Our client is a newly established government entity in Abu Dhabi, building its organisation and people infrastructure from the ground up. We are seeking an experienced Learning & Development Manager to take ownership of the L&D function and establish a best in class learning strategy aligned with the organisation’s growth and long-term objectives. This is a hands on, opportunity for an L&D professional who can develop the strategy, create the framework, implement the infrastructure, and personally drive delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and own the organisation’s Learning & Development function in its entirety. Managing the full L&D lifecycle, from needs analysis and programme design through to implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive L&D strategy, roadmap and annual learning agenda.
• Conduct learning needs analyses and translate business priorities into targeted development programmes.
• Partner with senior stakeholders and business leaders to
• Partner with business leaders to identify capability gaps, future skills requirements, career frameworks, competency models and development pathways aligned with organisational and future capability requirements.
• Establish L&D policies, processes, frameworks, systems and governance.
• Design and deliver learning programmes across leadership, technical, functional and professional development.
• Introduce innovative and modern learning methodologies, including digital, blended and experiential learning.
• Develop leadership and talent development initiatives to support organisational growth.
• Implement career pathways across the organisation, creating clear progression frameworks, development requirements and learning opportunities for employees at different career stages.
• Identify and manage external learning providers, consultants and training partners.
• Establish appropriate metrics and reporting to measure learning effectiveness, ROI and employee development.
• Manage the L&D budget and ensure effective allocation of resources.

About You

• Candidates must currently be based and residing in Abu Dhabi.
• 5+ years of core L&D experience as a subject matter expert, establishing an L&D function, strategy and framework from scratch in an SME organisation.
• Strong expertise across Learning & Development, Talent Development and organisational capability building.
• Experience owning the L&D agenda rather than operating purely in a coordination or training administration capacity.
• Proven ability to develop and implement L&D strategies, frameworks, programmes and processes independently.
• Strong programme design and facilitation capability, with the confidence to personally deliver learning initiatives when required.
• Experience partnering with senior leadership and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• A strong understanding of modern learning methodologies, talent development and organisational learning.
• Relevant professional qualifications in Learning & Development, HR, Organisational Development or a related discipline; CIPD or equivalent qualifications would be highly desirable.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach and the ability to operate effectively in a start-up environment where processes and infrastructure are still being established.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Ref: TH205626