HR & Government Relations Officer

Institución Educativa SEK; Al Wajh; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A new international school in Saudi Arabia is seeking an HR & Government Relations Officer to oversee HR operations and government processes. The candidate will handle visa logistics, employee relations, and onboarding while ensuring compliance with Saudi labor laws. A strong background in HR with at least 5 years of experience, along with proficiency in Arabic and English, is required. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape HR practices within a growing educational environment.

Benefits

Accommodation provided

Competitive salary based on qualifications

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of relevant HR experience, ideally within Saudi Arabia.
• Experience with visas, Iqamas, and government processes.
• Strong in employee relations and HR documentation.
• Fluent in Arabic and English.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR operations and government processes.
• Maintain and update the Staff Handbook.
• Manage work visa processes and Iqama logistics.
• Support onboarding, welfare, and exit processes.

Skills

HR operations management

Government relations

Employee relations

Visa processing

Effective communication

Confidentiality

Organizational skills

Job description

Role overview

The HR & Government Relations Officer oversees all day‑day HR operations and government processes for the school, ensuring compliant, consistent, and people‑centred practices. The role combines HR administration, employee relations, visa/Iqama processing, onboarding and welfare, and the upkeep of policies and staff records. It is primarily operational and execution‑focused, with close collaboration across leadership, the project team and the sister school.

You will be the sole HR professional on site, working mostly with the Head of School (and at times the Project Manager), and coordinating with HR/finance peers within the SEK network in Saudi Arabia.

Key responsibilities

Recruitment, eligibility & contracts (smaller part of the role)

• Screen candidates for visa/eligibility (age, nationality, qualifications, role alignment)
• Coordinate interviews where time allows (posting roles is desirable but not core)
• Issue/coordinate employment contracts, ensuring job titles and terms match visa requirements
• Support leadership to ensure offers and conditions are clear and consistent

Conduct, performance & culture

• Maintain and update the Staff Handbook; ensure staff acknowledge receipt and understand expectations (dress code, punctuality, professional conduct, cultural norms)
• Lead (in consultation with leadership) verbal/written warnings, disciplinary meetings, and documentation of underperformance—ensuring a fair, consistent process with a witness present
• Act as the first formal point of contact for staff concerns, ensuring resolution pathways are clear and documented

Government relations & sponsorship (Saudi context)

• Manage end‑to‑end work visa processes, entry/exit permissions, and Iqama logistics for international staff
• Coordinate with external visa agents contracted by candidates; guide and escalates when issues arise
• Ensure job titles, qualifications, contracts, and visa categories align to avoid application delays
• Navigate required government platforms and procedures; keep leadership updated on timelines and requirements

Onboarding, arrival logistics & staff welfare

• Provide pre‑arrival briefings (shipping belongings, pets, what to pack, travel notes, registering children at school)
• Collect arrival details, arrange security clearance and site access, meet staff on arrival, and handover accommodation access (with Project Manager support for allocations and readiness)
• Explain benefits, medical insurance, and leave entitlements; manage absence requests and related documentation (operational day‑of sickness is handled by leadership for cover)
• Offer cultural orientation for living and working in Saudi Arabia; curate local practical information (shopping, services, facilities) to help staff settle smoothly

Records, systems & compliance

• Maintain complete and secure HR files (contracts, visas, Iqamas, warnings, leave, attestations)
• Ensure alignment with Saudi labour law, preparing documentation for audits/inspections and internal reviews
• Uphold confidentiality and data protection across all HR processes; ensure consistent, evidence‑based record‑keeping

Exit and offboarding

• Manage end of service processes (notice periods, documentation, final payments coordination with finance, exit permits, visa/Iqama cancellation)
• Ensure offboarding is compliant, smooth, and properly documented

Collaboration & ways of working

• Report primarily to the Head of School; coordinate with the Project Manager depending on project phase
• Align protocols with the sister school and seek guidance/escalation from SEK’s Saudi HR/finance colleagues where appropriate
• Ensure consistent messaging to staff: HR participates in or leads all conversations that define working conditions, so expectations remain clear and aligned

Experience, skills & profile

• At least 5–8 years of relevant HR experience, ideally within Saudi Arabia and with government relations/sponsorship responsibilities
• Proven experience managing visas, Iqamas, and government processes with external agents and platforms
• Strong track record in employee relations, conduct/discipline processes, and HR documentation
• Highly organised, discreet, and calm—able to manage sensitive information with confidentiality and sound judgment
• Clear communicator who can explain rules, steps, and decisions in plain language and follow through proactively
• Arabic: required (to navigate government processes); English: required (for daily communication with leadership and staff)
• Saudi national preferred

Why join us?

• Shape HR operations and government processes from the ground up in a new international school
• Make a direct impact on staff wellbeing, consistency, and compliance during a critical startup phase
• Collaborate with an experienced sister school and the SEK network while owning onsite delivery
• Work in a unique, values‑driven community within a world‑class development

Salary is based on relevant qualifications and experience. Accommodation is also provided as an additional benefit and included for staff at no additional cost.