Job description

What Is a Job Description? 

A job description (JD) is a formal document that outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations of a specific role within an organisation. It defines the scope of work and communicates what is required from a candidate or current employee in that position.

It typically includes:

  • Job title
  • Department or function
  • Reporting structure (who the person reports to)
  • Key responsibilities
  • Skills and qualifications required
  • Working conditions (location, hours, travel, remote)
  • Optional details like salary range, performance indicators, or tools used
  • In the UAE, job descriptions are also used for:
  • Visa and labour card processing
  • Aligning roles across free zones and mainland authorities
  • Supporting nationalisation and Emiratisation policies

Why Job Descriptions Matter (Especially in the UAE)

In a fast-paced, multi-cultural job market like the UAE, a clear and detailed job description plays an essential role in:

Talent Attraction

Ensures the right candidates applyReduces irrelevant or mismatched applications

Performance Management

Serves as a benchmark for reviews, promotions, and KPI tracking

Compliance and Legal Protection

Helpful in case of disputes or contract clarificationsEssential for compliance with UAE Labour Law and free zone requirements

Internal Clarity

Helps managers define successClarifies team structures and reporting lines

Career Progression

Employees can better understand paths for promotion or internal transfers 

How to Write a Job Description That Works

Writing a great JD is about balance, being informative but not overwhelming, specific but not restrictive. Here’s a structure that works well in the UAE context:

1. Job Title

Keep it industry-standard and clear. Avoid overly creative or vague titles.

Example: Use "Digital Marketing Specialist" instead of "Marketing Ninja."

2. Role Purpose / Summary

A short paragraph describing the role’s primary purpose.

Example: The Digital Marketing Specialist is responsible for planning, executing, and optimising online campaigns to support brand growth and lead generation.

3. Key Duties and Responsibilities

Use clear bullet points with active verbs.

Example:

  • Develop and manage PPC and SEO campaigns
  • Analyse digital marketing performance metrics
  • Coordinate with content and design teams for campaign execution

4. Required Qualifications and Experience

Education level, certifications, years of experience, specific tools or platforms

Example:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in digital marketing
  • Proficiency in Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, and HubSpot

5. Skills and Competencies (Technical and soft skills)

Example:

Strong analytical and reporting skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Ability to manage multiple campaigns

6. Working Conditions Location

(Dubai, Abu Dhabi, remote)Working hours: (standard, shift-based)Travel requirements if any

7. Performance Indicators (Optional)

KPIs or measurable targets aligned to the role

8. Application Process or Instructions

Outline what candidates should submit or include (CV, portfolio, cover letter, etc.)

UAE-Specific Considerations for Job Descriptions

  • Align job titles with visa categories: Especially for free zone approvals
  • Support Emiratisation goals: Include whether a role is open for UAE nationals
  • Multilingual advantage: Bilingual JDs (Arabic & English) are a plus in public sector or customer-facing roles
  • Cultural sensitivity: Use inclusive and respectful language that appeals to a diverse workforce
  • Comply with classification systems: Free zones and ministries may require approved job families or role codes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using outdated descriptions from years ago

Copy-pasting from online sources without tailoring to your business

Listing too many responsibilities in one role

Excluding required soft skills or work conditions

Writing overly technical or internal jargon

Best Practices for Employers in the UAE

Involve the hiring manager in creating or updating the JD

Keep it up to date as the role evolves

Make it candidate-friendly, easy to skim and understand

Use it consistently in your job ads, interview process, and onboarding

Store JDs in a central, accessible HR repository

Final Thoughts

In today’s fast-moving business environment, job descriptions are more than HR formalities, they’re essential tools for hiring, managing, and developing your people.

In the UAE, where businesses must navigate local labour laws, diverse teams, and competitive hiring landscapes, a clear, consistent JD is the foundation of success.

Whether you’re hiring for your first role or scaling across the Emirates, invest the time in building job descriptions that truly reflect your needs and culture

FAQs About Job Descriptions

Is a job description required when applying for a visa in the UAE?

Yes, especially in free zones or when applying for skilled categories. The JD must align with the job title on official labour documentation.

Should salary be mentioned in the job description?

It’s optional. Including a range can increase relevant applications, but some employers prefer to disclose it during the interview.

How often should job descriptions be reviewed?

Ideally, once a year or every time the role changes significantly.

Can employees request a copy of their job description?

Yes, and HR teams are encouraged to share JDs during onboarding or promotions. 

Can one role have multiple job descriptions?

No. One role should have one clear JD, but you can tailor it slightly for internal and external use (e.g., internal JD vs. job ad).


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