensuring consistency, governance compliance, and proper coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Competency Framework Development & Integration:
• Direct the development and definition of technical and behavioral competencies for DCAA positions, ensuring they are effectively linked to job descriptions, career paths, and development and leadership programmes in coordination with relevant HR sections and organizational units.
• HR Policy Awareness & Regulatory Compliance:
• Ensure HR policies, Dubai Government HR Law, and applicable regulations are consistently applied across all recruitment and workforce planning activities. Oversee the delivery of continuous awareness workshops and orientation programmes for new and current DCAA employees to ensure understanding and compliance with HR policies, legislation, and procedures.
• Strategic Partnerships & External Coordination:
• Direct coordination with local and federal government entities, regulatory bodies, labour market authorities, educational institutions, and recruitment partners to support talent acquisition and Emiratization objectives. Build and maintain strategic partnerships in talent attraction and recruitment in accordance with approved frameworks and DCAA's institutional positioning.
• Analytics, Reporting & Decision Support:
• Oversee the preparation of workforce analytics, surveys, and periodic reports covering recruitment performance, Emiratization progress, turnover trends, and workforce plan execution. Ensure findings are structured and presented to the HR Director to inform management decisions, policy updates, and strategic workforce initiatives.
• Section Administration & Operational Planning:
• Prepare and implement the section's operational plan in accordance with DCAA's strategic planning guide, maintain work manuals and procedures, and ensure section database inputs are accurate and current. Lead the section's team by setting clear performance objectives, building HR capability, and fostering a culture of precision, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Other Duties:
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Director of Human Resources that are consistent with the section's mandate and operational responsibilities.
• Managerial:
• Section Strategy and Planning:
• Lead development and execution of the section’s operational plan, ensuring alignment with sector priorities, governance frameworks, and performance expectations.
• People Leadership and Capability Development:
• Lead, coach, and develop office staff, setting clear performance expectations, promoting accountability, and supporting capability development in coordination with HR and sector leadership.
• Performance and Quality Discipline:
• Ensure structured performance monitoring, reporting accuracy, and adherence to quality assurance and governance standards across all office activities.
• Resource and Budget Coordination:
• Coordinate preparation and follow-up of office-related resource and budget requirements in alignment with sector priorities and institutional financial governance processes.
• Stakeholder and Cross-Unit Coordination:
• Maintain structured working relationships with sector directors, department heads, and internal governance functions to ensure integration, alignment, and reliable execution of sector governance requirements.
• Governance Culture and Continuous Improvement:
• Promote a culture of governance discipline, documentation integrity, process consistency, and continuous improvement across office operations and sector coordination activities.

Qualifications

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or a related field from a recognized university.
• Master's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration (MBA), or a related discipline is preferred.

Certifications

• CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent professional HR certification — required
• Interview and selection certification — required
• Human Resources Management diploma or equivalent — preferred
• Talent management or workforce planning certification — preferred
• UAE Government HR or Emiratisation programme certification — preferred

Professional Experience

• Minimum 14 years of progressive experience in human resources management, talent acquisition, or workforce planning with a Bachelor's degree; or 12 years with a Master's degree
• Minimum 4 years in a senior managerial or leadership role with demonstrated responsibility for leading talent acquisition or workforce planning functions
• Proven experience in end-to-end recruitment, workforce planning, job evaluation, and Emiratization programme management within a UAE government or regulatory entity
• Demonstrated experience in job description development, competency framework design, and career path planning
• Familiarity with Dubai Government HR Management Law and applicable UAE federal HR legislation is essential
• Experience coordinating with DGHR, Diwan, and Dubai Government talent and Emiratization bodies is strongly preferred
• Experience working within a UAE government entity or regulatory authority is an advantage

Job Category

Human Resources (Human Resources)

Advertiser

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

Required Nationality

UAE Only

Monthly Salary

Unspecified

Schedule-Time

Full time

Job Posting

01/06/2026

Unposting Date

Ongoing