Audit Lead – Programme / Projects Assurance at Equity Bank Kenya

• The Audit Lead - Project Assurance is responsible for providing independent assurance and advisory services for critical and strategic projects across the Group. This role serves as a subject matter expert, collaborating with various audit teams, including process auditors, cybersecurity auditors, information systems auditors, and others, to deliver comprehensive project assurance and advisory services. The role plays a crucial part in evaluating project governance, risk management, and control processes, identifying potential issues, and providing recommendations for improvement.
• Reports to Group Chief Internal Auditor

Job Responsibilities

Project Assurance and Advisory:

• Conduct independent assessments of critical and strategic projects, including program management, project governance, risk management, and control processes.
• Evaluate the alignment of projects with the organization's strategic objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Assess the effectiveness of project planning, execution, and monitoring processes, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource management.
• Identify potential risks, issues, and control deficiencies within projects and provide recommendations for mitigation and improvement.

Subject Matter Expertise and Collaboration:

• Serve as a subject matter expert in project assurance, providing guidance and expertise to audit teams across various domains, including process audits, cybersecurity audits, and information systems audits.
• Collaborate with audit teams to ensure comprehensive coverage of project risks, controls, and compliance requirements.
• Foster knowledge-sharing and cross-functional collaboration among audit teams to deliver integrated project assurance services.

Project Risk Management:

• Assist project teams in establishing and maintaining effective risk management frameworks and processes.
• Evaluate the identification, assessment, and mitigation of project risks, including operational, financial, technological, and strategic risks.
• Provide guidance and support to project teams in developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies.

Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare comprehensive reports detailing project assurance findings, risks, and recommendations for remediation.
• Present findings and recommendations to project teams, senior management, and relevant stakeholders, including the Chief Internal Auditor.
• Collaborate with audit teams to ensure effective coordination and communication of project-related risks and issues.

Continuous Improvement and Thought Leadership:

• Stay updated with emerging project management practices, regulatory changes, and industry best practices related to project assurance and advisory.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities and knowledge-sharing events to enhance technical and advisory skills for the Internal Audit function across the group.
• Contribute to the development of project assurance methodologies, frameworks, and best practices within the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in project management, business administration or IT preferred,
• Professional certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project assurance, project management, internal auditing, or related roles within the financial services industry.

Competencies

• Proven expertise in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), project lifecycles, and industry best practices.
• Strong understanding of risk management frameworks, control environments, and relevant regulations (e.g., PRINCE, GDPR, PCI-DSS).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective reporting, stakeholder management, and collaboration with audit teams.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across multiple locations.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Results orientation
• High integrity and strength of character