HR Business Partner – Erbil

About the role

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) is a key partner to the Iraq leadership team, based in Erbil and covering Erbil and Basra. The role translates business strategy and operational priorities into people plans and practical HR solutions, working with the HR Manager, country and functional leaders and specialist HR teams. It calls for a commercially minded, hands-on HR professional who balances operational urgency with sound judgement, consistent policy application, workforce cost discipline and local employment requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with business and functional leaders, advise them on people priorities such as capability, organisation design, succession, retention and engagement, and support organisational change and restructuring.
• Coordinate headcount and manpower planning with business leaders, Finance and HR, monitor headcount, vacancies, transfers, promotions and exits, and support recruitment, onboarding, workforce localisation and succession coverage.
• Manage employee relations matters including grievances, disciplinary cases, attendance and performance issues, conduct fair workplace investigations, and support exits, terminations and restructuring.
• Apply Iraqi Labour Law and local employment requirements, promote consistent application of company policies and internal controls, and keep accurate employee records.
• Run the performance-management cycle, contribute to talent reviews and succession planning, and support retention of key talent.
• Work with Compensation & Benefits, Payroll and HR Operations on salary changes, promotions, allowances, benefits and payroll queries, and maintain HR reports and data.
• Maintain an HR presence across Erbil and Basra, support workforce mobilisation and demobilisation, promote HSE awareness, and travel between locations as required.

Required profile

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including substantial HR Business Partner experience.
• Oil & Gas industry experience is essential, preferably supporting operational or field-based teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or Management.
• Fluency in Kurdish, Arabic and English is essential.
• Willingness to travel frequently between Erbil and Basra.

Required skills

• Strong practical knowledge of Iraqi Labour Law and local employment practices.
• Demonstrated experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, workforce planning, organisational change, recruitment, performance management and HR operations.
• Experience with headcount plans, workforce costs, HR metrics and management reporting.
• Stakeholder management, communication, negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.