oq career & development guide_2011

8/6/2019 OQ Career & Development Guide_2011

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1 Career & Development Guide for Spouses| Outpost Qatar

QATAR

CAREER & DEVELOPMENT GUIDE FOR SPOUSES

PRODUCED BY OUTPOST QATAR

Updated: January 2011


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Produced ByOutpost Qatar

Floor 1, Al Mirqab Tower, West BayDoha, Qatar

[email protected]

The information given by Outpost Qatar is based upon the gathered personal experiences of expatriatefamilies. Therefore, you will appreciate that Outpost Qatar cannot accept any liability for damages directly or

indirectly resulting from the services rendered or information given.

2011 OUTPOST QATAR, SHELL INTERNATIONAL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.


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Table of Contents1. Introduction ............................................................................................ 4

2. Formalities .............................................................................................. 5

2.1 Work Permits.................................................................................... 5

2.2 Foreign Diploma Evaluation and Translation ....................................... 5

2.3 Business Language and Arabic Language Courses ............................... 6

2.4 Curriculum Vitae (CV) ....................................................................... 6

2.5 Tax, Social Security & Health Insurance .............................................. 6

3. Job Search ............................................................................................. 73.1 Recruitment Agencies & other links ..................................................... 7

3.2 Career Counseling ............................................................................ 8

3.3 Information on Job Resources............................................................. 8

4. Self-Employment ..................................................................................... 9

5. Voluntary and Charity Work .................................................................. 10

6. Adult Education .................................................................................... 12

6.1 Higher Educational Courses ............................................................. 126.2 Distance Learning ........................................................................... 13

7. Partner Development Programme (PDP) ................................................... 13

8. Helpful Organizations/Networks ............................................................ 14

9. Global Websites ................................................................................... 15

10. Acknowledgements ............................................................................ 16


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1. IntroductionThanks to the exploitation of its natural oil and gas reserves Qatar has becomeone of the wealthiest countries in the world. Revenues from these industriesaccount for 70% of its export income and have been invested in diversifying theeconomy, particularly in the development of chemical, steel, cement and fertilizerindustries and banking. As a result there has been an enormous boost in theconstruction industry as well as in the fields of education and medicaldevelopment.

The Qatari workforce comprises only 20% of the total work force, the remaining80% are foreign workers with the majority coming from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal,Pakistan and neighbouring Arab countries like Lebanon and Egypt. There is very

high demand for jobs in specialised fields with the best chances for spouses beingin the educational, medical and possibly hospitality sector. Women are welcomein the local job force and spouses present an attractive option to someorganisations and companies, as they will not have to provide for housing,annual flights or medical insurance.

One important aspect of a job search in Qatar, however, is the fact that there isstiff competition in the market from lower income groups. Salaries are generallynot compatible with Europe and the US and working hours may be longer. Jobsharing and part-time employment are concepts that are not yet seen as anoption. Because of these reasons, the percentage of spouses employed in the paid

sector is low. Some exceptions may occur with the larger international companies(e.g. Shell and Exxon Mobil) where field of expertise and negotiating skillsbecome a factor.

Be aware that some employment adverts specifically ask for the nationality of theapplicant. Salaries are often dependent on nationality rather than educationalbackground. Expect local salaries to be much lower than in Europe or US asthere is stiff competition from other expatriate workers of developing countriesthat are willing to work for much less.

Shell spouses are currently working in education, the medical sector, banking and

others. Some have also found employment in Shell after arriving in the country.

Voluntary work usually presents itself in connection with events, notably sportsevents.


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2. Formalities2.1 Work Permits

A formal work permit for a spouse is not needed in Qatar. Sponsorship for thespouse is through the working partner. Any spouse whose residency is linked to apartner with a work permit (as in all cases with Qatar Shell expatriate staff) doesnot need to formally apply for a work permit. As soon as the spouse receiveshis/her Permanent Residency ID, he/she can seek employment. The advantage ofsponsorship through the working spouse is that a change of employer is easy.

