Senior Internal Auditor (Head of Internal Audit Function) Jobs – Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST)

Job Title: Senior Internal Auditor (Head of Internal Audit Function)

Organisation: Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About Organisation:

The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) is a Government agency established in 1990 by an Act of Parliament (CAP. 209) of the Laws of Uganda. The agency is mandated to facilitate the development and implementation of strategies for integrating Science and Technology (S&T) into the national development process.

Job Summary: To lead and provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services that add value and support the achievement of UNCST objectives by evaluating and helping improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management and control processes; strengthening accountability, compliance and the efficient use of public resources.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Internal Audit Strategy, Risk Assessment & Planning

• Lead the development of a risk-based internal audit plan aligned to UNCST objectives, key risks, legal and regulatory obligations, emerging issues and stakeholder expectations, and submit the plan and related resource requirements for appropriate approval.
• Periodically reassess the audit universe and approved plan to respond to significant changes in risk, operations or priorities, and obtain approval for material changes where required.
• Maintain an appropriate internal audit charter, methodologies, policies and procedures consistent with applicable public-sector requirements and the Global Internal Audit Standards.

Audit, Assurance & Advisory Services

• Plan, supervise and perform risk-based financial, compliance, operational, information systems, governance and value-for-money audits in accordance with the approved plan and applicable professional standards.
• Evaluate the design, adequacy and operating effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal control processes, including controls over financial management, procurement, assets, information, grants and field-based activities.
• Assess grantees’ financial management, accountability and control arrangements, and recommend proportionate improvements based on identified risks.
• Communicate clear, evidence-based audit findings that identify root causes, risk implications and practical recommendations, and issue timely reports to Management and the Council/appropriate committee.
• Track and validate implementation of agreed audit recommendations, Auditor General findings and other significant assurance actions, and escalate overdue or high-risk matters through the approved governance channels.
• Undertake advisory engagements requested by Management or the Council where these are consistent with the internal audit mandate, without assuming management responsibility or impairing independence.
• Conduct or support special reviews and investigations in accordance with approved protocols, maintaining confidentiality, objectivity, due professional care and appropriate handling of evidence.
• Coordinate, where appropriate, with the Auditor General, external auditors, risk/compliance functions and other assurance providers to improve coverage and reduce unnecessary duplication.

Governance, Independence & Stakeholder Reporting

• Maintain organizational independence and individual objectivity, promptly disclose actual or perceived impairments, and seek unrestricted access to relevant records, systems, personnel and premises required to perform approved work.
• Report periodically to the Executive Secretary and the Council/appropriate committee on audit plan delivery, significant risk and control issues, governance matters, management action status, resource constraints and other matters requiring attention.
• Build constructive relationships with Management and other stakeholders while preserving Internal Audit’s independence, professional skepticism and authority to communicate significant issues.

Quality, Professional Practice & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), including ongoing monitoring, periodic self-assessments and support for an external quality assessment at least once every five years, subject to the applicable professional framework.
• Ensure engagements are appropriately planned, documented, supervised and supported by sufficient, reliable, relevant and useful evidence.
• Promote the effective use of audit management systems, data analytics and other technology to improve audit coverage, efficiency and insight.
• Maintain continuing professional development and keep current with changes in internal auditing, public financial management, procurement, digital risks, governance and relevant sector requirements.

Leadership & Administration

• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching and performance management for staff in the Internal Audit Unit.
• Prepare and manage the Unit work plan, budget and resource requirements, and monitor efficient and effective use of allocated resources.
• Develop staff capability through coaching, knowledge sharing, professional development and succession planning.
• Represent Internal Audit at Management and governance meetings as appropriate, while preserving the function’s independence and authority.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, Auditing or another relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.
• Full professional qualification in internal audit or accountancy, such as CPA(U) or ACCA. Relevant specialist certifications such as CIA, CISA, CRMA or CFE are an added advantage.
• Membership in good standing of a recognized relevant professional body, such as the Institute of Internal Auditors, ICPAU.
• WORK EXPERIENCE
• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant internal/external audit, assurance, risk or related experience, including at least three (3) years at senior or supervisory level; experience in the public sector, grant- funded institutions, NGOs or similarly regulated environments is desirable.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Current Global Internal Audit Standards and relevant guidance under the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).
• Applicable Uganda public financial management, procurement, accountability and internal audit laws, regulations, manuals and guidance, including the PFMA and PPDA framework.
• Risk-based auditing; governance, risk and control frameworks including COSO Internal Control and Enterprise Risk Management principles.
• Financial reporting and public-sector accounting principles, including IPSAS and IFRS as applicable.
• Audit techniques including sampling, data analytics, systems/IT auditing, forensic/investigative techniques and value-for-money auditing.
• Working knowledge of information technology, cybersecurity and data-related risks relevant to UNCST operations.
• Use of audit management/data-analysis software and enterprise systems (for example TeamMate or equivalent, ACL/IDEA or equivalent, ERP/IFMS) is an added advantage.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, professional courage and sound ethical judgment.
• Strategic and risk-based thinking, professional skepticism, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Strong written and oral communication, including concise audit reporting and the ability to communicate effectively with senior Management and the Council.
• Stakeholder management, influencing, negotiation and conflict-management skills, while maintaining independence.
• Leadership, staff supervision, coaching and performance management.
• Digital literacy, proficiency in Microsoft Office/Excel and ability to use or learn audit/data analytics tools.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and Interested applicants should apply online at the link below.

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Deadline: 13th September 2026

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Level of Education: bachelor degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 96