Director of Internal Audit - Hiring UAE National

Director of Internal AuditExperience: 10–15 YearsPreferred Background: Government / Semi-Government / Large Public-Sector EntityJob SummaryWe are looking for an experienced Director of Internal Audit to lead the organisation’s internal audit function, strengthen governance and controls, and provide independent assurance to senior management and the Audit Committee.The ideal candidate should have strong experience within government, semi-government, regulated, or large complex organisations, with exposure to enterprise risk, governance, compliance, financial and operational audits.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute the annual and multi-year risk-based internal audit plan.Lead financial, operational, compliance, governance, and performance audits.Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance frameworks.Present audit findings, risk observations, and recommendations to senior management and the Audit Committee.Monitor closure of audit findings and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.Conduct reviews of high-risk business areas, projects, procurement, contracts, finance, HR, IT, and operations.Support fraud-risk reviews, investigations, and special assignments when required.Assess compliance with internal policies, government regulations, delegated authorities, and applicable standards.Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and other assurance providers.Maintain internal audit methodologies, policies, procedures, and quality standards.Lead, mentor, and develop the internal audit team.Promote a strong culture of governance, accountability, ethics, and continuous improvement.Support senior leadership with independent insights on emerging risks and control weaknesses.RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Audit, or a related discipline.Strong experience within a government, semi-government, public-sector, or highly regulated organisation.Proven experience leading risk-based audits and presenting to senior leadership / Audit Committees.Strong knowledge of governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, and internal control frameworks.Experience across financial, operational, compliance, and performance audits.Strong stakeholder management, report writing, and presentation skills.Ability to manage multiple audits and high-priority assignments.Strong leadership and team-management capability.Preferred QualificationsCIA, CPA, ACCA, CA, CISA, or equivalent professional qualification.Knowledge of IIA Standards, COSO, ERM, and governance frameworks.Experience with audit-management systems, data analytics, and risk-based audit tools.government or semi-government experience is highly preferred.Key SkillsInternal Audit, Risk-Based Auditing, Governance, Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Controls, Compliance Audit, Operational Audit, Financial Audit, Audit Planning, Audit Committee Reporting, Risk Assessment, Fraud Risk, Investigations, COSO, IIA Standards, Audit Management, Stakeholder Management, Regulatory Compliance, Team Leadership, Audit Reporting, Data Analytics