Human Resources Coordinator

About the Organization

Gordonstoun has been a pioneer in character education for over nine decades, offering a comprehensive curriculum that combines academics, adventurous activities, community service, and the arts. At Gordonstoun Jubail Island, this tradition is blended with the core values of Al Sanaa, emphasizing respect, hospitality, responsibility, and strong community bonds. All employees play an active role in enriching the school's community life through service, challenges, and participation in school activities. The school's fundamental values include Compassion, Courage, Integrity, Service, and Respect.

Role Overview

The Human Resources Coordinator will oversee daily HR administrative tasks at Gordonstoun Jubail Island and serve as the principal on-site HR representative for staff and leadership. This role encompasses supporting recruitment, onboarding, employee management, payroll administration, benefits, attendance monitoring, employee relations, and staff development, while safeguarding confidential and accurate employee records. The Coordinator will collaborate closely with the Principal, school management, external HR and recruitment partners, government relations (PRO), and Finance to ensure adherence to school policies, UAE labor laws, and ADEK regulations. Complex or sensitive issues will be appropriately escalated.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial point of contact for routine HR queries from employees.
• Manage HR policies, procedures, documentation, and employee records.
• Facilitate recruitment processes, workforce planning, and coordination with managers and external recruiters.
• Oversee pre-boarding, onboarding, and induction of new hires.
• Draft contracts, official letters, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), salary certificates, and other HR documents.
• Maintain confidential employee files, HR databases, HRMS/ERP systems, and compliance tracking.
• Collaborate with PRO/Government Relations to handle visas, work permits, Emirates ID, and related processes.
• Administer employee benefits and coordinate with insurance providers.
• Assist in monthly payroll processing by gathering inputs and liaising with the Finance department.
• Track attendance, leaves, probation periods, performance appraisals, and employee development records.
• Support employee relations including grievance handling, disciplinary actions, performance issues, and workplace conflicts, escalating as necessary.
• Maintain safer recruitment and compliance documentation such as the Central Register, ADEK/PASS records, qualifications, references, and safeguarding forms.
• Coordinate communications regarding HR policies, employee benefits, and procedures.
• Promote employee engagement and wellness programs.
• Manage offboarding activities, including exit interviews, final payroll processing, benefits adjustments, retrieval of company assets, and government clearance.
• Update and maintain the Employee Handbook and HR policy repository.
• Ensure strict confidentiality, data protection, and secure management of employee information.
• Participate in staff meetings and school committees as required.
• Perform other reasonable duties assigned by the school.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Certification such as CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent is desirable.
• Comprehensive understanding of UAE employment laws and HR administrative processes.
• Knowledge of ADEK, PASS, and educational sector compliance is advantageous.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant HR generalist, coordination, or operations experience, preferably in the UAE.
• Prior HR experience within a school or educational institution is essential.
• Proven expertise managing the entire employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, employee record maintenance, performance management, employee relations, and offboarding.
• Experience working with HR management systems (HRMS) for maintaining accurate employee data.
• Coordination experience with PRO/Government Relations, Finance, insurance vendors, and recruitment agencies.
• Experience within ADEK or similarly regulated educational environments is highly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Strong organizational and administrative capabilities with meticulous attention to detail.
• Deep understanding of UAE employment practices and cultural considerations relevant to working in a UAE school.
• High level of discretion and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Proactive, collaborative, and service-focused mindset.
• Alignment with Gordonstoun’s core values and commitment to the broader school community.