Position Overview:

The HR Manager will lead the university’s recruitment, onboarding, and training functions, ensuring smooth and compliant HR operations aligned with AUIB’s values. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of HR practices in multicultural and international environments, with proven experience in recruiting both local and expatriate talent. This role requires adaptability, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively within a startup context.

Key Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition & Recruitment

• • Lead and manage the full-cycle recruitment process for faculty and staff, both local and international.
• • Develop recruitment strategies and outreach plans that position AUIB as an employer of choice across regional and global markets.
• • Ensure adherence to labor regulations and institutional policy, particularly regarding expatriate hiring, work authorizations, and dual citizenship.
• • Note: At AUIB, individuals of Iraqi origin holding dual citizenship are considered local hires unless they have formally renounced their Iraqi citizenship with the appropriate documentation.

Onboarding & Orientation

• • Design and implement a robust onboarding experience that supports cultural integration, role clarity, and early engagement.
• • Work cross-functionally with departments to ensure operational readiness for new hires from Day One.

Training & Development

• • Assess staff and faculty training needs and implement initiatives for skills development and institutional capacity-building.
• • Coordinate regular workshops and learning sessions to support continuous professional growth.
• • Partner with leadership to shape long-term training strategies aligned with university goals.

HR Operations & Compliance

• • Support the rollout of HR policies and procedures that reflect best practices in higher education and international employment.
• • Maintain accurate HR documentation, including employment records, contracts, and compliance filings.
• • Provide guidance to leadership and staff on HR-related matters, including performance, employee relations, and policy interpretation.

Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• • Minimum 5 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2 years in a higher education or international setting.
• • Proven ability to manage local and expatriate recruitment, including immigration and employment law compliance.
• • Experience in designing onboarding programs and delivering in-house training or development workshops.
• • Strong interpersonal, cross-cultural, and communication skills.
• • Fluent in English; Arabic proficiency is an asset

Application Requirements:

To be considered for any role at the American University of Iraq—Baghdad (AUIB), applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• Cover letter: Detail how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the position you are applying for.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Provide an up-to-date resume or CV.
• Identification: A valid national ID or passport is required for the application process.

Please note that applications missing any of these components will not be considered.

Candidates Shortlisted for an Interview:

If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will need to provide additional documentation:

• Educational transcripts and certifications must be translated into English.
• References: Provide contact details for three references who have either worked with you or supervised your work.