HR specialist at Cardiff University Kazakhstan

Job title: HR Specialist

Cardiff University Kazakhstan

Cardiff University Kazakhstan (CUK) is the first international branch campus of Cardiff University and forms part of an ambitious vision to deliver world-class education and research in Central Asia.

We are looking for a proactive and organised HR Specialist to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of a high-quality HR service across the University and contribute to the employee experience from recruitment through to onboarding and employment administration.

Why Join Cardiff University Kazakhstan?

At Cardiff University Kazakhstan, you will be part of an ambitious international institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration. You will have the opportunity to work with colleagues from Kazakhstan and Cardiff University in the UK while contributing to the development of a growing university.

About the Role

The HR Specialist will support the day-to-day delivery of HR operations across the University. Working closely with academic and professional services colleagues, the successful candidate will provide HR advice and administrative support throughout the employee lifecycle, ensuring compliance with the Labour Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and University policies.

The role requires close collaboration with departments across the University as well as colleagues at Cardiff University in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment and selection processes for academic and professional services staff.
• Prepare employment contracts, amendments, HR letters, and other employment documentation.
• Support onboarding and induction of new employees.
• Maintain accurate employee records and personnel files.
• Administer probation, annual leave, and other HR processes.
• Assist with payroll preparation and HR reporting.
• Provide assistance to employees and managers on HR policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with the Labour Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and University regulations.
• Support employee engagement initiatives, learning and development activities, and HR projects.
• Liaise with government authorities and external organisations regarding employment-related documentation, visas, work permits, and other statutory requirements where applicable.
• Maintain HR databases and ensure confidentiality of employee information.
• Provide general administrative support to the HR function.

Essential Criteria

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience working in Human Resources or a related administrative role.
• Knowledge of the Labour Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and HR best practices.
• Experience supporting recruitment and employment administration.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of discretion when handling confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and spoken English, Kazakh, and Russian.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in higher education or an international organisation.
• Experience using HR information systems.
• Knowledge of visa and immigration processes for international employees.
• Experience supporting HR projects and process improvements.