People and Culture Officer (Human Resources) : July 2024 Start

People and Culture Officer (Human Resources) 

Dove Green Private School (DGPS) takes immense pride in being a British community school, offering a distinctive educational experience in the heart of Dubai Investment Park, near the Expo 2020 site. Our British educational values emphasise respect, tolerance, inclusivity, and a commitment to academic excellence, fostering well-rounded, globally-minded individuals. We are committed to cultivating an environment that celebrates the rich traditions of British education while fostering a global perspective. Our school, currently in its 10th year of operation, has become an example of educational excellence, embodying the values of a happy, caring, and inclusive community school. We are dedicated to providing a forward-thinking, innovative education beyond conventional boundaries. As the first UK curriculum school in the area, DGPS has earned a reputation for being at the forefront of educational innovation, catering to the needs of Dubai's rapidly expanding and developing south side.

As part of an innovative structural organisation and its students, we seek a People and Culture Officer to provide an effective, efficient and empathetic people-related HR support function in the school and to be the key point of contact for new, current, and exciting staff concerning all employment matters. To provide expert advice and guidance to School Leadership on managing HR issues. The ideal candidate for this role possesses strong communication skills, is proactive and solutions-focused, exhibits empathy, and demonstrates excellent organisational abilities. The successful candidate must possess a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, showcasing competence in utilising IT systems, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and, ideally, iSAMS. Strong organisational and prioritisation skills are essential for efficiently managing tasks. The ability to handle sensitive and personal information with diplomacy and empathy, ensuring confidentiality and providing supportive solutions, is crucial. The candidate should be adept at offering high-quality and reliable support and guidance to individuals within the organisation. Furthermore, staying informed about changes in the law or company policies is a key attribute for this role, reflecting the candidate's commitment to maintaining compliance and adapting to evolving requirements. As the People and Culture Officer at DGPS, you will be key in ensuring effective human capital management.

With our state-of-the-art secondary building nearing completion, DGPS is poised to provide an unparalleled learning experience. This innovative facility, designed to complement our existing campus, reflects our dedication to offering students the finest resources and facilities.  The successful candidate will be closely aligned with DGPS's core values and ethos and be part of a community that blends the best of British education with a commitment to preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world while possessing a genuine understanding and appreciation of the region's values.  Above all, we’re looking for an astute, driven, and down-to-earth person that is committed to fostering a culture of successful collaboration and progressive learning through our vision of learning together and growing together.

1. Recruitment and Onboarding:

·       Coordinate and execute the recruitment process, from job posting to candidate selection, ensuring compliance with UAE labour laws.

·       Conduct with senior leaders on orientation sessions for new hires, familiarising them with the school's policies, procedures, and culture.

2. HR Administration:

·       Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and international best practices in safer recruitment.

·       Prepare employment contracts, letters, and other HR-related documentation.

·       Handle employee inquiries and provide support on HR-related matters.

3. Performance Management:

·       Implement and manage the performance appraisal process, working closely with department heads to ensure fair and effective evaluations.

·       Guide performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions when necessary.

4. Employee Relations:

·       Promote a culture of high expectations around HR.

·       Act as a mediator in employee conflicts, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

·       Stay informed about changes in employment legislation and ensure school policies comply.

5. Training and Development:

·       Identify training needs and coordinate professional development opportunities for staff.

·       Collaborate with department heads to create a culture of continuous learning.

6. Benefits Administration:

·       Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, leave policies and other benefits.

·       Work with external providers to ensure competitive and compliant benefit packages.

Required Skills:

• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Competent using IT systems, including Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook, and ideally iSAMS.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Diplomatic and empathetic; able to deal with sensitive, personal information and issues in a confidential and supportive manner.
• Able to provide high-quality and reliable support and guidance.
• Ability to keep abreast of changes in the law or company policy.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

·       Education: Bachelor’s Degree, recognised HR Qualification and/or professional accreditation preferred.

·       Experience: At least 3 year’s experience in a supportive HR role; understanding of UAE Labour Law preferred but not essential. Knowledge of HRMS is an advantage.

We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals to apply to our company.

At DGPS, we relentlessly prioritise the safety and well-being of children. We maintain the highest standards in child protection practices and are committed to promoting their welfare. We expect our staff to share this commitment and actively hold them accountable for this. As part of our hiring process, successful applicants undergo various background checks, including references, qualifications, identification, and police checks, which may extend to overseas checks.