Deputy Director, Internal Audit and Risk - KNCHR 3 REF: KNCHR/ADM/DDIR/02/08/2026

Role Overview

This is a senior leadership position within a public commission, responsible for steering the Internal Audit & Risk division. The role holder provides strategic direction, assurance, and oversight across the Commission’s control environment, risk management practices, and governance processes. Day to day, the Director leads audit planning, supervises risk assessments, supports board-level committees, and drives a culture of accountability that protects the Commission’s resources and supports delivery of its mandate.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and periodically update internal audit policies, methodologies, and standards that enable independent, objective assessments of the Commission’s systems, controls, and operational efficiency.
• Direct the preparation and execution of the annual internal audit and risk work plan, ensuring resources are aligned to the Commission’s most significant risks and strategic priorities.
• Manage the division’s budget and financial resources, monitoring utilisation, approving expenditure, and overseeing any grants held by the Commission to ensure prudent use of funds.
• Oversee the Commission’s enterprise risk management framework, including facilitating the risk management committee and ensuring risks and mitigating controls are identified, reported, and escalated appropriately.
• Serve as secretary to the Audit & Risk Committee, managing agendas, minutes, and follow-up on the implementation of committee decisions and recommendations.
• Lead special projects, including investigations into alleged fraud and irregularities, and coordinate process re-engineering initiatives designed to strengthen internal controls and respond to emerging risks.
• Review and approve internal audit, risk, and governance reports, providing recommendations to the Audit & Risk Committee, executive leadership, and the board on areas requiring attention or improvement.
• Provide leadership and supervision to the Assistant Director, Senior Officers, and other audit staff, developing capacity, fostering collaboration, and ensuring effective communication across the division and the wider Commission.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Commerce, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field from a recognised institution, together with a bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Accounting or Finance option), Business Administration (Accounting or Finance option), Business Management (Accounting or Finance option), Actuarial Science, or an equivalent qualification.
• Full professional certification as either a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) with active, good-standing membership of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), or a Certified Internal Auditor with good-standing membership of the Institute of Internal Auditors. A Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) qualification is an added advantage.
• At least eight years of progressive work experience in internal audit, risk management, or a related assurance field, with a minimum of three years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• A Strategic Leadership Development Programme certificate, lasting at least six weeks, from the Kenya School of Government or an equivalent institution.
• Strong leadership, analytical, problem-solving, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and handle complex, sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including working knowledge of audit and risk management tools and Microsoft Office applications.
• Compliance with the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, including leadership, integrity, and ethical conduct.

What We Offer / Why Join

This role offers a gross monthly salary of Kshs. 281,950, along with medical cover, group life insurance, and coverage under the Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA). The position is based in Nairobi with occasional travel required, and provides an opportunity to shape the governance and assurance agenda of a national commission, leading a small team of audit and risk professionals and working closely with senior decision-makers.