Arada | Emiratisation Community Lead

About the Role
The Emiratisation Community Lead is the strategic driver and public face of Emiratisation. This role involves shaping the Group’s Emiratisation strategy alongside the Group Head of Talent & Culture and owning its delivery across every Group entity in the UAE. Key objectives include meeting national workforce targets, building a pipeline of exceptional UAE National talent, leading the UAE National Graduate Programme, and fostering a community where Emiratis feel valued and empowered to grow. This outward-facing, relationship-oriented position requires collaboration with Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Marketing, and business leaders to represent the organization with government entities, universities, and at various events throughout the UAE.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-develop the Group’s Emiratisation strategy and three-year roadmap in partnership with the Group Head of Talent & Culture, identifying the roles and levels Emiratis should progress into beyond entry-level positions.
• Oversee Emiratisation compliance for all UAE entities, tracking Emirati headcount, hires, and exits, while modeling their impact on Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) targets. Ensure each entity meets these targets semi-annually, with all hires in genuine, skilled roles consistent with Nafis and MoHRE regulations.
• Anticipate changes in federal and emirate-level policies, advising leadership on implications and shaping policies on reward, learning, and careers to attract and retain national talent.
• Create and manage a rolling 12-month Emiratisation calendar that includes career fairs, government and industry events, university milestones, and internal community moments, with quarterly reviews.
• Strategically plan the company’s participation at key UAE career fairs several months in advance, overseeing objectives, budget, staffing, and evaluating results.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing and Communications on stand design, campaigns, content creation, and social media coverage to enhance engagement and brand presence.
• Cultivate the company’s employer brand within the UAE National community, defining an authentic narrative to attract Emirati talent and establishing a strong presence on LinkedIn, social media, university networks, and the Nafis platform.
• Empower Emirati colleagues to become brand ambassadors, pursue external recognition for the company’s Emiratisation efforts, and monitor brand reach and perception on a quarterly basis.
• Develop relationships with MoHRE, Nafis, and emirate-level government bodies, representing the company at government events, industry forums, and sector initiatives.
• Partner with major UAE universities and colleges on initiatives like internships, graduate placements, guest lectures, and campus engagement.
• Maintain and manage a UAE National talent book, engaging in proactive discussions with prospective talent and presenting qualified profiles to hiring managers ahead of vacancies.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to fill Emiratisation roles through Nafis and other channels, while also coaching hiring managers on how to effectively attract, interview, and onboard Emirati talent.
• Work alongside the Group Head of People, the Group Head of Talent & Culture, and Learning & Development to enhance the UAE National Graduate Programme, overseeing its implementation from intake through rotations to permanent placement.
• Foster a visible UAE National community across the organization, organizing moments such as UAE Nationals breakfasts, and ensuring Emirati colleagues’ priorities are reflected in people experience (PX) strategies.
• Support PX Business Partners in the performance and development of UAE National colleagues, including objective setting, performance reviews, and development planning.
• Assist Emirati colleagues with their career journey in collaboration with Learning & Development, identifying high-potential candidates for leadership tracks and establishing mentoring and buddy systems for new hires.
• Report on Emiratisation progress, attrition, and risks to PX leadership and the executive team, while managing the Emiratisation budget for events, partnerships, and programs.

What You'll Bring

• This role is dedicated to Emiratisation; therefore, it is open to UAE Nationals only.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Emiratisation, talent acquisition, employer branding, or talent development within a multi-entity UAE private-sector group.
• In-depth knowledge of MoHRE Emiratisation requirements and the Nafis program.
• An established network within UAE government agencies, universities, or the Emirati talent community.
• Proven experience in building an employer brand with Marketing, particularly targeting Emirati or graduate audiences.
• Experience managing a graduate or national development program in relevant industries such as real estate, hospitality, healthcare, or fitness is advantageous.
• Strong presentation skills, comfortable in high-stakes environments, such as career fairs or engagements with senior officials.
• Ability to plan strategically for the long term, translating visions into actionable 12-month plans.
• Capability of collaborating and influencing senior leaders and hiring managers.
• A natural ability to network and build communities, making individuals feel seen and heard.
• Willingness to frequently travel for events, including evenings and weekends.
• Proficient in both Arabic and English, with excellent written and verbal skills.
• A Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, communications, or a related field; a CIPD or equivalent qualification is preferable.

Why Join?
Joining this organization offers an opportunity to contribute to transformative community projects while working alongside talented professionals in a culture that prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth. There is a commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that enables everyone to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement
This organization is devoted to establishing a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applications from all qualified individuals are welcomed, and employment decisions are based on merit, experience, and business needs.