Internal Audit Advisor

Job Purpose:

The Internal Audit Advisor serves as a senior strategic partner to the Director of Internal Audit, supporting the effective discharge of the Internal Audit function’s mandate to create, protect, and sustain organizational value, in alignment with applicable global standards and local regulatory requirements. The role provides expert-level advisory across governance, risk management, internal controls, and organizational transformation initiatives, ensuring the Internal Audit function delivers impactful, forward-looking insights that support MBZUAI’s strategic objectives.
The Internal Audit Advisor acts as a trusted advisor to Internal Audit leadership and senior stakeholders, contributing to the development and execution of the Internal Audit strategy, audit plan, and key initiatives, while supporting complex, high-risk, and cross-functional engagements. The role is responsible for leading or supporting special assignments, strategic reviews, and high-priority projects, often requiring deep analysis, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate ambiguity across diverse functional and technical areas.
The Internal Audit Advisor collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to drive alignment, influence decision-making, and elevate the overall effectiveness and maturity of governance, risk, and control practices across the organization. The role also contributes to the continuous advancement of the Internal Audit function by enhancing methodologies, integrating data analytics and emerging technologies, and embedding leading practices in areas such as digital transformation, AI governance, and data-driven assurance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a senior advisor to the Director of Internal Audit across all functional, strategic, and operational matters, providing independent perspectives, critical challenge, and expert judgment on complex issues.
• Lead and deliver special assignments, strategic reviews, and high-priority initiatives as delegated by the Director of Internal Audit, often involving sensitive, cross-functional, or high-risk areas requiring discretion and advanced analytical capabilities.
• Independently manage and execute complex audit and advisory engagements where required, including scoping, stakeholder engagement, analysis, and reporting, particularly in areas of elevated risk or strategic importance.
• Support the Director of Internal Audit in the development and execution of the Internal Audit strategy and audit plan, including identifying emerging risks, shaping audit coverage, and aligning with organizational priorities and regulatory expectations.
• Review, challenge, and enhance key audit deliverables, including audit reports, risk assessments, and presentations to senior management and the Audit & Risk Committee, ensuring clarity, quality, and impact.
• Act as a delegate of the Director of Internal Audit in internal and external meetings, representing the function with authority and credibility, and influencing outcomes where required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the University, acting as a trusted point of contact for complex matters related to governance, risk, and internal controls.
• Oversee and manage relationships with external service providers and co-sourcing partners, ensuring quality of deliverables, adherence to contractual obligations, and alignment with Internal Audit standards and expectations.
• Represent the Internal Audit function and the University in external forums, including professional networks, regulatory engagements, and industry events, to promote best practices and strengthen institutional positioning.
• Drive continuous improvement of the Internal Audit function, including enhancing methodologies, frameworks, and the adoption of data analytics, automation, and emerging technologies.
• Maintain active engagement with industry peers, academic institutions, and professional bodies, bringing leading practices and innovative approaches into the Internal Audit function.

Other Duties

• Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.

Qualifications and Criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field, with higher qualifications preferred.
• Minimum one of the following:
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)Certified Chief Audit Executive (cCAE)

Essential:

• A minimum of 12 years of experience in Internal Audit and related fields, including a minimum of 5 years in managerial capacity.
• Big 4/Private and Public Sector Experience
• Superior knowledge in Global and Local Internal Audit Standards and Regulations.
• Experience in reporting to and managing Senior Stakeholders and Board of Trustees/Audit and Risk Committees.

Preferred:

• Arabic Speaker