Global People & Culture Officer

Queen Elizabeth’s Schools are an equal opportunities employer and is deeply committed to safeguarding our students, ensuring their safety and wellbeing. We expect all staff and members of our community to share this commitment and to promptly report any concerns about a student’s or community member’s safety or wellbeing. Applicants must be willing to undergo rigorous child protection screening, including checks with past employers and providing Police Clearance Certificates from all countries that the applicant has resided in.The OpportunityWe are seeking an exceptional Global People & Culture Officer to provide expert guidance and operational support across our UAE and India schools. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a world-class People & Culture function within Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools.The successful candidate will be a proactive and knowledgeable HR professional with a strong understanding of employment law, best practice, and the international education sector. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality People & Culture support across multiple campuses, ensuring compliance with local regulations while upholding global standards.As a key member of the Global People & Culture team, you will support the full employee lifecycle from recruitment and onboarding to employee relations, performance management, and professional development contributing to a culture of excellence, collaboration, and care.The RoleStrategic & Global ResponsibilitiesSupport the delivery of the Global People & Culture strategy aligned to the vision of Queen Elizabeth’s Global SchoolsAct as a trusted partner to leadership, providing insights on workforce planning, talent retention, engagement, and organisational effectivenessChampion organisational culture and values, embedding these into all people processes across campusesStrengthen employer branding to attract and retain high-quality international and local talentRecruitment and OnboardingManage the end-to-end recruitment process for teaching and non-teaching rolesSupport hiring managers with candidate screening, shortlisting, and interview coordinationOversee onboarding processes, including offer letters, contracts, and induction programmesEnsure all recruitment activities comply with local labour laws and internal policiesPolicy and ComplianceSupport the development, review, and implementation of People & Culture policies and proceduresMaintain accurate and confidential employee records in line with data protection standardsEnsure compliance with UAE labour law; knowledge of Indian labour law is an advantageSupport internal and external audits and regulatory requirementsEmployee Relations and Well-beingProvide guidance to staff and managers on policies, procedures, and employment mattersAct as a first point of contact for employee queries and concerns, ensuring timely and sensitive resolutionSupport employee wellbeing initiatives, including wellness programmes and engagement activitiesAssist with disciplinary, grievance, and performance-related processesPerformance ManagementSupport the implementation and administration of the performance management frameworkGuide managers on goal setting, performance reviews, and development planningMonitor probation periods and ensure timely reviews and confirmationsLearning and DevelopmentIdentify training needs and support delivery of professional development initiativesCoordinate workshops, CPD programmes, and training sessionsMaintain training records and ensure completion of mandatory training (e.g. safeguarding)HR Operations and AdministrationMaintain accurate HR systems, records, and employee dataPrepare reports and provide insights to support decision-makingSupport payroll processes by ensuring accurate data on attendance, leave, and benefitsAdminister employee benefits, including insurance and end-of-service entitlementsStakeholder CollaborationBuild strong relationships with internal stakeholders across academic and operational teamsLiaise with external partners, including recruitment agencies, insurers, and legal advisorsAct as an ambassador for the organization’s values, promoting a positive and inclusive cultureLocal Hiring ComplianceSupport localisation initiatives in line with country specific legal and cultural requirementsMonitor hiring targets and reporting to ensure compliance with national workforce frameworksPartner with relevant authorities and platforms to attract local talentEnsure fair, inclusive, and compliant hiring and promotion practicesSupport the development of a culturally responsive and inclusive workforceThe PersonQualifications and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)HR-related qualification (e.g. CIPD) is desirableMinimum of 3 years’ HR experience, preferably within an international or school environmentStrong knowledge of UAE labour laws, regulations, and HR complian