Recruitment Executive

Working with us

Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, developing academic excellence alongside adaptability, agency, and the positive attitudes that prepare young people to grow, thrive, and find success in a rapidly evolving world.

Cognita Middle East has 14 schools within its portfolio, across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they're starting from. We protect what's special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that's, quite literally, world class.

We are seeking a proactive and motivated Recruitment Executive to support the development of a strong and sustainable talent pipeline across our UAE schools and regional team. Working in a fast-paced and competitive market, this role plays a key part in sourcing, attracting, and engaging high-quality candidates while ensuring best-practice recruitment processes, an excellent candidate experience, and full compliance with regulatory and safer recruitment standards.

Job Overview

As Recruitment Executive, you will support end-to-end recruitment activities across a diverse range of roles. You will work closely with hiring managers and internal stakeholders to identify talent needs, build candidate pipelines, and deliver a professional and engaging recruitment experience that reflects Cognita's values. This role requires creativity, organisation, and resilience, with the ability to manage multiple vacancies simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

What You'll Do

• Support sourcing, screening, and shortlisting of qualified candidates across Cognita schools and the regional team, ensuring suitability and regulatory eligibility
• Utilise a wide range of sourcing channels including job boards, social media, referrals, internet sourcing, and direct search
• Coordinate and support recruitment events such as job fairs, conferences, and employer branding initiatives
• Maintain regular, professional communication with candidates, hiring managers, and internal stakeholders throughout the recruitment lifecycle
• Manage candidate records accurately within the applicant tracking system (ATS), tracking progress from application through to offer
• Prepare and issue employment contracts
• Support safer recruitment practices by maintaining accurate documentation and records in line with audit requirements
• Prepare recruitment reports and provide updates as required
• Contribute to continuous improvement of recruitment processes and the overall candidate experience
• Support ad-hoc recruitment projects and tasks as directed by management

Location & Working Pattern

This role is based at our Hubb in Dubai Media City, supporting schools across the UAE. Occasional travel to school sites may be required.

About You

What we're looking for

You will be an organised and people-focused recruiter who enjoys working at pace and is passionate about finding and engaging great talent.

Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years experience in a high-volume recruitment environment (education sector preferred)
• Working knowledge of recruitment policies, procedures, and best practices
• Understanding of UAE employment laws (wider GCC knowledge is an advantage)
• Experience using HRIS and applicant tracking systems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Adaptable and flexible, able to support candidates from diverse backgrounds
• Experience within the education sector is desirable

The company reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years