HR Officer / Executive Secretary

OUR OWN ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL - AL AIN; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education institution in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced HR Officer to provide end-to-end HR operational support. Responsibilities include recruitment, compliance with UAE Labour Law, and supporting the Principal's office. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of HR experience, knowledge of ADEK regulations, and strong communication skills. This role is essential for managing employee relations and supporting organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive administrative and HR experience, preferably within an educational or international setting.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE Labour Law and ADEK regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff in coordination with Corporate HR.
• Manage day-to-day HR operations and employee records.
• Act as the first point of contact for employee relations matters.
• Manage end-to-end employee separations in line with legal requirements.
• Coordinate ADEK/MOE teacher licensing with Government Relations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Integrity

Professionalism

HR systems proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field

Tools

HRIS (DAX)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

HR Officer – Role Summary

The HR Officer provides end-to-end HR operational support to the school, ensuring compliance with UAE Labour Law, ADEK/MOE regulations, and GEMS policies. The role supports recruitment, employee relations, HR administration, staff licensing, and separation processes, while also providing administrative support to the Principal’s Office.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Support recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff in coordination with Corporate HR.
• Manage onboarding, contracts, inductions, and pre-employment documentation.
• Coordinate visa, travel, and joining formalities with Government Relations and relevant teams.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Manage day-to-day HR operations, HRIS (DAX), employee records, and reporting.
• Administer HR policies, benefits, employee documentation, and statutory letters.
• Prepare HR reports and support audits, ERP initiatives, and ad-hoc HR projects.

Employee Relations

• Act as the first point of contact for employee relations matters.
• Advise management and staff on HR policies and UAE Labour Law.
• Support investigations, counselling, and employee engagement initiatives.

Separations & Exit Management

• Manage end-to-end employee separations in line with legal and policy requirements.
• Conduct exit interviews and provide insights to school leadership.

Teacher Licensing & Regulatory Support

• Coordinate ADEK/MOE teacher licensing, appointment letters, and stipends in liaison with Government Relations.

Principal’s Office Support

• Provide administrative and confidential support to the Principal, including calendar management, correspondence, meetings, and project coordination.

Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive administrative and HR experience, preferably within an educational or international setting.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE Labour Law and ADEK regulations.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
• Proficient in HR systems and Microsoft Office Suite.