Job Discussion Forums

[kimoh]

I've heard that as many as 60 faculty members were sent home from SNAQ this spring (2013) is that true? Also looking for general info on CNA-Q...pay range etc. Would they consider hiring a 61 year old with more than 20 yrs experience, Graduate degree, CELTA? Anything else I should know. I spent 8 years IN HCT Dubai and would like to return to the Gulf, but HCT has an age restriction of 60 for new ahires.
thanks.

[kellygreen]

Not a mass layoff in Qatar but in NL (about 150 or possibly a few more).

However, approximately 130 people are leaving the Qatar Campus in June + a further 20 to 30 people have been told they will not be re-offered a new contract because they now receive a NL pension (double dipping) which is not politically palatable now because of the NL layoffs.

Those 20+ have been told they can re apply for their current positions if they choose to and will be considered. Whether they will be able to continue double dipping is another matter entirely.

If the past is any indicator of the future, it looks improbable that these 150 people (plus those positions which have been vacant for 1 or 2 years and gone unfilled) will be able to navigate the hiring process, security clearances, visa applications etc. etc. in time for the college to be fully staffed in September. HR in NL has only recently started the hiring process as a result of the delay in the signing of the 3 year extension of the contract with the state.

Interviews haven't even started yet, Ramadan will begin in early July and from observing past practice in NL, Qatar hiring is seemingly not a priority. But to be fair, I've heard that for NL hiring for new semesters, HR has hired on a Friday for a following Monday start.

As for your being hired at 61 - your employment is contingent on your getting a Qatari visa, usually restricted to under 60s. However, in all the job descriptions published, CNA is careful to state that your contract is with Canada, so maybe labour law would put you through? Who knows unless you try.

[kellygreen]

On a possibly positive note, hiring has been outsourced from NL to an outside consultant.

All previously published positions closing dates for applications have been extended a further 2 weeks.

The liaising body with CNAQ and the JOB has a (final) say in whether or not an application goes forward to the visa process. as this is not CNA in NL or Qatar, then any person rejected at this point may have questions for CNA NL and the NL Dept of Labour.

In order to be rejected by the MOI you one would have to fail the security or medical checks, not the liaising body.

[kellygreen]

The Executive Director for HR and the Manager of Human Resources in Newfoundland have both left CNA. The former about a month ago and the latter last week. These would be primarily responsible for hiring in Qatar. Whether these exits are a positive or negative to the hiring process remains to be seen.

I had previously posted that the recruiting process had been outsourced but that may not be the case although it may have been the plan at one point.

If you apply, and you feel you meet the requirements but do not get any response - give it a reasonable time and follow up with a polite inquiry. Resumes tend to pile up and get lost on various desks and with the exit of upper management, this tendency may increase.