We are currently seeking a Senior Internal Audit Manager who will be responsible for establishing, developing, and leading the internal audit function.. This is an independent role with significant autonomy and visibility, responsible for reviewing and enhancing the existing internal audit framework, policies, and procedures, while developing and implementing additional processes and methodologies required to establish a robust, effective, and risk-based internal audit function.
The role will provide independent and objective assurance over governance, risk management, and internal control environment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Management Team and senior stakeholders across the organisation, while maintaining the appropriate level of independence and authority required of an internal audit function.
Our client, based in Dubai is a government-related entity. This position is a contract role with an initial duration of 12 months and is renewable.
Key Responsibilities:
- Establish and develop the internal audit function, including reviewing and enhancing existing policies, procedures, frameworks, methodologies, and operating processes
- Develop and implement a risk-based internal audit framework aligned with strategic objectives, key risks, governance requirements, and recognised professional standards
- Review and enhance existing internal audit policies and procedures, while developing and implementing new policies, methodologies, standards, and operating protocols where required
- Develop and maintain a risk-based annual internal audit plan covering key business functions, processes, projects, and organisational risks
- Lead and deliver internal audits, reviews, and advisory assignments
- Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management frameworks, internal controls, policies, procedures, and delegated authorities
- Identify control weaknesses, process inefficiencies, emerging risks, and opportunities for improvement, providing practical and commercially focused recommendations
- Prepare clear and concise internal audit reports, including findings, root-cause analysis, recommendations, and agreed management actions
- Monitor and report on the implementation of agreed management actions and conduct appropriate audit follow-up activities
- Provide independent and objective assurance, insight, and constructive challenge to senior management on governance, risk, and internal control matters
- Develop strong working relationships with the Senior Management Team, Director General, and key stakeholders
- Present audit findings, emerging risk themes, control weaknesses, and recommendations to senior stakeholders and relevant governance forums
- Establish appropriate audit documentation, working paper, quality assurance, reporting, and continuous improvement standards
- Develop the systems, tools, templates, reporting mechanisms, and management information required to support an effective internal audit function
- Establish the foundations for the future development and growth of the internal audit department as the requirements evolve
- Support the ongoing maturity and enhancement of the governance, risk management, and internal control environment
Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
- Significant experience in internal audit, with a strong understanding of risk-based audit methodologies, governance, risk management, and internal control principles
- Proven experience developing, reviewing, or enhancing internal audit policies, procedures, frameworks, methodologies, or operating models
- Experience leading internal audit assignments from risk assessment and planning through to fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up
- Experience establishing or significantly enhancing an internal audit function would be highly advantageous
- Strong understanding of governance, risk management, internal control frameworks, and audit principles
- Experience working independently in a standalone or highly autonomous internal audit role
- Strong experience engaging with senior management and presenting audit findings, risks, and recommendations to senior stakeholders
- Ability to operate with independence, professional scepticism, sound judgement, and the confidence to constructively challenge stakeholders
- Pragmatic and commercially minded approach, with the ability to translate audit findings into practical and actionable recommendations
- Strong analytical, report writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience within a free zone, government authority, government-related entity, real estate organisation, property developer, or other complex regulated or commercial environment is advantageous
- Experience working within organisations with complex governance, regulatory, operational, or stakeholder environments
- Arabic language skills are desirable but not essential
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Risk Management, Audit, or a related discipline
- Professional qualification such as CIA, ACCA, ACA, CPA, CISA, CFE, or equivalent is preferred
