HR Executive

About the role

Cognita Schools' Middle East office is recruiting an HR Executive to support effective and compliant people operations across the regional team and its network of schools in the GCC. As a key point of contact for employees and leaders, the role covers generalist HR support across the full employee lifecycle, including HR administration, employee relations, payroll inputs and offboarding. It also involves safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

• HR administration: maintain accurate employee records and HR databases, respond to employee queries within SLAs, administer HR policies, procedures and benefits, draft communications such as letters, NOCs, certificates and contracts, oversee visas, work permits and medical insurance, track attendance, leave, training and performance reviews, support payroll inputs, prepare HR reports and audit-ready documentation.
• Employee relations: give clear advice on performance, grievances and discipline, act as first point of contact and escalate where appropriate, keep records compliant with UAE Labour Law, and support Heads of HR with administrative tasks.
• Offboarding: manage end-to-end separation, including EOSB, visa and insurance cancellation, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.
• Safeguarding and health and safety: contribute to improvement strategies, follow policies and incident reporting, complete required training, take part in emergency drills, ensure risk assessments are done and act as a role model for a safe culture.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or a related field.
• Experience in a generalist HR role covering the full employee lifecycle.
• Experience in the education sector preferred but not required; experience in the GCC desirable.
• Professional HR qualification (CIPD or equivalent) desirable.

Required skills

• Proficiency with database systems and HRIS tools.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, ability to manage multiple tasks and work across locations to meet deadlines.