Director Internal Audit, Risk Management and Quality Assurance

The Director of Internal Audit, Risk Management and Quality Assurance is responsible for promoting good governance, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across San Institute of Computing, Management, and Information Science. The office ensures that the Institute’s operations are conducted in compliance with established policies, regulations, and best practices.

The Director reports directly to the Principal and provides independent assurance to the Governing Council and Management on the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management frameworks, and quality assurance systems.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Director of Internal Audit, Risk Management and Quality Assurance

The Director of Internal Audit, Risk Management and Quality Assurance is responsible for the following, among other functions:

1. Internal Audit Function

• Develop and implement an annual internal audit plan based on institutional priorities and risk assessments.
• Conduct independent audits of financial, administrative, and academic processes to ensure integrity and compliance.
• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems.
• Prepare audit reports with recommendations for improvement and follow up on their implementation.
• Advise management on areas of weakness and propose corrective actions.

2. Risk Management

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive institutional risk management framework.
• Identify, assess, and monitor strategic, financial, operational, and reputational risks affecting the Institute.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
• Conduct risk awareness training for management and staff.
• Report regularly to the Governing Council and Principal on the Institute’s risk exposure and mitigation status.

3. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of quality assurance systems across academic and administrative units.
• Develop and maintain quality assurance policies, manuals, and standards in line with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) requirements.
• Coordinate internal academic reviews, program evaluations, and institutional self-assessments.
• Facilitate external accreditation, audits, and compliance exercises.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and performance excellence.

4. Compliance and Governance

• Ensure institutional compliance with all legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks governing higher education.
• Conduct compliance reviews and advise management on adherence to statutory and institutional requirements.
• Support the development and enforcement of governance, ethical, and accountability frameworks.
• Work closely with management committees to implement audit and risk-related recommendations.

5. Reporting and Advisory Role

• Prepare and submit periodic reports to the Principal and Governing Council.
• Provide advisory support to management on financial, operational, and academic risk areas.
• Advise on the design of internal control systems and efficiency improvement measures.
• Present audit, risk, and quality assurance findings to the relevant institutional committees.

6. Coordination and Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Bursar, Academic Registrar, Deans, and other Directors to ensure integrated institutional performance monitoring.
• Coordinate internal quality audits and institutional evaluations in collaboration with academic and administrative units.
• Liaise with external auditors, regulators, and accreditation bodies.
• Maintain effective communication channels between the audit, risk management, and quality assurance functions.

7. Institutional Capacity Building

• Build staff capacity in areas of internal controls, quality assurance, and risk management.
• Promote awareness of compliance, ethics, and quality enhancement principles.
• Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions to strengthen institutional accountability culture.
• Encourage innovation in audit methodologies and quality improvement processes.

8. Documentation and Records Management

• Maintain comprehensive records of audits, risk assessments, and quality reviews.
• Ensure confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive audit and compliance documents.
• Keep updated databases on audit findings, corrective actions, and quality indicators.
• Prepare periodic statistical and analytical reports for management decision-making.

In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Director of Internal Audit, Risk Management, and Quality Assurance ensures that San Institute operates efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with best governance practices. The position is pivotal in safeguarding institutional integrity, minimizing risks, and enhancing quality across all functions, thereby contributing to San Institute’s vision of being a Center of Academic and Professional Excellence in Computing, Research, and Innovation.