Be aware that a License to Practice is needed for employment in all medicalservices (doctors, nurses, dentists etc). Additionally, a No-Objection Letter fromthe sponsor (employed spouse) is required. This should be written inEnglish andOutpost has a basic template if required. Some employers will ask for the No-Objection Letter in Arabic. Shell will provide translation if needed.

Also some companies will ask for a CID a clearance certificate- from the localpolice. This is a confirmation of a non-criminal record and is obtainable from theindividuals embassy. If there is no embassy in Qatar, the CID document must beobtained abroad and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If necessary, HRcan help with this.

Be Aware! Unmarried couples are NOT allowed to sponsor each other.

2.2 Foreign Diploma Evaluation and Translation

Certificates do not need to be translated into Arabic as English is sufficient. Ifnecessary, attesting from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassies might be needed. Diplomas can be attested beforearriving in Doha. Attesting is not necessary for at-home language tutoring.

The larger hotels offer translation services (also into Arabic). Additionally thereare a variety of private institutions, e.g.:

The translation marketplace (http://mariamdarwish.language123.com/ ) Sofitel has a number of translation Bureaus


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2.3 Business Language and Arabic Language Courses

The business language is English. Arabic language courses are available through various institutes, the most popular one being CHN the Doha branch of theDutch university.

CHNTel. +974 4487 8288

University of Qatar Department of ArabicTel. +974 4485 1600

Outpost can also refer you to private tutors.

2.4 Curriculum Vitae (CV)

There is no need to translate a CV into the host language, but it should be writtenin English.

Global Outpost Services, C&D webpage provide helpful information on CVwriting skills.

Recommended books:The perfect CV by Tom Jackson. Publisher: PIATKUS.ISBN-0749916931.

Creating a Successful CV by Simon Howard. Publisher: DorlingKindersley, ISBN-075130770X

The Brilliant CV by Jim Bright: Joanne Earl. Publisher: Pearson EducationLimited, ISBN-0273654853

2.5 Tax, Social Security & Health Insurance

Tax- There is no income tax in Qatar.

Social Security- Not applicable.

Health Insurance - Spouses are generally insured through the employee.Some employers provide individual insurance (e.g. Qatar Airways).


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3.Job Search3.1 Recruitment Agencies & other links

Registration with a Qatar-based recruitment agency is recommended. Generallyspeaking, it is not easy to find employment agencies in Qatar as most do nothave websites. Three recommended agencies for expatriates looking forprofessional positions in Qatar are:

Kershaw Leonardwww.Kershawleonard.net

Key Resourceswww.keyrsqa.com

Clarendon Parkerwww.clarendonparker.com

However, you can contact the various government, medical and privateorganisations and companies directly as most have a careers or vacancies sectionon their websites.

(The links below are just a selection of employment opportunities with Qatarnational organisations that might be interesting for expatriates.)

http://www.aspire.qa/topics/index.asp?level=31&temp_id=355&temp_type=42(Aspire Academy for sports excellence)

http://www.qatarairways.com/AboutUs/careers.htm Qatar Airways

http://www.qp.com.qa/qp.nsf/jobs?openviewQatar Petroleum

http://www.qapco.com/qapco/en/careers.php Qatar Petrochemical Co.

http://www.qatargas.com./Jobs.aspxQatar Gas

http://www.hmc.org.qa/hmc/personnel/vacantpositions.htm Hamad Hospital

http://recruit.qu.edu.qa/pls/recruitment/recruiter.recQatar University

http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=qatar

http://www.exxonmobil.com/USA-English/HR/Siteflow/Qatar.asp

Also refer to section 8. Helpful Organisations/ Networks and Section 9. GlobalWebsites.


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3.2 Career Counseling

The Outpost Qatar Meet & Greet Coordinator also serves as Career &Development Advisor. The M&G Coordinator will be happy to meet withindividuals to discuss the best course of action in seeking in employment in Qatar.

Outpost Qatar hosts regular C&D workshops on various topics including:

CV & Interview Skills Technical Skills needed in the Workplace Understanding the Workplace in Qatar (Working Across Cultures) Employment Laws in Qatar

Announcements for these workshops are posted in the Outpost Qatar WeeklyEmail Announcements and the Outpost Qatar Monthly Newsletter.

