HR Officer / Executive Secretary

About the role

The HR Officer / Executive Secretary provides end‑to‑end HR operational support for a GEMS school in Abu Dhabi, ensuring compliance with UAE Labour Law, ADEK/MOE regulations and internal policies while also delivering confidential administrative assistance to the Principal’s Office.

Key responsibilities

• Recruit teaching and non‑teaching staff, manage onboarding, contracts, inductions and pre‑employment documentation.
• Coordinate visa, travel and joining formalities with Government Relations.
• Maintain day‑to‑day HR operations, HRIS (DAX) data, employee records and reporting.
• Administer HR policies, benefits, statutory letters and support audits and ERP projects.
• Act as first point of contact for employee relations, advise on policies and UAE Labour Law, and support investigations and engagement initiatives.
• Manage employee separations, conduct exit interviews and provide insights to school leadership.
• Coordinate ADEK/MOE teacher licensing, appointment letters and stipends.
• Provide calendar management, correspondence, meeting coordination and project support for the Principal.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR and administrative experience, preferably in an educational or international environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of UAE Labour Law and ADEK regulations.
• High level of discretion, integrity and professionalism.

Required skills

• HR Systems
• HRIS DAX
• UAE Labour Law
• ADEK regulations
• Microsoft Office Suite