Employee Relations Specialist

Job Purpose

To manage and enhance employee relations within the government entity by ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws, civil service regulations, and internal HR policies. The role focuses on fostering a positive work environment, resolving employee issues, handling disciplinary matters, and supporting organizational harmony while upholding government standards and Emirati values.

Employee Relations & Case Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, including grievances, complaints, disciplinary actions, and workplace conflicts.

• Investigate employee relations cases in a fair, confidential, and timely manner, ensuring adherence to government procedures and legal requirements.

• Prepare investigation reports, findings, and recommendations for management and relevant committees.

• Advise management on appropriate disciplinary actions in line with UAE labor law, civil service regulations, and internal policies.

Policy Implementation & Compliance

• Ensure consistent application of HR policies, government regulations, and employee conduct standards across the entity.

• Interpret and provide guidance on UAE Labor Law, Federal/Local Government HR laws, civil service frameworks, and internal bylaws.

• Support the development, review, and update of employee relations policies and procedures.

Employee Engagement & Advisory

• Provide expert advice to employees and managers on workplace issues, performance management, misconduct, and ethical behavior.

• Promote a positive employee relations culture aligned with government values, diversity, inclusion, and Emiratization objectives.

• Support employee engagement initiatives and conflict prevention programs.

Stakeholder & Government Liaison

• Coordinate with legal affairs, compliance, internal audit, and external government authorities when required.

• Support labor inspections, audits, and official inquiries related to employee relations matters.

• Represent HR in internal committees related to disciplinary actions, grievances, or appeals.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee relations records and case files.

• Prepare periodic reports and analytics on employee relations trends, risks, and recommendations for senior management.

• Ensure documentation meets government audit and governance standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify trends, root causes, and systemic issues to recommend preventive actions and policy enhancements.

• Contribute to HR transformation initiatives, automation of ER processes, and best practice benchmarking within UAE government entities.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or related field

• Master’s degree or professional HR certification (CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent) is an advantage

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Employee Relations or HR, preferably within UAE Government or semi-government entities

• Strong hands-on experience with disciplinary procedures, grievance handling, and investigations

• Proven knowledge of UAE Labor Law, civil service regulations, and government HR frameworks

Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of employee relations best practices

• Strong understanding of UAE labor and government employment laws

• Excellent investigation, analytical, and problem-solving skills

• High level of confidentiality, integrity, and ethical judgment

• Strong stakeholder management and advisory skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (Arabic and English preferred)

• Ability to handle sensitive issues with professionalism and cultural awareness

Behavioral Competencies

• Professional judgment and discretion

• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills

• Attention to detail and compliance orientation

• Resilience and emotional intelligence

• Commitment to public service values