Summary
American University of Sharjah is hiring a Senior Specialist, Employee Affairs and Services to support employee relations and HR services. The role advises Colleges and Departments, handles grievances and disciplinary matters, conducts impartial investigations, and supports HR policy compliance, engagement initiatives, and employee housing coordination. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, and at least four years of progressive HR experience focused on employee relations. Strong English communication, discretion, conflict-resolution skills, and the ability to manage sensitive cases are required.
The posting
As published on aus.edu. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
The Senior Specialist, Employee Affairs and Services supports the effective day-to-day management of employee relations and services at AUS. Working closely with the Senior Manager, Employee Affairs and Services, the role provides professional guidance and support on employee relations matters, facilitates the consistent implementation of HR policies and procedures, and contributes to a positive workplace culture that promotes fairness, engagement, employee wellbeing, retention, and satisfaction.
The Senior Specialist serves as a key point of support to Colleges and Departments, providing timely, responsive, and business-focused HR advice while ensuring employee matters are handled professionally, confidentially, and consistently. The role also supports compliance with applicable AUS policies and regulations and promotes alignment with HR best practices and institutional values.
Job Responsibilities
Employee Relations Support:
- Act as the first point of contact for Colleges/Departments on day-to-day employee relations matters, providing timely, business-focused advice and support, and escalating complex issues to the Senior Manager, Employee Affairs and Services
- Support the development and implementation of employee relations initiatives that align with AUS's organizational goals, culture and values
- Promote positive employee relations practices that enhance AUS's culture and improve workplace productivity within assigned Colleges/Departments
Compliance and Policy Support:
- Assist in monitoring and reviewing HR policies and procedures to help ensure they remain current, compliant and fit for purpose, flagging gaps or improvement areas to the Senior Manager
- Support the research of best practice for policies and procedures and help prepare recommendations for review
- Support the administration of disciplinary actions and corrective measures in accordance with AUS's HR policies, faculty handbook and legal guidelines
Conflict Resolution:
- Handle day-to-day employee relations cases, including grievances, disciplinary matters and disputes, ensuring issues are addressed fairly and consistently in line with AUS HR policy and faculty handbook, escalating sensitive or complex cases to the Senior Manager
- Conduct thorough, fair and impartial investigations into complaints while maintaining confidentiality
Employee Engagement and Retention:
- Support the research, development and rollout of employee relations initiatives that enhance employee engagement, increase workplace morale and help minimize turnover
Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures:
- Administer employee grievances, complaints and disciplinary procedures at the case level, in alignment with AUS's policies, faculty handbook and labor laws
- Help ensure fair, transparent and consistent application of disciplinary actions
Other Administrative Tasks:
- Support employees on various HR-related matters such as leave management, contract administration, probation and terminations
- Support campus housing allocation, reallocation and coordination of moves, and respond to related inquiries and issues
- Assist in implementing notices of available housing as described in the housing policy
- Support the periodic review of the housing policy to help ensure it remains current and meets AUS community needs
- Support an inclusive on-campus housing environment that promotes a sense of AUS community
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Manager, Employee Affairs and Services
Qualifications and Skills required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
- Minimum of four (4) years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with a focus on employee relations
- Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines including employee relations, organizational design, policies and procedures, compensation and reward
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport and manage effective stakeholder relationships at various levels of the organization
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Discretion and integrity when dealing with sensitive information
- Ability to handle high-stress situations and conflicts with professionalism and diplomacy
- Ability to make sound, unbiased decisions that align with AUS's values and policies
How to Apply
- Interested applicants should fill out the form.
- AUS alumni are encouraged to apply. Applicants who do not meet specified requirements will not be shortlisted.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- AUS is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability or marital status. Opportunities for employment are based solely upon one’s qualifications.