Director Internal Audit & Risk | NAFSA

This position is being recruited by Pakistan Single Window (PSW) on behalf of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA). NAFSA is being established as a strategic national initiative to strengthen Pakistan’s agri-trade ecosystem through enhanced regulatory oversight, facilitation, and modernization of food safety and trade processes. The selected candidate will be part of NAFSA’s foundational team, contributing to the development of systems, processes, and institutional capabilities.

Position Summary

The Director Internal Audit & Risk provides independent and objective assurance to the Board/Audit Committee and the Director General on the effectiveness of NAFSA’s governance, risk management and internal control environment. Functionally reporting to the Board/Audit Committee and administratively to the Director General, the role establishes a risk-based internal audit function, supports discipline in financial and operational controls, coordinates external audits, and leads Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework development and reporting.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and implement the Internal Audit & Risk Charter, annual internal audit plan, audit readiness, Auditor General of Pakistan coordination, management responses and internal audit procedures consistent with applicable professional standards.

• Establish an operational framework and internal audit manual for an effective internal auditing system across all wings and field operations.

• Lead, mentor and manage internal audit staff to ensure appropriate skills, independence, quality assurance and effective deployment of audit resources.

• Assess effectiveness and efficiency of operational processes and internal controls; propose practical recommendations for improvement and follow-up closure.

• Review compliance with statutory obligations, financial rules, procurement procedures and Board-approved policies; report material issues to the Director General and Board/Audit Committee.

• Review accuracy and timeliness of financial statements, management reports and disclosures; test controls over key revenue, expenditure and fund management processes.

• Conduct special audits, investigations and reviews as required by the Director General or Board/Audit Committee, including fraud risk reviews and integrity assessments.

• Coordinate with the Auditor General of Pakistan and any additional external auditors; support audit planning, provide working papers and facilitate timely settlement of audit observations and paras.

• Verify documents and transactions as required under internal audit procedures; strengthen preventive controls and authorization checks in high-risk processes.

• Establish risk-based audit planning consistent with organizational objectives and emerging risks; ensure audit coverage of critical programs and field operations.

• Prepare periodic internal audit reports (findings, ratings, recommendations and management action status) for the Director General and Board/Audit Committee.

• Establish, document and maintain an enterprise risk management (ERM) framework aligned with recognized good practices (COSO ERM/ISO 31000) and NAFSA’s governance arrangements.

• Facilitate development and maintenance of a central risk register; monitor risk mitigation plans and provide regular updates to senior management and the Board/Audit Committee.

• Support management in formulating risk appetite and tolerance statements for Board consideration, and monitor significant risk exposures and emerging risks.

• Develop ERM dashboards (top risks, heat maps, KRIs) and present periodic reports to management committees and the Board/Audit Committee.

• Ensure integration of ERM outcomes into the internal audit plan and promote risk awareness through training, communication and guidance across the organization.

• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the Board/Audit Committee in relation to governance, risk and control improvements.

Requirements

Education:

Education

• Member of a recognized professional accountancy body (CA/CPA/ACMA/ACCA) or MBA (Finance) from a reputed local or international institution.

• Strong knowledge of government audit requirements and public sector controls; familiarity with international internal audit standards and ERM frameworks (IIA Standards, COSO ERM, ISO 31000).

Experience

• Minimum 12 years of relevant internal audit and/or risk management including 5 years experience at senior leadership responsibility.

• Demonstrated experience developing risk-based audit plans, conducting operational and financial audits, and presenting findings to senior leadership and oversight committees.

• Experience coordinating external audits and supporting settlement of audit observations through structured follow-up and evidence-based closure.

• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear advice at both operational and strategic levels.

• High integrity and discretion in handling confidential information; proven judgment and independence of thought.

• Strong analytical, facilitation and problem-solving capabilities; results and quality orientation.

For contact, kindly reach out to [email protected].