Director, Internal Audit at The Social Health Authority (SHA)

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required:

Person Specifications (Minimum Requirements): For appointment to this grade, an Officer must have:

• Cumulative service period of fifteen (15) years relevant work experience, five (5) of which should have been at senior management level or in a comparable position in the public or private sector. 
• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Commerce (Accounting/Finance option), Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Auditing, Business Administration or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Commerce (Accounting/Finance option), Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Business Administration or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution; 
•  Membership to the relevant professional body where applicable and in good standing.
• A Certificate in Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• A valid practicing licence where applicable.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.  

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical skills
• Communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills

Responsibilities:

Job Purpose

The Director, Internal Audit, will oversee the operations of the Internal Audit function within the Authority, by assessing and giving recommendations on the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, direction, and coordination of the internal audit function in line with the provisions of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023. The position plays a key role in integrating the Authority’s audit functions with its strategic goals to drive operational effectiveness, ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks, and enhance the reliability and integrity of the organization’s operations.

Job Description

The Director, Internal Audit shall:

• Formulate, seek approval by the Board and coordinate the implementation of internal audit directorate policies, strategies and procedures
• Harmonize and align the internal audit directorate’s functions with the strategic objectives of the Authority
• Prepare and seek approval of the Annual Audit Plan by the Board Audit Committee and ensure effective implementation of the approved plan
• Provide secretarial services to the Audit Committee of the Board, ensuring effective communication of audit findings and recommendations.
• Report audit findings to Management and the Board’s Audit Committee, ensuring transparency and adherence to the SHI Act 2023’s reporting requirements.
• Advise the Board, Senior Management and the CEO on emerging trends and developments affecting internal controls, governance and risk management, and proactively recommend corrective actions and improvements. 
• Oversee the implementation of audit recommendations (both internal and external), tracking progress and reporting updates to Senior Management and the Audit Committee to ensure continuous improvement in operational controls.
• Foster effective collaboration with the Board Audit Committee, staff, external auditors, relevant government agencies, and other stakeholders, ensuring all audit processes are in line with the SHI Act 2023.
• Review and evaluate the progress made towards achieving the strategic plan objectives and performance targets, reporting findings to the CEO and Senior management, with actionable insights for improvement.
• Provide timely and accurate advice to the Chief Executive Officer on the performance of internal audit functions in alignment with the Authority’s strategic goals, operational plans, and budget, ensuring compliance with the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.
• Coordinate the activities of external auditors and other assurance providers geared towards improving operations of the Authority. 
• Ensure performance targets are set and performance assessment undertaken for staff within the directorate.