HR Officer

International Schools Partnership; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Dubai is seeking an HR Officer to provide professional HR services and support staff recruitment and compliance. The role focuses on safeguarding children and ensuring legal adherence within the school environment. Ideal candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and a commitment to promoting a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. This is a permanent position offering a chance to contribute positively to the school community.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills.
• Effective listener and communicator.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment and induction of staff.
• Ensure legal compliance in HR processes.
• Maintain up-to-date HR records.

Skills

Friendly, approachable, professional

Effective communication

Organisational skills

Job description

The Aquila School Job Description for HR Officer

For all staff in school we share a responsibility to ensure that children are safe and properly supervised at all times. Our school is committed to amazing learning—providing enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences so that every pupil makes as much progress as possible.

All staff are expected to adhere to The Aquila Professional Code of Conduct and commit to promoting our vision: A happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices, engage in meaningful learning experiences, and make exceptional progress. Our focus is providing children with amazing learning and to be the school of choice for the community we serve.

The Aquila School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years employment history.

Purpose of the Role

The HR Officer provides a professional and organised HR service to all employees ensuring their needs are met alongside those of the relevant regulatory bodies. This role takes an active role in the day‑to‑day running of our busy school and supports our vision of being the school of choice for the community.

Reporting to: HR Manager
Duration: Permanent

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences, and promote the well‑being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Key qualities and skills

• Friendly, approachable, professional, discreet and knowledgeable; able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to and understand information and ideas as presented verbally and in writing.
• Plan, organise and prioritise time and workload in order to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines.

Key duties include

• Support the school in the recruitment and induction of staff.
• Support the HR Manager in all HR operational processes.
• Ensure legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable human‑resource requirements, KHDA guidelines, RTA guidelines and approvals for bus drivers and monitors.
• Ensure all relevant staff have appropriate Health insurance and receive their annual/bi‑annual benefits as per their contracts.
• Ensure all staff have the relevant documentation and approvals and that no staff or contractors working alongside children are allowed in school until they have three good references, safeguarding training, ten‑year police checks and confirmation of qualifications and identity.
• Liaise with new‑joining staff and ensure that their documentation is completed prior to joining; KHDA approvals and visas/work permits are in place prior to joining.
• Liaise with various teams to ensure that new joiner items are ready and in place before they join.
• Ensure a smooth exit is achieved for those leaving by following the exit formalities and following up on payment of their end‑of‑service dues. Issue them with an experience letter.
• Maintain historical human‑resource records by designing a filing and retrieval system; keep past and current records.
• Keep up to date with best practice and legislation.
• Liaise with the PRO to ensure documentation required for governance is in order.
• Assist with organising in‑house or off‑site activities for all staff.
• Maintain a visible professional and high‑profile presence within the school.
• Maintain staff records on the Cezanne database and ensure staff are aware of how to use it.
• Ensure that the Single Central Register & HR dashboard is fully updated and accurate with all relevant information.
• Co‑ordinate booking of CPD for staff in line with school priorities and compliance documentation.
• Submit for approval the monthly attendance report for payroll purposes.
• Log staff attendance and inform the HR Manager of patterns of staff attendance.
• Support the day‑to‑day running of the school (e.g., reception duty, meeting guests, etc.).
• Carry out other tasks as necessary to ensure the happy and smooth running of the school.

In addition all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the ISP ME regional office to facilitate the smooth day‑to‑day running of the school. Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. Employees are expected to be courteous to colleagues and to provide a welcoming environment to visitors and telephone callers.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures—including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing and retaining high‑performing teammates regardless of gender, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio‑economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Experience

Unclear Seniority