Lead Internal Auditor

Role Purpose

The Lead Internal Auditor is responsible for supporting the Internal Audit Director/Manager in planning, executing, and managing internal audit engagements across AZF's Corporate Office (CO) and its Member Organizations (MOs). The role plays a key part in delivering independent and objective assurance and consulting services aimed at evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes.

The Lead Internal Auditor takes a leadership role in performing risk-based audits across operational, financial, compliance, and strategic areas, ensuring that all audit work adheres to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IIA Standards).

This role also contributes to identifying process inefficiencies, recommending control enhancements, and ensuring that organizational objectives are supported through robust and effective internal controls.

This position supports AZF's mission by promoting transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Key Accountabilities & Activities

Operations

• Support the IA Director/Manager in the development of the annual Risk-Based Internal Audit (RBIA) plan, including resource allocation, staff planning, and audit budgeting.
• Establish strong working relationships with AZF's Corporate Office leadership and Strategic Business Units (SBUs). Assist Senior Management in understanding internal controls, risk management and governance processes.
• Assist the IA Director/Manager in preparing interim and annual internal audit progress reports for presentation to the IA Director/Manager, AZF CEO and Higher Management.
• Lead and manage a variety of audit assignments across financial, operational, compliance, and governance domains in line with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IIA Standards).
• Perform audits that evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and control environment of core business processes, recommending improvements where necessary to support strategic and operational objectives.
• Oversee the planning, fieldwork, and reporting of assigned audit engagements, ensuring they are conducted in accordance with AZF's Internal Audit Charter, Manual, and methodologies.
• Provide on-the-job training and development for auditors on IIA Global Standards, IA methodologies, foundational processes, and effective observation and reporting techniques to ensure the continuous growth of the IAD function's talent pool.
• Design audit programs and risk and control matrices for engagements, tailored to the scope and risk profile of the area under review.
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk mitigation practices, and governance structures across various business functions.
• Collaborate with key departments including Risk Management, Finance, HR, Procurement, and Operations to facilitate audits and follow up on risk-related issues.
• Supervise, guide, and review the work of audit team members to ensure high-quality deliverables, efficient use of resources, and achievement of the internal audit plan.
• Review audit reports and working papers for accuracy, clarity, and completeness, ensuring that findings and recommendations are risk-based and value-adding.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations by management, performing follow-ups and escalating overdue actions to senior leadership where required.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of auditing standards, best practices, regulatory requirements, and industry trends to enhance audit quality and relevance.
• Participate in internal committees or working groups as delegated by the Internal Audit Director/Manager, contributing audit perspectives on internal control and governance matters.
• Act on behalf of the Internal Audit Director/Manager when delegated, including attending meetings, reviewing reports, or coordinating departmental matters.

Strategy & Business Plan

• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of AZF's strategy in line with AZF's vision and mission, in conjunction with and as required by Upper Management
• Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results
• Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization
• Implement functional policies, systems, procedures and controls to ensure objectivity, efficiency and effectiveness of operations

Budgets & Plans

• Adhere to departmental budgets and ensure optimal utilization of all available resources
• Manage the preparation and presentation of the department budget for management approval and ensure the control of expenditures within the agreed budget
• Full budget control and responsibility, liaison and management of professional contractors, ensuring safety procedures are monitored and all security procedures are adhered to
• Lead the development of the department's annual business plan, KPIs and budget

Leadership

• Provide direction and support through clear objective setting, delegation, coaching and empowerment to meet organizational objectives
• Plan, direct and supervise the activities of assigned personnel of the Department, setting overall policies and objectives and establishing all the departments work programs

Systems & Processes

• Implement approved departmental policies, procedures, and frameworks to ensure consistent, controlled, and high-quality execution of treasury operations, aligned with best-in-class service standards.
• Promote cost-effective utilization of financial and operational resources, minimizing waste and controlling unnecessary expenditures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by sharing insights and recommendations to streamline treasury processes, enhance efficiency, and drive organizational performance.

Experience

• 12 years of experience of which 2 years should be in a similar position / responsibility, preferably in similar industry

Education and Certification

• At least bachelor's degree with Auditing Accounting, Finance and/or Business Studies, (master's degree preferred).
• Preferably with Professional Certification on similar field

Job specific Technical Skills

• Expertise in auditing governance frameworks and ensuring alignment between organizational processes and strategic business objectives.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, internal controls, and evaluating risk response and control effectiveness across operational and financial areas.
• Proficiency in conducting enterprise risk assessments and ensuring effective risk management strategies are in place.
• In-depth understanding of business processes and emerging trends in corporate governance, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Leadership in managing IT audit teams and communicating audit findings to senior management and non-technical stakeholders effectively.

Language

• Required – English (Proficient)
• Arabic (Native)