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Head of Internal Audit UAE National (Emiratisation)

Intelligent Solutions

Job Location:

Dubai - UAE

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 20 July 2026 (20 days ago)

Application Deadline: 18 October 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

General Overview:

We are partnering with a prominent semi-government organisation within the UAE insurance and healthcare ecosystem to hire a Head of Internal Audit. This is a senior leadership role reporting to the Audit Committee and executive management with responsibility for establishing and leading an independent risk-based internal audit function aligned with international standards and UAE regulatory requirements.

The role offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen governance risk management and internal controls within a highly regulated and nationally significant organization.

Key Responsibilities

Develop implement and maintain a risk-based Internal Audit strategy and annual audit plan aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory expectations.
Lead and oversee all internal audit activities including operational financial IT compliance and governance audits.
Provide independent assurance to the Audit Committee and senior management on the effectiveness of internal controls risk management and governance frameworks.
Evaluate compliance with UAE regulatory requirements internal policies and international standards (e.g. IIA Standards COSO).
Identify control gaps emerging risks and systemic issues ensuring timely follow-up and closure of audit findings and management action plans.
Manage and maintain strong relationships with external auditors regulators and key internal stakeholders.
Prepare and present clear insightful audit reports and executive summaries to the Audit Committee and Board.
Lead mentor and develop the internal audit team fostering a culture of integrity independence and high performance.
Advise senior leadership on governance risk and control improvements as a trusted assurance partner.

Key Requirements:

UAE National with strong expertise in internal audit risk and governance.
Bachelors degree in accounting Finance Business Administration or a related discipline; Masters degree preferred.
Professional certifications such as CIA CPA ACCA CISA or equivalent are highly desirable.
1015 years of progressive internal audit experience with significant exposure to regulated environments (insurance healthcare financial services or government/semi-government).
Proven experience operating at a senior leadership level including direct engagement with Boards and Audit Committees.
Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks enterprise risk management and internal control systems.
Excellent leadership communication and stakeholder management skills.
High ethical standards sound judgment and the ability to operate independently with authority.