MC HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT

Lead and oversee the Group’s Internal Audit function, providing independent and objective assurance on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, internal controls, compliance, and operational processes. The position is responsible for developing and implementing a risk-based audit strategy, advising senior management and shareholders on key business risks, and ensuring effective controls are in place to safeguard the Group’s assets, reputation, and operational integrity while supporting the achievement of strategic objectives and sustainable long-term value.

 Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Group Internal Audit Charter, policies, procedures, and audit methodologies in line with International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards, and best industry practices.
• Prepare and execute the annual risk-based audit plan covering all business units, subsidiaries, joint ventures, and support functions across the Group.
• Provide independent assurance to the Board, Audit Committee, Shareholders, and Executive Management on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks.
• Act as a strategic advisor to management on emerging risks, business process improvements, governance practices, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Lead the development of enterprise-wide risk assessment processes and ensure audit priorities align with key organizational risks and strategic objectives.

2. Audit Management & Oversight

• Direct and oversee operational, financial, compliance, IT, project, and special audits across all Group entities.
• Ensure audit assignments are adequately planned, supervised, documented, executed, and completed within agreed timelines while maintaining the highest professional standards.
• Review and approve audit programs, working papers, risk assessments, observations, and audit conclusions prepared by the audit team.
• Ensure audit findings are supported by sufficient evidence and communicated effectively to management through clear and actionable recommendations.
• Review and approve final audit reports and present significant findings, risks, and recommendations to senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and follow up on outstanding actions to ensure timely closure of identified control deficiencies.

3. Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Evaluate the effectiveness of financial, operational, and compliance controls across the organization and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assess strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, cybersecurity, and reputational risks and provide recommendations for mitigation.
• Ensure adequate controls exist to safeguard company assets, prevent fraud, reduce operational risks, and improve business efficiency.
• Lead fraud investigations, special reviews, whistleblower investigations, and management-requested assignments while maintaining confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Review the effectiveness of business continuity, disaster recovery, crisis management, and corporate governance frameworks.

4. Compliance & Regulatory Assurance

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, shareholder directives, corporate policies, and industry standards.
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impact on business operations, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, government authorities, and other assurance providers where necessary.
• Provide assurance regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of compliance management systems across the Group.

5. Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop the Internal Audit team to build a high-performance audit function.
• Establish performance objectives and professional development plans for audit staff.
• Promote a culture of ethics, accountability, transparency, continuous improvement, and risk awareness throughout the organization.
• Ensure audit resources are effectively allocated and utilized to maximize audit coverage and value.

6. Report & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain effective working relationships with senior management, shareholders, department heads, and external stakeholders.
• Periodically report audit performance, key risk indicators, significant findings, and internal control trends to the Board and Audit Committee.
• Support management in developing corrective action plans and strengthening the overall control environment.
• Represent the Internal Audit function in executive meetings, governance forums, and strategic business discussions as required.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 12-15 years of progressive experience in Internal Audit, External Audit, Risk Management, Corporate Governance, or Compliance.
• At least 5 years in a leadership or managerial role in Oil and Gas Sector, leading audit teams and managing enterprise-wide audit programs.
• Strong experience in the Oil & Gas, Energy, Engineering, Contracting, Infrastructure, or Industrial sectors is preferred.
• Prior experience with a Big 4 Audit Firm (PwC, Deloitte, EY, or KPMG) is highly desirable.
• Proven experience presenting findings to Executive Management, Audit Committees, and Boards.

Skills & Competencies:

1. Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Internal Audit Standards (IPPF/IIA).
• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).
• Corporate Governance frameworks.
• Financial, operational, and compliance auditing.
• Fraud risk management and investigation techniques.
• Internal controls assessment and process reviews.
• Data analytics and audit technology tools.
• Regulatory compliance and statutory requirements.
• Business continuity and disaster recovery assessment.
• IT General Controls (ITGC), cybersecurity, and technology risk management.

2. Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Executive-level communication and presentation skills.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Team leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder management.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.
• Change management and continuous improvement mindset.

3. Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and investigative capabilities.
  • Ability to work independently and under pressure.
  • Effective relationship management across multicultural environments.
  • Commitment to confidentiality, objectivity, and professional excellence.
  1. Language Requirements
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Arabic language proficiency will be an added advantage.