Assistant Government Relations & Compliance Manager

Job description / Role

Al-Futtaim Education Foundation is seeking to appoint an Assistant Government Relations and Compliance Manager to assist the Government Relations and Compliance Manager in overseeing and managing all government guidelines and communications required from UAE ministries and government entities. Based in Dubai Festival City and supporting our two leading international schools, Deira International School and Universal American School, this role involves assisting with compliance matters, maintaining up-to-date records, and ensuring timely execution of tasks. The Assistant will also handle specific responsibilities related to KHDA, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, and other relevant authorities.

At Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, we are committed to excellence by providing operational and academic oversight of schools and supporting their work through various initiatives. As a family business with deep-rooted family values, we aim to make a positive impact on the Emirati community and align with the UAE's agenda of creating a world-class education system that meets international standards while preserving local culture and values. By capitalizing on synergies with local and global leaders in education, the Foundation aspires to transform the educational landscape in the UAE and beyond.

In our schools, we offer an educational experience that is holistic, academically challenging, and tailored to the needs of our students. Our purpose is to plant the seeds for our students' future success in terms of academic achievement and embracing a lifetime of happiness and growth. We focus on bridging the gaps between potential and opportunity, schooling and employability by offering scholarships and experiential learning programs.

Our Centre for Excellence in Arabic supports the UAE Vision by ensuring that students have a solid knowledge of the Arabic language and can use it as a language for thought and life.

Responsibilities

General Support:
- Assist the Government Relations and Compliance Manager in managing government relations and compliance matters with the relevant authorities.
- Help update policies and procedures in line with the latest government regulations.
- Maintain and update records on the school's online platform.
- Provide administrative support, including scheduling meetings, preparing documents, and managing correspondence.

Compliance and Communication:
- Assist in ensuring compliance with UAE laws and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization regulations.
- Help address queries and complaints in a timely manner, acting as a point of contact for escalated cases.
- Support in reviewing systems, procedures, and practices to identify improvements and recommend best practices.
- Ensure compliance with Al-Futtaim Group policies where applicable.
- Support the Government Relations and Compliance Manager as a point of contact for communications between Al-Futtaim Education Foundation schools and Al-Futtaim Group.

Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Arabic and English.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in literacy and numeracy.
- ICT capability.

Desirable
- Experience in a similar role, preferably in an educational institution is desirable although not essential.
- Strong knowledge of UAE government regulations and procedures is desirable although not essential.

Safeguarding and child protection

Al-Futtaim Education Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students. Relevant criminal record/police and reference checks are a pre-requisite for all appointments.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.