3.3 Information on Job Resources

Of the English language newspapers only the Gulf Times features a classifiedsection of career vacancies with an indication of the likely salary, if the wordexpatriate is mentioned. Some spouses have been successful with thisapproach.

Al Watan, an Arabic daily, has a section of situations vacant advertised in

English. Generally, however, the best way to find employment is through privatenetworking (word of mouth) and by researching recruitment website pages oforganisations and companies.


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4. Self-EmploymentLocal sponsorship is required to start a business in Qatar. It is a legal requirementthat a business has a local partner holding the majority interest 51%. This meansthat de facto this person or company controls the business even though there is noobligation to financially participate or contribute to the investment in any way.

Please consult the following website for help and guidelines:

http://www.justlanded.com/english/qatar/tools/just_landed_guide/business/self_employment

There are a lot of employment opportunities on an informal basis. Sports andgymnastics instructors are very welcome in most compounds. Equally there is scopefor running hobby courses (e.g. cooking, baking, dancing painting etc). Somespouses have set up small trading groups purchasing and selling goods fromforeign countries (e.g. jewellery brought back from the home country). They mightalso sell hand-crafted items (ornaments, childrens party decorations, theme cakes,biscuits etc.) Quatana is a small global charity trading company that combinescharity work with long-term profit.

Although preference is given to native English speakers, Dohas children often needafter-school tutoring.

Language institutes are another alternative for employment as well as privatelanguage tutoring.


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5.Voluntary and Charity WorkVoluntary charity work is not as easy to find in Qatar as in other countries. RedCrescent is the predominant Islamic charity organisation that helps the less fortunatein Doha.www.ifrc.org/address/qa.asp

However, one possible opportunity for charity work is the St. Vincent de PaulSociety - to be contacted through:

St.Thomas Syro-Malabar Church of the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary

http://www.syromalabarqatar.com/vdpaul/index.html

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The 'Conference' of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul was started in February 2000.This conference is functioning in the parish as the part of National CatholicOrganizations of India, engaged in charitable service to all Indians in firmcommitment to Christ and the Church. The service of this conference is limited toreaching out and helping the poor and needy Indians residing in Doha and in Indiairrespective of their religion, cast and creed.

The activities consist of:

Offering Financial & other help for needy and deserving individuals living inDoha as well as in India and also helping Charitable Institutions and asylumsfunctioning for the poor and destitute men, women and children in India.

Visiting the physically and mentally downtrodden at their homes or camps orat hospitals, and offering them with counselling and prayers for theirphysical, mental and spiritual recovery.

Reaching out to persons in jail or workers who are being harassed ortortured by their employers and assisting to send them back to India bydealing with the authorities concerned, bearing their return travel expenses,helping for clearing their debts etc.

Conducting blood donation campaigns in association with theHospital/Blood Bank authorities and donate blood for critical patients inhospital, upon request, by volunteers of the ready Blood Donor Squad ofthe Church

Collection of used/good clothing and articles and sending it to deservingdestinations in India.


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Voluntary work in Qatar mainly presents itself in connection with events, in theinternational schools or in the many womens organisations like The American

Womens Association, the Spanish Speaking Ladies, the Potluck ladies etc. Thelatter often organise events in order to help disadvantaged people in Doha, e.g.workers on absolute minimum wages, orphans, children with disabilities etc.

The most prominent example of volunteer work in connection with events in therecent past is the Asian Games in 2006, where thousands of volunteers wereneeded.

