Talent Acquisition Lead - Emiratization

Company Description

Over the many years of its pursuit for investment diversification, the Ghobash Group has capitalized on opportunities in sectors with encouraging growth potential by either buying out established operating companies or founding new businesses to extend value into those markets. As the portfolio of these fully, or majority-owned operating companies grew and became more diversified, the Group established ABAN INVESTMENT in 2008 to administer and facilitate its smooth operation. Each operating company general manager reports into the CEO of Aban Investment and as such it is an actively managed portfolio of companies.

ABAN Investment currently has stakes in Technology, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Chemicals and Supplies, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Consumer Services. It is committed to building high-value businesses, from start-ups and early stage ventures to mergers and acquisitions for more mature businesses.

Job Description

The Talent Acquisition Lead – Emiratization will spearhead Emiratization recruitment across the Group. This includes building and managing UAE National talent pipelines, aligning with group-wide Emiratization targets, and maintaining strong partnerships with colleges, universities, and government bodies. The role is accountable for reporting key Emiratization metrics and ensuring compliance in collaboration with internal departments. The individual will support the Compensation & Benefits function in UAE pension registration and contribute to broader workforce planning initiatives.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead sourcing and selection for UAE National roles across the Group.
• Maintain and report on UAE National headcount, hiring targets, and NAFIS compliance weekly.
• Provide data and analytics to key stakeholders including monthly and quarterly reports on UAEN data and trends (internal and external).
• Establish relationships with educational institutions to create a pipeline of UAE National talent.
• Work closely with hiring managers to forecast and fulfill Emiratization needs.
• Develop and update job descriptions and recruitment materials tailored for UAE National roles.
• Ensure job advertisements align with internal equity and Emiratization priorities.
• Coordinate and conduct interviews, assessments, and candidate screening.
• Maintain accurate and real-time dashboards on Emiratization hiring performance.
• Collaborate with the Compensation & Benefits team to ensure accurate and timely registration with the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA).
• Participate in career fairs, university engagement initiatives, and government employment events.
• Monitor and report on policy changes affecting Emiratization strategy and advise the Group accordingly.
• Ensure alignment with internal audit, legal, and HR compliance regarding nationalization efforts.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors or higher
• HR certification or relevant certs

Experience

• Minimum 5 years in Talent Acquisition with Emiratization focus
• Experience in financial services or a regional conglomerate

Skills & Abilities

• Strong stakeholder engagement, sourcing, reporting, ATS knowledge, university relations, knowledge of NAFIS/GPSSA
• Strategic workforce planning, policy awareness, reporting automation

Additional Information

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Accurate reporting of Emiratization data and dashboards.
• Compliance with Emiratization regulations.
• Strengthening talent partnerships with educational institutions.
• Improved efficiency in hiring UAE Nationals.
• Internal stakeholder satisfaction with nationalization support.