Specialist - HSE

Abu Dhabi Ports; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi Ports is seeking a driven HSE professional to support implementation and continuous improvement of the HSE Management System across Ports Cluster terminals and marine operations. The role focuses on identifying and controlling HSE risks in cargo handling, marine activities, and contractor works, in line with AD Ports Group standards and OSHAD-SF.

The ideal candidate holds a relevant degree and recognized HSE qualifications, with 4–6 years of experience in ports, terminals or logistics,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science or related field.
• NEBOSH IGC or Level 6 or equivalent qualification.
• ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 Internal or Lead Auditor certification preferred; ISO 22301 is an advantage.
• OSHAD-SF Practitioner registration preferred; IMDG Code / dangerous goods training is an advantage.
• Excellent English; Arabic is a helpful addition.
• 4–6 years of HSE experience, including at least 2 years in ports, terminals, marine or logistics operations.
• Ports, Terminals, Marine, Logistics, Construction experience and knowledge of HSE regulations (OSHAD-SF, IMDG Code, ILO Codes).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills including incident investigation and root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Implement the AD Ports Group HSE Management System across Ports Cluster terminals and facilities to achieve HSE KPIs.
• Support development, maintenance and implementation of the Ports Cluster HSE Plan in line with ISO standards and OSHAD-SF.
• Conduct hazard identifications and risk assessments and maintain the Ports Cluster HSE Risk Register.
• Perform planned and unplanned HSE inspections of terminals and sites and track corrective actions.
• Monitor handling of dangerous goods per IMDG Code and AD Ports requirements.
• Monitor contractor HSE compliance including permit-to-work and high-risk activities.
• Participate in HSE audits and follow up on findings.
• Investigate HSE incidents with RCA and ensure corrective actions.
• Support Port Emergency Response Plan and Business Continuity Plans; plan drills with port users and authorities.
• Deliver HSE inductions and training programs for employees, contractors and port users.

Skills

Influencing skills

Coaching skills

Analytical thinking

Incident investigation

Stakeholder communication

HSE regulations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science or related field

NEBOSH IGC or Level 6 or equivalent

ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 Internal or Lead Auditor certification

OSHAD-SF Practitioner registration; IMDG Code training preferred

Job description

Support the implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of the AD Ports Group HSE Management System, Integrated Management System and Business Continuity requirements across Ports Cluster terminals and marine operations. Ensure HSE risks arising from port activities (cargo handling, marine operations, dangerous goods, contractor and construction works) are identified and controlled in line with AD Ports Group standards, OSHAD-SF and applicable local and international regulations.

Educational and Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science or a related field.

• Internationally recognized HSE qualification, e.g., NEBOSH IGC (NEBOSH Diploma or Level 6 preferred) or equivalent.

• ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 Internal or Lead Auditor certification preferred; ISO 22301 is an advantage.

• OSHAD-SF Practitioner registration (Abu Dhabi) preferred; IMDG Code / dangerous goods training is an advantage.

Language Skills

• Excellent English. Arabic is an added advantage

Years of Experience

• A minimum of 4-6 years of HSE experience, including at least 2 years in ports, terminals, marine or logistics operations

Nature of Experience

• Ports, Terminals, Marine, Logistics, Construction.

• Good knowledge of HSE regulations and port/maritime standards (OSHAD-SF, IMDG Code, ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Ports).

• Ability to understand port operational risks and apply practical HSE controls.

• Strong influencing and coaching skills, with the ability to drive HSE compliance at the front line.

• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including AD Ports employees, contractors and port users.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including incident investigation and root cause analysis.

SECTION IV: KEY INTERACTIONS

Key Internal Contacts

Purpose of Interaction

• Within the team

• Ports Cluster

• AD Ports Group Corporate HSE and Cluster management

• Implement HSE plans, risk register and HSE walk-abouts

• Deliver HSE trainings and awareness programs

• Report HSE performance, issues and recommendations

Key External Contacts

Purpose of Interaction

• Port users, shipping lines, tenants and contractors

• Competent / regulatory authorities (Abu Dhabi Maritime, EAD, ADCDA, ADPHC/OSHAD, etc.)

• Ensure HSE compliance and resolve issues

• Coordinate inspections, emergency drills and incident reporting

• Benchmark best practices

Leadership Competencies required for the role

Competencies

• Customer Focus.

• Mental Agility.

• Drive Performance

• Adaptability.

• Courage.

• Inspire.

Technical Competencies required for the role

Competencies

• Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness and Communication

• Health Safety and Environment Standards Application

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

• Hazardous substance management

• Technical Safety

• Safety engineering

• Occupational Health and Safety Management

• Corporate Social Responsibility

• Environmental Procedures Design

• Emergency/Crisis Management

• Operations Safety

Core Responsibilities

• Implement the AD Ports Group HSE Management System and Integrated Management System across Ports Cluster terminals and facilities to achieve Corporate HSE and Business Continuity KPIs and objectives.

• Support the development, maintenance and implementation of the Ports Cluster HSE Plan in line with international standards (ISO 45001, ISO 14001), OSHAD-SF and local legal and regulatory requirements.

• Conduct hazard identification and risk assessments (HIRA, environmental aspects and impacts) for port operations, and maintain the Ports Cluster HSE Risk Register.

• Perform planned and unplanned HSE inspections of terminals, quays, yards, warehouses, marine craft, port equipment (STS cranes, RTGs, reach stackers, terminal tractors) and contractor work sites, and track corrective actions to closure.

• Monitor the handling and storage of dangerous goods in accordance with the IMDG Code and AD Ports Group requirements, verifying segregation, documentation and emergency arrangements.

• Monitor contractor HSE compliance, including permit-to-work, lifting operations, working at height, confined space and hot work controls during port operations and construction projects.

• Participate in HSE management walk-abouts, internal audits, AD Ports Group HSE/Quality/BCM audits and third-party certification audits, and follow up on findings.

• Investigate HSE incidents, near misses and complaints using root cause analysis, prepare reports and ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented.

• Support the Port Emergency Response Plan, oil spill response arrangements and Business Continuity Plans, including planning and evaluating drills with port users and authorities.

• Deliver HSE inductions, toolbox talks, awareness campaigns and training programs (e.g., fire safety, first aid, fire warden) for employees, contractors and port users.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science or a related field.

• Internationally recognized HSE qualification, e.g., NEBOSH IGC (NEBOSH Diploma or Level 6 preferred) or equivalent.

• ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 Internal or Lead Auditor certification preferred; ISO 22301 is an advantage.

• OSHAD-SF Practitioner registration (Abu Dhabi) preferred; IMDG Code / dangerous goods training is an advantage.

Language Skills

• Excellent English. Arabic is an added advantage

Years of Experience

• A minimum of 4-6 years of HSE experience, including at least 2 years in ports, terminals, marine or logistics operations

Nature of Experience

• Ports, Terminals, Marine, Logistics, Construction.

• Good knowledge of HSE regulations and port/maritime standards (OSHAD-SF, IMDG Code, ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Ports).

• Ability to understand port operational risks and apply practical HSE controls.

• Strong influencing and coaching skills, with the ability to drive HSE compliance at the front line.

• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including AD Ports employees, contractors and port users.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including incident investigation and root cause analysis.