Human Resources Advisor - Dubai Campus

Role: HR Advisor

Grade: Grade 6

Appointment: Full-time, Open-ended

Department: HR Directorate

Location: Dubai Campus

About our School/Directorate and Team: 

The HR Dubai Team is part of the Global HR Directorate. Our purpose is to partner with you to lead the people experience, to nurture an excellent, thriving, and inclusive University work culture. We do this by working collaboratively with leaders, managers, and employees and aspire to create the right environment where every person can flourish and is supported to succeed.

Purpose of Role: This role is part of the HR Operations team, supporting over 400 employees (both full-time and casual) at the Dubai Campus. The team's objective is to deliver a coordinated, effective, and efficient HR service aligned with the business needs and Strategy 2025. As a member of the HR team, the role holder will report to and support the HR Consultant to provide advice and guidance to Heriot-Watt University Dubai employees on HR policies and procedures.

The role holder will also support the HR Consultant in handling investigative casework, leading project initiatives, and driving change management efforts. The HR Advisor will contribute in developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and guidance that align with the University's policies, employment law, statutory requirements, and industry best practices. In addition, the role involves conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting information to support people-focused interventions and continuous process improvements.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support across HR functions including recruitment, contracts, absence management, discipline, grievances, and exit processes.
• Support the HR Consultant in Guiding and coaching line managers on the application of HR policies and procedures.
• Actively Collaborate with HR Operations teams (admin, systems, payroll) to streamline and document processes, ensuring efficiency.
• Draft and review offer letters and contracts for new hires, following due diligence.
• Participate in HR projects that align with the University’s strategic goals, such as onboarding and induction programs.
• Foster professional relationships within the institution, representing the value of the Global HR Directorate.
• Under the HR Consultants guidance, research and revise policies, procedures, and guidance documents.
• Work with the Global HR Directorate and broader teams to deliver a unified HR service.
• Contribute to HR projects and support casework in collaboration with the HR Consultant and line managers.
• Support the HR Consultant to provide HR solutions and deliver training sessions to Heads of Schools and PS Heads.
• Support the HR Consultant to Manage preparations for complex HR cases, ensuring compliance with governance and audit standards.
• Handle less complex cases independently.
• Assist in change management initiatives.
• Serve as the first point of contact for ERP-related queries, using Oracle Cloud ERP for reporting and data analysis.
• Collaborate with ERP administrators, payroll, and IS teams to ensure accurate system data.
• Resolve queries in a timely manner or escalate them as needed, ensuring ERP data remains accurate.
• Manage all HR files and documents in compliance with data protection regulations.
• Stay informed on HR and business issues, sharing relevant updates within the team.
• Identify and implement process improvements.
• Provide coverage for the HR Consultant and Recruitment Specialist, including scheduling interviews, managing requisitions in the ERP, and screening candidates.
• Conduct onboarding, induction, and satisfaction surveys and produce reports regularly noting trends and sharing with the team.
• Coordinate 30-day check-ins with new hires and hiring managers.
• Support HR Consultant to develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Provide comprehensive support across the HR function as required, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the team ensuring the delivery of a seamless and cohesive HR service across the organisation.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the level of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

1. Educated to first degree level or equivalent or equivalent practical experience in the workplace
2. Minimum of 5 years' experience in a HR Operations role
3. Demonstrated ability to stay highly organised and manage administrative tasks efficiently with attention to detail
4. Strong Knowledge of the UAE Labour laws and employment practices
5. Demonstrable provision of excellent customer service 
6. Demonstrable professional and proactive approach
7. Able to always maintain confidentiality
8. Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment 
9. Competent in the use of relevant IT packages, ideally with experience of using HR Information Systems and reporting 
10. Well-developed interpersonal skills 

Desirable

1. Chartered Member of CIPD or Similar
2. Experience of cloud-based people systems as part of an integrated ERP system (e.g. Oracle)
3. Advanced knowledge of using Power BI, Power Automate and AI in HR operations. 

How to Apply

Please submit your application via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system attaching a Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post and an updated CV 

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete an on-demand-video interview as the first stage of the selection process. Successful candidates will then proceed to in-person formal interviews at our Dubai campus, where you will be asked to deliver a brief presentation on a relevant topic.  Following the formal interview, the preferred candidate will attend a second interview with senior staff at the Dubai campus before a final offer decision is made.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. 

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

The appointment is conditional upon successful completion of all Labour and Immigration formalities, and the start date will need to be delayed if the employment visa is not in place.