Chief Internal Audit Specialist

Job Purpose:

The Chief Internal Audit Specialist is a management member of the Internal Audit function responsible for leading the delivery of risk-based internal audit engagements across MBZUAI.

The role provides independent and objective assurance and advisory services to enhance governance, risk management, and internal control processes, and to support the achievement of MBZUAI’s strategic objectives.

The Chief Internal Audit Specialist contributes to the effective execution of the Internal Audit Plan and supports the continuous enhancement of the Internal Audit function’s methodologies, capabilities, and value delivery.

The role also plays a key part in developing internal audit talent through mentorship and guidance, strengthening the overall effectiveness and maturity of the function.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage internal audit engagements end-to-end, including planning, execution, and reporting, ensuring alignment with the approved Internal Audit Plan, Internal Audit Charter, and applicable professional standards.
• Conduct and oversee risk-based audit planning activities, including comprehensive risk assessments across operational, financial, compliance, and emerging risk areas, to ensure effective scoping and prioritization of audit engagements.
• Ensure effective communication with auditees through structured kick-off meetings, clearly articulating audit scope, timelines, and expectations to facilitate a collaborative and efficient audit process.
• Lead and supervise the execution of audit fieldwork, critically evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, and identifying control gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Review and challenge audit work performed by team members, ensuring high-quality deliverables, robust supporting evidence, and compliance with Internal Audit methodologies and IIA standards.
• Present audit observations and draft reports to management, engaging constructively with stakeholders to validate findings and ensure the development of practical, risk-based management action plans.
• Monitor and follow up on the implementation of agreed management action plans, ensuring timely remediation of identified issues and escalating delays or high-risk exposures where necessary.
• Provide value-added advisory services to management, offering insights on governance, risk management, and control enhancements, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, data governance, and AI-related risks.
• Contribute to the development and continuous enhancement of the Internal Audit function, including methodologies, tools, and the integration of data analytics and technology-enabled auditing techniques.
• Support the preparation of materials and insights for senior management and the Audit & Risk Committee, ensuring clear, concise, and impactful communication of key audit outcomes and risk themes.
• Supervise, coach, and develop internal audit team members, fostering a high-performance culture and building technical capabilities in risk assessment, control evaluation, and modern audit practices.
• Maintain high standards of audit documentation, ensuring workpapers are complete, accurate, and audit-ready, in line with Internal Audit policies and professional standards.
• Support the Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), including participation in internal assessments, peer reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency.
• Act as the lead point of contact for external service providers supporting Internal Audit activities, overseeing their performance, ensuring quality of deliverables, and alignment with MBZUAI’s expectations and standards.

Academic Qualifications:

Essential

• A Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field, with higher qualifications preferred.

Preferred

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Professional Experience:

Essential

• UAE National
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in Internal Audit, including a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Knowledge in Global and Local Internal Audit Standards and Regulations.
• Excellent knowledge and application of best practice Internal Audit Methodologies.

Preferred

• Big 4/Private Sector Experience
• Arabic Speaker