Deputy Director, Internal Audit at Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)

Job Specifications
The duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail:

• Initiating the review of the Internal Audit policy documents to conform with the prevailing professional standards and regulations;
• Ensuring that audit activities are carried out as per the professional guidelines and audit policies;
• Initiating development of new initiatives aimed at improving internal audit
• Operational efficiencies and managing the risk-based annual audit work plans to cover all activities of the Council.
• Co-ordinating the review of audit programs to ensure that they test the relevant internal controls and are in compliance with the international auditing standards;
• Interacting with senior management to ensure their involvement in agreeing with the audit recommendations for areas of high risk;
• Examining and evaluating the adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of the
• Council’s financial and operating systems;
• Coordinating and ensuring quality control of the audit activities to ensure that the audit objectives are met and that the audit professional standards are maintained at all times;
• Coordinating and conducting audits (where necessary) and hold all entry and exit audit meetings/sessions of each audit assignment with the auditees;
• Evaluating the risk management processes and giving reasonable assurance to the management and the Council that all key business risks are being mitigated to acceptable levels.
• Coordinating audit efforts with the external auditors to avoid duplication;
• Preparing audit findings, recommendations and management comments and present to the management and audit committee quarterly.
• Designing a follow-up mechanism on all audits done to ensure that the agreed audit recommendations are implemented within the given timeframe.
• Managing the audit team performance through performance planning, coaching, mentoring and appraisals.
• Managing the training of the audit team to ensure they develop the skills and competencies required for professional career progression.
• Nurturing the team-building spirit among the auditors and implementing succession planning in the department.

Person Specifications
For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

• At least twelve (12) years cumulative relevant work experience, five (5) of which should have served at management level;
• Masters’ Degree in any of the following: Auditing, Business Administration majoring in Finance or Accounting or its equivalent from a recognized institution;
• Bachelors’ Degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Business Management (Accounting Option) or equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution;
• Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Membership of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK);
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA);
• Demonstrated merit in work performance;
• Proficiency in computer application;
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution for successful applicants.

Key Competencies, skills and attitudes

• Integrity;
• Strategic thinking;
• Analytical skills;
• Communication and reporting skills;
• Managerial skills and ability to lead teams;
• Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills;
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills;
• Team player; and
• Self-motivated