Head of Human Resources – Iraq Project

About the role

Lead the on‑site HR function for a high‑visibility energy project in southern Iraq, based at the North Rumaila site near Basra. You will own the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through employee relations, payroll oversight and statutory compliance, working closely with project leadership and the Dubai office.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate end‑to‑end recruitment, onboarding and mobilization for project hires; maintain accurate manpower registers and headcount reporting against the approved manning plan.
• Manage the complete employee lifecycle – contracts, probation, transfers, leave, end‑of‑service – ensuring audit‑ready records and personnel documentation.
• Serve as the primary HR point of contact on site, handling employee relations, grievances, disciplinary matters and welfare in partnership with line managers and site services.
• Implement company HR policies in line with Iraqi labour law and ensure compliance with social security, personal income tax and other statutory requirements.
• Provide accurate workforce data to finance and external payroll providers, review monthly payroll outputs and report headcount, attendance, leave and key HR metrics to project leadership and the Dubai office.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Psychology or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive HR experience, including 2–3 years in a senior or lead HR role.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic (written and spoken).
• Strong knowledge of Iraqi labour law, social security (SSO), personal income tax, work permits and residency.
• Experience in oil & gas, energy, construction or large industrial projects is a plus.
• Professional HR qualification (CIPD, SHRM or equivalent) is desirable.

Required skills

• Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, Outlook
• HRIS and HR tracking tools

What we offer

• Competitive gross salary of USD 4,000 per month.
• Opportunity to lead HR on a high‑visibility energy project.
• Collaboration with an international advisory and delivery firm.