Director Internal Audit (Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic)

Department: Internal Audit

Duty station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Reports to: Chair of Audit and Risk Committee and Rector

Deadline: 30 September 2024

UCA Background:
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org

Summary and Purpose of Position
The University of Central Asia is seeking a Director of Internal Audit who will lead the Internal Audit Department. The Director of Internal Audit reports functionally to the Chair of UCA’s Audit & Risk Committee and administratively/operationally to the UCA Rector.

This exciting role involves working strategically to support the development of UCA by ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls, governance, and risk management processes across all UCA operations. The position demands a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism, adhering to the standards and ethical guidelines of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The role-holder will work closely with UCA’s Risk Officer and senior management.

The position will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic but also involves travel and overnight visits to other parts of UCA’s operations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate the annual enterprise risk assessment and develop a risk based annual audit plan in consultation with Management and the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Undertake an independent assessment of UCA’s strategic and operational plans including analysis of risk management, governance, compliance (internal/external), adequacy of internal controls, and appropriateness of UCA’s plans and supporting procedures with a view to minimizing risk exposure.
• Undertake internal audits as per the approved annual risk-based audit plan at all UCA operational locations and develop/maintain appropriate working papers.
• Identify opportunities and make recommendations for management that support the achievement of academic and operational plans, to increase effectiveness, and improve cost rationalization.
• Follow-up on implementation of agreed upon audit recommendations and corrective actions.
• Conduct special studies/investigations as requested by Senior Management or the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Prepare relevant reporting on all audit activities for discussion with the Audit and Risk Committee. The report shall include the actions agreed upon by Management, on all audits (internal and external), as well as the status of corrective action.
• Keep technical knowledge up-to-date and ensure adherence to the standards of best professional practice issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors and other such professional bodies.
• Disseminate knowledge/provide training to UCA staff at the Central Administration Office and campuses on self-assessment techniques, and the importance and relevance of maintaining adequate operational processes and controls.
• Coach and mentor internal audit staff.
• Provide an annual opinion on internal controls to the Audit & Risk Committee
• Perform any other relevant assignment or task assigned by Senior Management or the Audit & Risk Committee.

Required Qualifications and Experience:
Academic and Professional Qualification

• Recognised professional accounting designation such as Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified General Accountant (CGA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with 10 to 15 years post-qualification experience.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Internal Audit at senior level.
• Additional professional certification such as or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) will be an added advantage.

Knowledge and Competencies

• Outstanding English language communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent computing skills and familiarity with computer-based audit techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Effective management and leadership skills. Ability to work under pressure, multi- task and adhere to timelines.
• Communicate effectively with Management and the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Apply critical thinking and sound reasoning to the required work.
• Ability to work in a variety of different cultural settings with culturally diverse groups.
• Stay up to date with the latest development in the field of Internal Audit.
• Understanding of a University’s functioning and operations.
• Experience working internationally would be preferred
• Proficiency in Central Asian languages, particularly Russian, will be an added advantage.

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