HR Executive

Cognita Schools, Middle East office, is currently recruiting a HR Executive.

Purpose

The HR Executive will support the delivery of effective and compliant people operations across Cognita Middle East’s regional team and its network of schools in the GCC. Acting as a key point of contact for employees and leaders, the role provides high-quality generalist HR support across the full employee lifecycle, including HR administration, employee relations, payroll inputs, and offboarding processes.

Working in a fast-paced, multi-school environment, the HR Executive will help maintain accurate HR records, ensure compliance with UAE Labour Law and safeguarding standards, and contribute to continuous improvement of HR systems and employee experience initiatives.

Key Accountabilities

HR Administration

• Maintain accurate employee records and HR databases across the employee lifecycle
• Respond promptly to employee queries in line with SLAs
• Administer HR policies, procedures, and employee benefits
• Draft employee communications including letters, NOCs, certificates, and contracts
• Oversee visa, work permit, and medical insurance processes and renewals
• Track employee attendance, leave, training, and performance review documentation
• Support payroll inputs and verify processing accuracy
• Prepare HR reports and audit-ready documentation
• Contribute to HR systems improvement and employee engagement initiatives

Employee Relations

• Provide clear, professional HR advice on matters such as performance, grievance, and disciplinary
• Act as the first point of contact for ER issues, escalating where appropriate
• Maintain documentation in compliance with UAE Labour Law and company policy
• Support Heads of HR with administrative tasks as needed

Offboarding & Separations

• Manage end-to-end offboarding, including EOSB, visa and insurance cancellation
• Ensure a smooth and compliant separation process for all employees
• Safeguarding and Health & Safety Responsibilities
• Strategy: Positively contribute to the Health & Safety and Safeguarding improvement strategies within Cognita schools, nurseries and other business units.
• Policy and Compliance: Familiarise yourself with Health & Safety and Safeguarding policies and procedures. Support, as necessary, with adherence and awareness of the policies.
• Incident Reporting: Ensure Health & Safety and Safeguarding concerns are reported on the appropriate reporting platforms in line with the Incident Reporting Policy and SIRF guidance document.
• Training and Awareness: Ensure timely completion of Health & Safety and Safeguarding training courses provided for your role. Seek out training opportunities as relevant to improve safety within Cognita schools, nurseries and other business units.
• Emergency Preparedness: Be aware of the Emergency Response Procedures for your setting, and take part in mandatory drills and training exercises.
• Risk Assessment: Ensure risk assessments are completed for areas within your responsibility. Seek training and feedback as necessary to reduce the likelihood of harm.
• Culture: Act as a role model for Health & Safety and Safeguarding practices, promoting a positive and safe culture within the organisation.

Person Specification

Skills

Essential

• Strong organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong interpersonal abilities
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
• Ability to work across different locations and meet deadlines
• Proficient in using database systems and HRIS tools
• Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or a related field
• Desirable: Professional HR qualification (CIPD or equivalent)

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a generalist HR role covering the full employee lifecycle
• Experience in the education sector (preferred but not required)
• Desirable: Experience working in the GCC

Key Stakeholders

Internal

Heads of HR / Line Manager / HR Director

Regional Office Staff

School Staff / Senior Leadership Team / Department Heads

Finance Team

External

MOHRE / DHA / KHDA

Insurance Providers

Safeguarding Commitment

Cognita is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, volunteers and third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices are followed throughout the recruitment process, and pre-employment background checks, including verification of identity and qualifications, will be completed before any appointment is confirmed. Cognita does not accept open references.