Head, Internal Audit. – National Drug Authority (NDA) | - 2015

Reports to: Chairman, Audit Committee and Executive Director

The Head, Internal Audit will provide independent and objective advisory services to the Audit Committee to support the organization manage risk, strengthen internal controls and compliance.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Significantly contribute to the Authority’s strategic initiatives to accomplish organisation objectives through an effective and efficient audit system.
Manage the development and implementation of an effective compliance and internal audit infrastructure including internal control design, resources, policies and procedures
Ensure operational effectiveness of the audit department.
Offer technical guidance to the Authority and management team on audit matters.
Ensure that any concerns regarding audit functions are thoroughly followed up, reported on and concluded satisfactorily.
Ensure that audit reports and audit working papers are prepared, supported with sufficient evidence, approved and shared out with all relevant parties for reference and/or guiding decision making.
Advise management to take action in response to audit reviews ensuring effective follow up and validate remedial actions prior to closing of outstanding issues.
Ensures that all audit plans and reports meet auditing standards and the Audit Committee’s expectations.
Manage, motivate and coach employees in the audit department and manage their performance through regular communication and timely feedback, annual performance appraisal and making provision for appropriate training and development options
Ensure that the organisation adheres to the risk management policies, corporate governance and compliance procedures.
Continually monitors the internal and external environment for changes in the risk profile and recommend strategies to ensure that NDA maintains the required level of assurance over key strategic and other risks.
Quickly report to the Audit Committee, at the required intervals, on internal audit assignments including planned reviews, special investigations, risk management assignments and any other ad-hoc audit activities as required.
Build and strengthen working relationships with all key stakeholders to facilitate effective auditing framework
Support external auditors as appropriate and coordinate NDAs response to audit findings and recommendations.
Ensure that all employees of NDA are sensitized about the internal controls and other audit initiatives to enhance compliance.
Perform special investigations and any others duties assigned by the Authority.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The ideal candidate for the Head, Internal Audit opportunity should hold a Master’s Degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Accounting, Auditing or Finance. The incumbent should also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Accounting), Business Administration or the equivalent.
Possession of professional qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, CIA
Active membership to professional bodies such as CIA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA,CPA and other relevant bodies
A minimum of twelve (12) years in audit with 6 years in a senior management position in a recognised institution
Significant experience supervising staff and audit teams
Practical experience using specialized accounting/ auditing packages
Excellent communication skills
Computer proficiency in the use of word processing and spreadsheet software,
Possess excellent analytical and evaluation ability
Skills in influencing and negotiation
Excellent planning and organizational skills
Strong team building skills.