Director, Internal Audit

Clinton Health Access Initiative

23h

About The Position

CHAI is seeking a Director of Internal Audit to lead the internal audit function and proactively identify organizational risks, strengthen internal controls, and safeguard CHAI's resources and reputation across 35+ country programs. This role will build a high-performing team that ensures the organization can deliver on its mission with integrity and accountability to donors, partners, and the Board.
Internal Audit is a strategic priority for CHAI in 2026. After two decades of significant growth, CHAI is making substantial investments in its audit function to future-proof the organization. This is an opportunity to transform and modernize the audit function, driving innovation and strategy within a mission-driven organization. The Director will serve as a trusted partner to country and global leaders, positioning Internal Audit as a resource for strengthening operations, not just an oversight function.
The Director reports to the Chief Financial to the Chief Financial Officer administratively for day-to-day management and HR matters, and functionally to the Board Audit Committee. The Director will meet regularly with the Chair of the Audit Committee and present findings, risks, and strategic recommendations at the Board level.
CHAI operates in 35+ countries with a lean audit team. The ideal candidate will be energized by the challenge of optimizing resources to provide practical and meaningful audit and advisory support. This requires strategic prioritization, leveraging technology and data, and building strong relationships with program and operational teams.
Base Location is flexible to countries in which CHAI operates in Africa, subject to country leadership approval and work authorization. See where we work here.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, or risk/controls
• 5+ years in a leadership role managing audit teams
• Experience working in an international NGO or international development or nonprofit organization
• Experience generating usable data to improve operations organization-wide
• Experience with complex, multi-country operations across diverse regulatory and operating environments
• Experience at organizations that rely on restricted project grants and donor funding
• Experience presenting to and engaging with Board-level Audit Committees
• Strong understanding of internal audit professional standards and best practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Practical, collaborative leadership style; able to build trust and serve as a strategic thought partner to leaders

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree (MBA, MPA, or related) or relevant Professional certification
• French language proficiency (nice to have)

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a risk-based annual audit plan that prioritizes coverage across CHAI's 35+ country programs, global functions, and key risk areas with a goal of mitigating potential risks.
• Present the annual audit plan to the Audit Committee for approval and meet quarterly with the Audit Committee
• Continuously assess the risk landscape and control environment and adapt audit priorities accordingly, applying strategic approaches where Internal Audit intersects with program and operational activities.
• Ensure audits meet internal audit professional standards and result in actionable, consistent, and practical recommendations
• Maintain high standards of audit documentation and quality assurance
• Serve as a thought partner to program and operations leaders on strengthening internal controls
• Collect and disseminate data and trends generated from audits to support and improve Compliance, Investigations, Ethics, Legal, Finance, HR and other functions.
• Provide proactive guidance on risk mitigation for new initiatives, systems, and processes
• Build trust and credibility across the organization by approaching audit engagements collaboratively
• Partner collaboratively with Compliance, Legal, Ethics, