Onboarding Specialist

Role overview

Technology Innovation Institute is looking for a detail-oriented and people-first Onboarding Specialist to create a smooth, supportive, and engaging start for new employees. The role focuses on guiding new joiners from offer acceptance through full integration into the organization, while ensuring a strong employee experience and efficient coordination across teams.

You will partner closely with HR, Talent Acquisition, and Hiring Managers to manage onboarding activities end to end, maintain accurate records, and support continuous improvement in onboarding operations.

Core responsibilities

• Oversee the complete onboarding journey for new hires, starting from offer acceptance and continuing through successful integration.
• Plan onboarding timelines and make sure all pre-joining tasks are completed within the required timeframe.
• Work with internal teams such as HR, Talent Acquisition, IT, Facilities, Security, and Hiring Managers to keep the onboarding process running smoothly.
• Draft, organize, and share onboarding documents, welcome packs, and employment-related messages.
• Arrange and support new hire orientation sessions and onboarding programs.
• Track onboarding progress and follow up with employees and managers to maintain a positive experience.
• Keep employee and onboarding information accurate and up to date in HR systems.
• Ensure activities align with internal policies, procedures, and applicable employment regulations.
• Respond quickly to new hire questions and provide support throughout the onboarding process.
• Look for ways to improve onboarding workflows and help implement enhancement initiatives.
• Monitor onboarding data and prepare reports when needed.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a similar discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in onboarding, HR operations, human resources, or employee experience.
• Solid understanding of onboarding standards and HR administrative processes.
• Strong planning and time-management abilities, with careful attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Capability to handle multiple priorities in a busy, fast-moving environment.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS tools and Microsoft Office applications.
• A professional, proactive, and service-oriented mindset.
• Fluency in English.
• Preferred: experience in a large, multinational, or technology-driven organization.
• Preferred: familiarity with UAE employment practices and onboarding requirements.
• Preferred: experience supporting high-volume recruitment or onboarding international employees.

Additional information

This is a 12-month full-time consultant contract with a possibility of extension. The role is based in Abu Dhabi, and only candidates who are currently located in Abu Dhabi will be considered.

What we offer

• The chance to contribute to one of the region’s leading research and innovation organizations.
• A collaborative, diverse, and multicultural workplace.
• Exposure to advanced technology and innovation initiatives.