Job Description
The Health & Safety Officer ensures a safe, compliant, and supportive learning environment by overseeing daily school safety operations, regulatory compliance, student wellbeing, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement in line with ADEK and UAE regulations.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Daily School Safety Operations

• Supervise student arrival, dismissal, transportation, and bus operations to ensure safety.
• Conduct daily safety inspections of classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, toilets, clinics, and common areas.
• Monitor breaktime, lunchtime, and canteen operations for safety, hygiene, and student wellbeing.
• Maintain a visible safety presence during school hours, events, and extracurricular activities.
• Support safe supervision planning for school events and activities based on risk assessments.
• Work collaboratively with the team to ensure smooth and safe school operations.

2. Health & Safety Management & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and review Health & Safety policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with ADEK, UAE H&S regulations, and safeguarding requirements.
• Maintain risk registers, inspection records, corrective action plans, and incident logs.
• Submit required safety and compliance reports through the ADEK Portal.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities (ADEK, Civil Defense, ADAFSA, DOT, ITC, ADMCC) for inspections and approvals.

3. Students Safety and Health

• Ensure safe arrival, pickup, and dismissal procedures, including clearly marked drop-off and pickup points.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety plans for Students of Determination in coordination with the inclusion team.
• Collaborate with nurses, teachers, and academic staff on individualized safety plans for students when required.

4. Emergency Preparedness & Incident Management

• Develop and implement emergency response plans (fire, lockdown, medical, and transport incidents).
• Coordinate and document emergency drills and training.
• Act as a key responder during emergencies in coordination with relevant authorities.
• Investigate, record, and report accidents, incidents, and near-misses.
• Review CCTV footage related to safety and safeguarding concerns in line with data protection policies and implement preventive actions.

5. Training, Awareness & Continuous Improvement

• Deliver Health & Safety inductions and refresher training for staff, contractors, and parents.
• Promote a positive safety culture through awareness campaigns, signage, and communication.
• Support operational coverage during the absence of Operations or Facilities leadership when required.
• Contribute to strategic planning, safety improvement initiatives, and budget recommendations.
• Advise school leadership on risk reduction and Health & Safety best practices.
• Ensure outsourced staff and contractors follow school safety procedures.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant discipline such as Occupational Health and Safety, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering
• Over 5 years of professional experience in health and safety management, preferably in schools.
• Recognized HSE certification (e.g., NEBOSH IGC or IOSH) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ADEK, UAE health and safety regulations, and school safeguarding requirements.

Skills & Competencies

• Risk assessment, inspection, and incident investigation skills.
• Strong communication, organization, and report-writing abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive during emergencies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital record-keeping systems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and life insurance
• Work visa
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Collaborative culture: opportunities to work with other departments and participate in interdisciplinary projects
• International network: connection with educators and educational institutions worldwide, fostering exchange and professional growth
• Tuition discounts: benefits in the form of scholarships for staff, supporting their children's education