Talent Development Specialist (National Development)

About the role

The Talent Development Specialist will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of training, development and succession planning initiatives to build employee capabilities and ensure business continuity at HBKU. The role works closely with department leaders and national staff to align talent programs with the university’s strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and coordinate training programs, workshops and conferences that meet diverse employee needs.
• Partner with department heads to gather training requirements and ensure alignment with strategic direction.
• Conduct annual training needs assessments, develop the yearly training plan and monitor program effectiveness through surveys and performance metrics.
• Create individual development plans for high‑potential staff and design succession development plans for critical positions.
• Collaborate with colleges to map talent gaps, develop succession pipelines and track progress of succession plans.
• Manage the performance appraisal cycle, including goal‑setting, appraisal documentation and appeal handling.
• Lead national development activities, ensuring nationals have clear career and development pathways.
• Oversee internship programmes to ensure compliance with university policies.
• Support HR practices related to training, development and delegation of authority.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field.
• 2‑5 years of full‑time experience in training, development or succession planning, preferably in higher education.
• Strong knowledge of training methodologies and ability to conduct training needs analysis.
• Solid understanding of succession planning frameworks and talent pipeline management.
• Proficiency in managing performance appraisal systems, including goal setting and appeals.
• Numerical ability with attention to detail for data entry and reporting.
• HR‑certified training (CIPD) preferred.
• Customer‑service orientation and excellent written communication skills.

Required skills

• Performance appraisal systems
• Data entry