Chief Internal Auditor (FMG/AS 4)

Under the direction of the Permanent Secretary, the incumbent is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and monitoring the activities of the Internal Audit Unit to ensure that established objectives and targets are achieved.

Key Responsibility Areas:

 Management:

• Provides technical advice to Permanent Secretary, Head of  Departments and Agencies and other relevant personnel on audit and regulatory matter;
• Provides advice on risk management issues including matters related to the operations of the Ministry and its Departments/Agencies;
• Advises the Permanent Secretary on the need for special studies to investigate deviation from established procedures and operational inefficiencies; 
• Participates in the development of the strategic direction of the  Ministry; 
• Plans, organizes and directs the work of the Unit by overseeing the creation of the Unit’s corporate and operational plans, annual audit plan, budget and monitor the Unit’s achievements against them
• Implements and maintains Government policies and procedures to guide the operation of the unit;
• Facilitates the administration of the Audit Committee and contributes to the continuous improvement of the Audit process within the Ministry and its Departments and Agencies;
• Provides advice and guidance to the Audit Committee;
• Represents the Ministry at meetings, conferences and other functions.

Technical:

• Supervises and carryout special investigations as maybe requested.
• Reports on the deviations or departure from the approved system and recommends changes for a more effective system.
• Reports to the Permanent Secretary at stated periods on the conduct of important audits and makes the necessary recommendations.
• Maintains records to indicate work in progress and to facilitate monitoring of replies to audit reports/queries
• Ensures the effectiveness of the controls for the prevention and detection of waste, extravagance and the safeguarding of assets.
• Develops one year audit plans in consultation with audit team leaders to include the priority level of each assignment, time scheduled and the deployment of staff;
• Manages the process for the review of organizational activities in order to determine its compliance with legislative and policy parameters;
• Reviews and validates the working papers of all audits undertaken by the Internal Auditors;
• Reviews audit reports and make recommendations for changes in processes and procedures;
• Monitors audit findings and make recommendations to ensure that deficiencies are corrected, improved procedures are implemented and internal controls are adhere to;
• Liaises with the Auditor General to develop an agreed Auditing standards and procedures;
• Visit team leaders off site to ensure compliance with rules, policies and procedures
• Ensures the security of audit files;
• Attends operational meetings where the audit department has a key role in the development and verification of systems. ▪    Ensures the compliance by the Unit with Internal Audit  Standards

• Human Resource Management

• Ensures that the Unit’s staff have sufficient and appropriate physical resources to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively.

• Maintains effective working relationships with external and internal stakeholders and clients ensuring that the Unit provides a consistently high level of service.
• Coordinates and supervises the activities of supervisees to ensure completion of assignments as well as compliance with established systems and procedures.
• Develops and reviews the Unit’s policies, procedures and systems to meet Ministry’s goals, objectives and targets.
• Convenes monthly staff meetings and ad hoc meetings as necessary to discuss job scheduling and any other issues and problems that impacts the Unit so as to provide solutions for achieving the target/goal 
• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and /or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance and /or attaining established personnel and/or organizational goal.

• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Unit and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures

• In collaboration with the Human Resource Department, develops and implements a succession planning programme for the Unit to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the need of the Unit
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Unit are clearly identified and addressed
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Unit’s and Ministry’s goal
• Ensures that staff are aware of and adhere to policies, procedures and regulations of the Unit and the Ministry.

Other

• Sensitize staff on new developments relevant to the Unit 
• Keeps abreast of trends and changes in Audit standards and processes and makes recommendations for their adoption where necessary to enhance the Ministry’s operations
• Such other duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the Permanent Secretary from time to time.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.