Qatar regularly hosts sports events like major tennis and golf competitions etc.Contacts in these fields can be found on the following websites:

http://www.qatarolympics.org/

http://www.aspire.qa/topics/index.asp?level=31&temp_id=355&temp_type=42Another group that regularly requires volunteers is the amateur dramatics societyDoha Players. They stage many different events throughout the year and arealways looking for helpers or, of course, actors. [email protected]


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6.Adult Education6.1 Higher Educational Courses

The following are links to the websites of Qatars universities. They all offerspecialised courses and programmes for further learning.

www.qu.edu.qa/main/index.html (Qatar University - apart from a wide range offaculties it also offers evening programmes, continuing education and foundationprogrammes)

www.qatar.cmu.edu (Carnegie Mellon University offers undergraduate degreeprogrammes in business and computer science)

www.cna-qatar.com (College of the North Atlantic)

www.qatar.tamu.edu (Texas A&M University engineering programmes andresearch, undergraduate courses in chemical, electrical, mechanical andpetroleum engineering)

https://tamujobs.tamu.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1182332359175 (employment service of the Texas A&M University)

www.vcu.edu (Virginia Commonwealth University)

www.qatar-med.cornell.edu (Weill Cornell Medical College)

http://www.chn.nl/default.asp?objectID=725 (CHN University Doha branch ofthe Dutch university offering undergraduate courses in hospitality management,leisure and tourism management, Arabic language courses etc.)

The cultural institutes of various countries also offer language courses:

http://www.qatar.net.qa/ambadoha (French Cultural Centre)

http://www.araboo.com/site/qatar-britishcouncil-27232 (The British Council)

http://www.berlitz.com/globaldir.aspx (Berlitz language school)


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6.2 Distance Learning

Apart from the above listed courses for further education, there is also thepossibility of distance learning through the Open University or specialiseddistance hobby courses. Check out:

http://www.open.ac.uk/ (The Open University in the UK)

http://www.icslearn.co.uk/ (City & Guild)

http://www.barrettandcoe.co.uk/index.html (Norwich School of Photography)

http://www.homelearningcollege.com/HomeLearningCollege/HomeLearningColl

ege.aspx?campaignname=google (Home Learning College)

http://www.oxfordcollege.ac/index.php?gclid=COS_vOOimo0CFRAkggodGjUx6w (Distance learning at Oxford)

http://www.uk-open-learning.com/default.asp (UK Open Learning Courses)

7.Partner Development Programme (PDP)

Information about PDP can be obtained via Outpost or a Shell employee can accessthe information via the Shell link.


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8. Helpful Organizations/NetworksIn addition to the links given under section 3.1 Recruitment Agencies, the followingare email addresses of organizations with contact lists for job offers:

Education

RecruitmentQatar University

[email protected]

Georgetown University SFS QatarP.O.Box 23689

Tel. 4492 7913

[email protected]

Finance

QFC Regulatory AuthorityP.O.Box 22989www.qfcra.com


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9. Global WebsitesThe Careers & Development webpage on the Global Outpost Services website

offers useful information on job search, further education and professionaldevelopment. There is also a database of international websites relating to theseissues.www.globaloutpostservices.com

The following is a selection of links referring specifically to employment in Qatar.

General

http://NaukriGulf.com

http://www.bayt.com

http://www.monstergulf.com

http://careermideast.com/en/Employer/Default.aspx

http://www.egyrec.com/qatar/ (you need to sign up to view vacancies)

http://jobs.escapeartist.com/Openings/Qatar/

http://qa.tiptopjob.com

http://www.gulfjobsites.com/jobs/Qatar/

http://www.Allarabia.com

http://jobs.theemiratesnetwork.com/jobseeker/me/qatar.php

http://www.catererglobal.com

http://www.gulftalent.com/home/index.php

Enter Info on Careers & Development Qatar into a search engine and anextensive list of specific companies and organizations offering job opportunities willpop up.

Sites with general information on Qatar

www.explore-qatar.com

www.qatar-tourism.com

www.experienceqatar.com

www.qatar-info.com


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www.qatarsites.com

www.qatarbusinesscouncil.org

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

www.gulf-times.com

www.qatar-tribune.com

www.qnaol.com

www.qatar.usembassy.gov

10. AcknowledgementsOutpost Qatar would like to thank the following individuals who contributed todata collection and production of these notes:

Addy Poppelreiter

Pam Weissen

oq career & development guide_2011

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