Recruitment Specialist

MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in AI research is looking for a Recruitment Specialist to strategize and execute recruitment activities to attract top-tier talent. This role involves comprehensive planning, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to legal standards, contributing to the building of a high-performing workforce. The ideal candidate will have substantial recruitment experience, particularly in the UAE, and a thorough understanding of recruitment strategies that promote diversity.

Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in recruitment, especially in higher education or technology.
• Experience recruiting exclusively in the UAE for at least 5 years.
• Strong understanding of UAE labor laws and compliance issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive manpower and recruitment plan aligned with strategic objectives.
• Conduct initial screenings of CVs to shortlist candidates based on specifications.
• Coordinate and conduct interviews to evaluate candidates fairly.

Skills

Progressive recruitment experience

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

End-to-end recruitment management

Innovative recruitment strategies

Tools

Applicant tracking systems (ATS)

MS Excel

Job description

MBZUAI is seeking a highly experienced and passionate Recruitment Specialist to join our dynamic and fast paced environment. The Recruitment Specialist is responsible for strategically planning and executing recruitment activities that attract top-tier talent to support the university’s ambitious goals and objectives. This role involves developing and implementing innovative recruitment strategies that align with the university’s mission, ensuring a diverse and qualified candidate pool.

By leveraging data analytics and industry best practices, the specialist enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the recruitment process, fostering a positive candidate experience. The position also emphasizes collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with departmental needs and compliance with legal standards. Ultimately, this role contributes to building a high-performing workforce that drives the university’s success and enhances its reputation in the academic community and around the world.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment Planning and Strategy

• Develop a comprehensive manpower and recruitment plan that aligns with the university’s strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with departmental heads to identify staffing needs and ensure alignment with the university’s mission.
• Analyze recruitment trends and market conditions to inform strategic hiring practices.

Candidate Sourcing and Screening

• Identify and engage suitable sourcing channels to attract diverse and qualified candidates.
• Maintain and update a robust recruitment database to track potential candidates and streamline the selection process.
• Conduct initial screening of CVs to shortlist candidates based on job specifications and university policies.

Interview Coordination and Assessment

• Coordinate, schedule, and conduct initial interviews using standardized assessment tools to ensure fairness and consistency.
• Collaborate with hiring managers to evaluate candidate performance and selection decisions.
• Provide detailed feedback to candidates regarding their interview outcomes, enhancing the university’s reputation as an employer of choice.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements throughout the recruitment process, in collaboration with the Legal Affairs department.
• Conduct thorough reference and background checks on selected candidates to validate qualifications and experience.
• Prepare and manage offer letters and employment agreements, ensuring clarity and compliance with university policies.

Candidate Onboarding and Orientation

• Maintain ongoing communication with new hires from the recruitment stage until their first day, facilitating smooth transitions.
• Assist in conducting a pre-joining orientation program that familiarizes new employees with the university’s culture, values, and strategic objectives.
• Provide guidance on visa and documentation requirements to ensure compliance and support for international hires.

Continuous Improvement and Reporting

• Monitor and analyze recruitment metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.
• Prepare and present reports on recruitment activities, outcomes, and trends to the Head of Recruitment & Workforce Planning.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by soliciting feedback from candidates and stakeholders to enhance the recruitment process.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Faculty Affairs, Software Engineer, Research & Internal Audit etc, to ensure alignment and compliance with recruitment standards.
• Engage with external partners, such as recruitment agencies and government regulatory authorities, to broaden candidate sourcing and ensure adherence to Emiratization targets.
• Actively participate in recruitment events and initiatives to promote the university and attract top talent.

Professional Experience Required

Essential:

• 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in recruitment, with a focus on higher education, research institution, technology, AI or software services.
• At least 5 years’ experience recruiting exclusively in the UAE.
• Experience working within a high growth or start up environment
• Proven track record of successfully managing end-to-end recruitment processes, from job posting to onboarding.
• Experience in developing and implementing innovative recruitment strategies to attract diverse talent pools.
• Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software.
• Attention to detail in reporting through use of MS Excel and other adhoc reporting projects when needed.
• Repeated experience of managing global candidates that will relocate on selection.
• Strong understanding of UAE labor laws, regulations, and compliance issues related to recruitment.
• Senior stakeholder management experience from mid-management to c-suite. Experience of changing hiring managers mindset regarding recruitment by having a consultative approach
• Ability to manage volume hiring of 20+ requisitions at any given time.
• Ability to conduct effective candidate assessments and interviews, utilizing various evaluation techniques.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience collaborating with academic departments to identify staffing needs and develop role-specific recruitment strategies.
• Experience in employer branding and promoting the organization at career fairs and industry events.
• Familiarity with international recruitment practices, particularly for attracting talent from diverse geographical locations.
• Experience in conducting training sessions for hiring managers on effective interviewing and selection techniques.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including recruitment agencies and academic institutions.
• Background in diversity and inclusion initiatives within recruitment processes, fostering a diverse workforce.