Recruitment Specialist

MBZUAI is seeking a highly experience and passionate Recruitment Specialist to join our dynamic and fast paced environment. The Recruitment Specialist is responsible for strategically planning and executing recruitment activities that attract top-tier talent to support the university’s ambitious goals and objectives. This role involves developing and implementing innovative recruitment strategies that align with the university’s mission, ensuring a diverse and qualified candidate pool. By leveraging data analytics and industry best practices, the specialist enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the recruitment process, fostering a positive candidate experience. The position also emphasizes collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with departmental needs and compliance with legal standards. Ultimately, this role contributes to building a high-performing workforce that drives the university’s success and enhances its reputation in the academic community and around the world.Key ResponsibilitiesRecruitment Planning and Strategy:Develop a comprehensive manpower and recruitment plan that aligns with the university’s strategic objectives.Collaborate with departmental heads to identify staffing needs and ensure alignment with the university’s mission.Analyze recruitment trends and market conditions to inform strategic hiring practices.Candidate Sourcing and ScreeningIdentify and engage suitable sourcing channels to attract diverse and qualified candidates.Maintain and update a robust recruitment database to track potential candidates and streamline the selection process.Conduct initial screening of CVs to shortlist candidates based on job specifications and university policies.Interview Coordination and AssessmentCoordinate, schedule, and conduct initial interviews using standardized assessment tools to ensure fairness and consistency.Collaborate with hiring managers to evaluate candidate performance and selection decisions.Provide detailed feedback to candidates regarding their interview outcomes, enhancing the university’s reputation as an employer of choice.Compliance and DocumentationEnsure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements throughout the recruitment process, in collaboration with the Legal Affairs department.Conduct thorough reference and background checks on selected candidates to validate qualifications and experience.Prepare and manage offer letters and employment agreements, ensuring clarity and compliance with university policies.Candidate Onboarding and OrientationMaintain ongoing communication with new hires from the recruitment stage until their first day, facilitating smooth transitions.Assist in conducting a pre-joining orientation program that familiarizes new employees with the university’s culture, values, and strategic objectives.Provide guidance on visa and documentation requirements to ensure compliance and support for international hires.Continuous Improvement and ReportingMonitor and analyze recruitment metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.Prepare and present reports on recruitment activities, outcomes, and trends to the Head of Recruitment & Workforce Planning.Foster a culture of continuous improvement by soliciting feedback from candidates and stakeholders to enhance the recruitment process.Stakeholder Engagement and CollaborationCollaborate with internal stakeholders, including Faculty Affairs, Software Engineer, Research & Internal Audit etc, to ensure alignment and compliance with recruitment standards.Engage with external partners, such as recruitment agencies and government regulatory authorities, to broaden candidate sourcing and ensure adherence to Emiratization targets.Actively participate in recruitment events and initiatives to promote the university and attract top talent.Professional Experience RequiredEssential: 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in recruitment, with a focus on higher education, research institution, technology, AI or software services.At least 5 years’ experience recruiting exclusively in the UAE.Experience working within a high growth or start up environmentProven track record of successfully managing end-to-end recruitment processes, from job posting to onboarding.Experience in developing and implementing innovative recruitment strategies to attract diverse talent pools.Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software.Attention to detail in reporting through use of MS Excel and other adhoc reporting projects when needed.Repeated experience of managing global candidates that will relocate on selection.Strong understanding of UAE labor laws, regulations, and compliance issues related to recruitment.Senior stakeholder management experience from mid-management to c-suite. Experience of changing hiring managers mindset regarding recruitment by having a consultative approachAbility to manage volume hiring of 20+ requisitions at any given time.Ability to conduct effective candidate assessments and interviews, utilizing various evaluation techniques.Preferred Experience:Experience collaborating with academic departments to identify staffing needs and develop role-specific recruitment strategies.Experience in employer branding and promoting the organization at career fairs and industry events.Familiarity with international recruitment practices, particularly for attracting talent from diverse geographical locations.Experience in conducting training sessions for hiring managers on effective interviewing and selection techniques.Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including recruitment agencies and academic institutions.Background in diversity and inclusion initiatives within recruitment processes, fostering a diverse workforce.