HR Assistant Training Program: Essential Skills and Competencies

Introduction

Human Resources (HR) is increasingly recognized as a vital and strategic area within organizations. To maximize its potential, it is essential to have HR professionals who are well-trained and prepared.

This Human Resource (Personnel) Officer program covers all the activities of a modern HR department. It is designed as an introduction for new HR Assistants and as a refresher for those with two or three years of experience in the field.

The Human Resource Assistant Certificate Program aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of HR, equipping them with the key skills required in today's competitive job market for HR assistant roles. A strong foundation in knowledge, skills, and abilities will enable participants to become proficient and competent HR professionals.

Objectives

Upon completion, participants should be able to:

• Explain the purpose and role of the HR/Personnel function.
• Create HR policies that align with organizational strategic goals.
• Adopt various HR practices suited to specific organizational needs.
• Devise policy recommendations that address regional peculiarities, especially in the Middle East.
• Adapt existing Western HR practices to fit local contexts.
• Diagnose and address critical challenges faced by their organizations.
• Promote high-performance cultures within their organizations.
• Foster collaboration between line managers and HR units.
• Draft current and relevant HR policies.
• Determine the best HR practices suited to their organization among various options.

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures and discussions
• Case studies and real-life scenarios
• Role-playing and simulations
• Group work and cooperative activities
• Hands-on training
• Workshops on developing HR policies
• Guided practice sessions with instant feedback
• Quizzes and knowledge checks
• Final project or assessment
• Continuous access to learning resources and templates

Course Outline

Unit 1: HR in Context and Relationship With The Rest of The Organization

• Context for HR in the Middle East
• Management of absence
• Alcohol and drug misuse
• Assessment centers
• Bonuses and incentives
• Business travel and expenses
• Career breaks/sabbaticals
• Change management
• Competency frameworks

Unit 2: Employee Relations – Employer of Choice

• Coaching
• Codes of practice
• Communication
• Competency frameworks
• Consultation
• Clothing and dress code
• Disciplinary procedures
• Employer of choice
• Employee relations
• Grievance procedures
• Harassment policies

Unit 3: Recruitment – Work-Life Balance

• Recruitment
• Redundancy
• Relocation policy
• Retention strategies
• Salary structures
• Succession planning
• Suggestion schemes/boxes
• Sick pay policies
• Training strategies
• Union recognition
• Work-life balance

Unit 4: Job Evaluation – Performance Management

• Job evaluation
• Leadership competencies and development
• Long service awards
• Merit reviews and merit pay systems
• Mentoring
• Nationalization/localization and performance management
• Overtime

Unit 5: E-Learning – Internet and Email Policies

• E-learning
• The World Wide Web
• The intranet
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Attitude surveys
• Equal opportunity policies
• Exit interviews
• Giving feedback
• International assignments
• Internet and email usage policies