Expert Talent Development

Job titleExpert Talent Development Grade StreamOQEP-People, Technology & Culture FunctionP, T&C - People - Talent Development Location Oman – Muscat  Budget control*OPEX and/or CAPEX and/or Revenue amount as relevant*Reporting toManager Talent DevelopmentDirect reports0Job purpose  The primary purpose of this role is to develop, implement, and continuously improve talent development strategies with a specific focus on the technical workforce within OQEP. The position will partner closely with OQEP’s core business functions Operated Asset Project Delivery, Subsurface, Well Delivery, HSSE, and Technical Services to design, deliver, and evaluate specialized training programs that are aligned with the industry’s best practices, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements. The role aims to enhance technical competencies, leadership capabilities, and safety culture, ensuring the workforce is well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of exploration, drilling, and production operations. This will include fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and operational excellence across all technical domains.The position will operate in alignment with the Group’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Objectives, as well as established policies, guidelines, and standards, and leverage IT-enabled learning platforms to deliver impactful development solutions. All activities will be conducted in compliance with Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) standards, Omani government regulations, relevant legal requirements, and international best practices, ensuring talent development supports both national objectives and the company’s long-term growth. 1. Technical Training Program DesignConceive, develop, and implement advanced technical training programs covering upstream operations, including exploration, drilling, production, and reservoir management.Partner with senior technical leaders and subject matter experts to identify current and emerging competency gaps, ensuring training strategies anticipate future operational needs.Guarantee training content adheres to international industry standards, regulatory requirements, safety protocols, and incorporates technological advancements such as digitalization, automation, and AI-enabled tools.2. Competency-Based DevelopmentApply the OQEP competency framework to structure targeted development initiatives enhancing technical expertise, safety culture, and leadership capabilities in critical operational roles.Oversee competency assessments, integrating results into tailored, actionable development plans to address individual and organizational performance priorities.3. Leadership DevelopmentDesign, facilitate, and evaluate leadership development pathways for mid-level managers and high-potential technical talent within the OQEP Technical Team.Emphasize leadership skills essential for high-risk operational contexts, including strategic decision-making, safety leadership, crisis management, and cross-functional team coordination.4. Strategic Cross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate with People, Safety, and Operations teams to align workforce development initiatives with OQEP’s strategic objectives and operational priorities.Build strategic partnerships with external training providers, professional bodies, and academic institutions to integrate global best practices into the technical learning portfolio.5. Technology-Enabled LearningLeverage cutting-edge e-learning platforms, immersive virtual simulations, and digital training tools to enable effective learning delivery across remote, offshore, and multi-site operations.Continuously evaluate and adopt emerging learning technologies to enhance engagement, retention, and training impact.6. Succession Planning & Career PathingPartner with Competency Management and operational leaders to design structured career progression frameworks aligned with succession planning for critical technical positions.Establish robust talent pipelines through accelerated development programs, mentorship schemes, high-impact assignments, and leadership readiness initiatives.7. Training Effectiveness & Impact MeasurementDevelop and monitor KPIs to rigorously assess the effectiveness of training programs on operational performance, safety outcomes, and workforce capability enhancement.Implement data-driven continuous improvement processes based on participant feedback, performance metrics, and industry benchmarking.8. Safety and Compliance TrainingEnsure all training programs meet or exceed Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulatory standards, with particular focus on field and high-risk operational activities.Partner with the HSE team to design and deliver specialized training on critical safety domains, including asset integrity, hazardous material handling, and emergency preparedness.Key interactionsInternal: OQEP E&P  External: Staffing specialized Contractors, Vendors & SuppliersNotable Working Conditions. Office environment, intensive computer screen use, sporadic visits to operation site.Education requirementsBachelor’s degree or master’s Degree in business administration, HR or related disciplines. Certification in Learning & Development, Talent Development (e.g., CIPD, SHRM), or similar is an advantage.LanguageExcellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required) Background and experienceCompetencies and skills Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in talent development or technical training, with at least 5 years in upstream oil and gas operations.Demonstrated success in designing, developing, and implementing comprehensive technical training programs.Proven capability in building competency frameworks and aligning training initiatives with organizational goals.Strong professional expertise in:Succession Planning & Leadership DevelopmentPerformance ManagementGraduate Development ProgramsInternship ProgramsTechnician and Operator, Engineer Training ProgramsAdept at stakeholder engagement, change management, and driving a culture of continuous learning and development.Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and geographies.Experience in utilizing learning technologies, e-learning platforms, and blended training methodologies to optimize knowledge transfer and skills development..Learning & Development LeadershipProven track record in designing, implementing, and managing large-scale, multi-site training programs across technical, operational, and corporate domains.Expertise in Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning platforms, blended learning methodologies, and digital training technologies.Skilled in competency mapping, skills gap analysis, and technical capability development.Experience delivering Leadership Development, Succession Planning, and Performance Management initiatives.Development and oversight of Graduate Programs, Internship Schemes, and Technician/Operator Training Programs.Project & Program ManagementStrong project management skills, including scope definition, resource planning, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and performance tracking.Experienced in managing cross-functional teams across diverse geographical locations.Adept at change management and driving organizational learning culture.Technical & Digital ProficiencyAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.Working knowledge of SAP (HR and Training modules) for learning administration and reporting.Familiarity with data analytics for training impact assessment and KPI measurement.Understanding of digital transformation trends in training, including VR/AR-based learning solutions.Communication & Interpersonal SkillsExceptional verbal and written communication skills, able to engage and influence stakeholders from shop floor to executive board level.Strong presentation and facilitation capabilities for technical, operational, and leadership audiences.Collaborative approach with proven ability to work effectively in multicultural, multidisciplinary environments.Additional Relevant SkillsVendor and contractor management for outsourced training and development services.Budget management and cost optimization in training delivery.Talent pipeline development for critical technical and leadership roles.Coaching and mentoring to build organizational capability.