Senior HSE Officer - Buildings & Villa Projects

About the role

Nova International General Contracting, a UAE-based general contractor specialising in branded residences, is looking for a highly experienced Senior HSE Officer to support a major construction project in Abu Dhabi focused on buildings and luxury villa compounds. The role is full-time and site-based, with a strong site presence and close coordination with project teams, subcontractors, client representatives and regulatory authorities.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct daily HSE inspections and ensure compliance with Abu Dhabi Municipality and local regulations
• Review and verify Method Statements and Risk Assessments (MSRA) and identify high-risk activities such as working at height, lifting, scaffolding, excavation and confined space work
• Take part in Job Safety Analysis (JSA) discussions and enforce company HSE policies and project safety plans
• Lead preliminary investigations of incidents, unsafe conditions and near misses, prepare incident reports and track corrective action closure
• Oversee safety for structural, finishing, MEP and façade works, scaffolding, temporary works, permit-to-work and crane activities
• Prepare weekly and monthly HSE reports, run toolbox talks and coordinate with project managers, site engineers and supervisors
• Interface with client HSE teams and regulatory inspectors

Required profile

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety or a related field
• 10+ years of HSE experience in the construction sector
• Proven experience on buildings and luxury villa compound projects in Abu Dhabi
• Knowledge of local authority requirements and inspection procedures, and experience with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors in the UAE
• Ability to manage large, multinational workforces
• Fluency in English (Arabic advantageous)

Required skills

• Abu Dhabi Municipality HSE certification and Ministry of Health certification (mandatory)
• NEBOSH IGC (minimum); IOSH Managing Safely preferred
• First aid and fire fighting certification
• Strong incident investigation capability and mentoring of junior HSE officers