Summary
Cognita is recruiting an HR Executive for its Middle East office to support people operations across its regional team and GCC schools. The role covers HR administration, employee relations, payroll inputs, employee records, and end-to-end offboarding. It also oversees visa, work permit, and insurance processes and supports compliance with UAE Labour Law, safeguarding, and health and safety requirements. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, generalist HR experience across the employee lifecycle, and proficiency with database systems and HRIS tools; a CIPD or equivalent qualification is desirable.
The posting
As published on cognita.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
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
Qualifications
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.