Director: Internal Audit - Pretoria at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Reference Number: OCEO/001/2024

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to render a professional internal audit service to SANBI in accordance with International Standards of Professional Practice of Internal Audit and relevant legislation and provide overall  strategic management and leadership to SANBI’s Internal Audit Unit.

This position requires a postgraduate degree in Internal Auditing / Risk Management / Accounting or related field at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years work experience in the relevant field, with 5 years of which must be at middle management level. Furthermore, the position requires a Certified Internal Audit (CIA) or Chartered Accountancy qualification plus registration with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). The successful candidate will be required to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre-entry Certificate offered by National School of Government, before assumption of duty.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Advanced proficiency in the Institute of Internal Auditors( IIA) International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF); Knowledge of the COSO Framework, Code of Ethics and Standards, and other applicable frameworks; Understanding of Financial Reporting Framework (GRAP- Generally Recognised Accounting Practices); Knowledge of relevant legislation (Public Finance Management Act, National Treasury Regulations, King IV etc); Good strategic management and leadership skills; Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal communication, report writing, stakeholder management); Experience in project management; Proven ability to analyse information logically, and exercise sound judgement; ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team, problem solving skills; Advanced planning, organizing, people management skills; Experience in policy development; Computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is essential.  The successful candidate must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence and must be willing to travel nationally.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Render a professional internal audit service to SANBI in accordance with International Standards of Professional Practice of Internal Audit, relevant legislation and applicable frameworks.
• Develop, implement and facilitate regular review of SANBI internal audit charter, annual internal audit plan, policies and standard operating procedures.
• Provide expert support on internal audit related matters to SANBI CEO, Management, Audit and Risk Committee and the Board.
• Provide SANBI Management and Board with progress reports on implementation of the annual internal audit plan and progress on all other internal audit activities.
• Provide strategic management and leadership  to  SANBI’s Internal Audit Unit, including management of Human and Financial Resources  of the Unit and the performance of internal audit service providers.
• Act as key relationship officer in respect of the Auditor General and develop links and reliance of external audit on internal audit function.
• Develop and maintain an Integrated Combined Assurance Model (CAM),
• Assist in the investigation of significant suspected incidents of fraudulent activities within SANBI and report to management and the Audit Committee of the findings;
• Promote a high level of control awareness in SANBI and assist in the deterrence of fraud by evaluating the adequacy of internal controls in mitigating fraud risks.