Internal Audit Lead – Academic and Research

Position

HBKU seeks applications for the position of Internal Audit Lead – Academic and Research. The applicant will be responsible for leading and executing internal audit engagements related to HBKU’s academic, research, innovation, commercialization, and student affairs functional areas. This role ensures that governance, risk management, and internal control processes in these areas are effective, efficient, and aligned with institutional strategic objectives and priorities.

Job Role Description

• Contribute to the development of risk-based Internal Audit plans covering academic, research, innovation, commercialization, and student affairs functional areas.

• Participate in periodic risk assessments to identify and evaluate emerging risks affecting academic, research, innovation, commercialization, and student affairs functional areas.

• Develop engagement-level Internal Audit plans in line with the approved Internal Audit Plan.
  Lead or contribute to the execution and reporting of internal audit engagements within the academic, research, innovation, commercialization, and student affairs functions across the university in accordance with Internal Audit standards and methodologies.

• Perform audit fieldwork, analyze data, and evaluate internal controls and compliance with policies and regulations.

• Coordinate audit activities with other stakeholders and assurance providers, such as risk management and external auditors as needed.

• Ensure all audit work conforms to the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) and HBKU’s Internal Audit Methodology.

• Support the Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) activities, as directed by the Internal Audit Director.

• Supervise and mentor audit staff assigned to Internal Audit engagements.

• Identify opportunities to enhance academic, research, innovation, commercialization, and student-related processes and controls.

• Foster continuous improvement by monitoring trends in higher education, research compliance, and student services.

• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by supervisor.
  
  Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in education, Business, Public Administration, or related field, Master’s degree is preferred.

  • 6–8 years of experience in internal audit, with at least 2 years focused on academic, research, or student-related audits.

  • CIA required; CRMA, CISA, or higher education certifications are a plus.

  • Experience auditing higher education or research environments is preferred.

  • Strong knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) and internal audit methodologies.

  • Experience supporting quality assurance and improvement activities within an internal audit function is an advantage.

  • Ability to work with audit tools and analyze data to support audit conclusions.

  • 
    Strong understanding of academic operations, research compliance, and student services.

  • Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications, and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
    
    Additional Requirements/Skills

    • Collaborate and build trust                                                               

    • Demonstrate integrity and excellence                              

    • Lead and inspire                                                                             

    • Pioneer disruptive innovation                                             

    • Seek knowledge and advancement                                             

    • Internal audit planning and execution                                 

    • International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)
      Technical reporting                                                              

    • Business acumen                                                                              

    • Critical thinking and problem solving  

    • Risk management   
      
      How to Apply

      To apply, please follow this link

      Additional documents may be solicited from short-listed candidates.
      
      Deadline

      Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Remuneration

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as an accommodation allowance, annual paid leave, and medical insurance.