HR Business Partner

Zurich Middle East is part of Zurich Insurance Group, one of the world’s largest and most experienced insurers. Our mission is to help our local community understand and protect themselves from risk both locally and globally.

Reporting to the Head of HR to execute on strategies and support the achievement of business goals. The HR Business Partner will be responsible for partnering with members of the Middle East business, providing expert advice on a full range of HR and people strategy issues and initiatives, to determine the human capital requirements to deliver the business strategy and achieve shared organizational objectives.
 

• Build and maintain positive relationships with the ME business and other internal/external stakeholders. 
• In alignment with ME HR direction, establish vision, embed strategy and operational execution on overall HR function while implementing the business unit/functional HR agenda.
• Consult with people managers on employment relations issues including disciplinary issues, selection, employee development, retention, benefits offerings, compensation philosophy, re-structuring and organizational development needs. 
• Advise and support line management and employees in HR processes to ensure alignment across the organization.
• Analyse key themes from employees research (i.e. engagement survey) from a wide range of data sources in order to identify how different scenarios may impact upon their area of responsibility and take ownership to support the business driving improvement through proactive action planning.
• Support with the implementation of local HR projects.
• Supervise and quality-assure the drafting of key HR policy documents to ensure full compliance to the Organization´s rules and regulations governing transactions.
• Contribute to the development of HR processes and lead the implementation of systems and process improvements in own area. 
• Support key recruitment and activity within area of responsibility under the guidance of the Head of HR to ensure appropriate talent in the organization. 
• HR process support, including performance management, salary reviews, short and long-term incentive plans, talent management, and executive level promotions.
• Regular communication with ME HR team, ensuring clear communication of timelines and processes. 
• Strategic support for Head of HR and will operate as the primary contact point and relationship manager for some business areas under the direction of the Head of HR. 
• Data preparation and analysis to support executive meetings, e.g. on workforce composition.
• Supports the HR work-streams of complex transformational projects such as outsourcing or restructuring. 
• Manages action planning, tracking and communications around the annual employee engagement survey. 
• Continue embedding the cultural CARE values and manage the ACE recognition platform and awards.
• Support local benefits strategy and support renewal processes e.g. medical cover, Group Life cover.
• Support with onboarding of new suppliers ensuring adherence to the Group’s Third-Party Governance Framework.
• Works in close cooperation with Compliance and Legal to ensure adherence to processes, policies as well as maintaining alignment and consistency.
• Support the Head of HR with requirements and controls in line with the Group’s Risk Management framework.
• Developing and executing L&D strategies that support organizational goals.
• Managing the Mandatory training process in collaboration with the compliance team.
• Supporting Leadership development and Talent Management programs.
• Developing and managing workplace wellness programs that promote employee well-being.
• Respond to business requests and support with ad hoc HR tasks as required.
• Mentoring HR team members.
• Support the Head of HR with the professional development of the team members.
• Model behaviors that demonstrate commitment to corporate values.
• Provide input into performance management discussions of HR team members. 
• Provide direction/ advice within and outside unit. 
• Provide guidance and mentoring support for team members. 
• Take action to manage own personal development and encourage others to do the same. 

Client Internally Focused - The job’s core deliverables rely on delivering service to internal clients, usually at the line manager or employee level. May involve sharing subject matter expertise to others in the organization or supporting others in their efforts to deliver on our promise.

To be successful in your role, you will need:

• Professional certification in Human Resources, e.g., PHR, GPHR, SPHR, CIPD or similar.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Human Resources and 6 or more years of experience in related field.
• Experience in the following areas is required: Compensation & benefits, recruitment, talent management, learning & development, employee/industrial relations, HR analysis and systems.
• Understanding of IT.
• Must be fluent in English, both written & spoken.
• Experience of working in a global organization.
• In-depth knowledge of HR policies and practices and HR Systems as appropriate in scope of role.
• Strong knowledge of Employment Relations processes aligning to local laws is required. 
• Being an Arabic speaker would be an advantage.

• Experience of working in a matrix organization.
• Knowledge of people behavior.
• Ability to support a diverse functional team, setting objectives, reviewing performance and participating in selection/promotion decisions to ensure that staff have the necessary skills and understanding to deliver the team's objectives.
• An understanding of operational processes within the Insurance business.
• Knowledge of HR strategic goals & plans for the business.

• Team management
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal & written including a good understanding & ability to work with different cultures, communication styles & behaviour & time zones.
• Proactive & constructive approach to dealing issues & people.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
• Maintains expert knowledge of current local legislation, market trends and best practice relevant to the HR function.
• Experience of working in a multi-function HR team.
• Flexibility to changing environments.

Why Zurich

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right? 

We are an equal opportunity employer who knows that each employee is unique - that’s what makes our team so great! 

Join us as we constantly explore new ways to protect our customers and the planet.
 

• Location(s):  AE - Dubai 
• Remote working: No
• Schedule: Full Time
• Recruiter name: Taniya Baby
• Closing date:  February 17, 2025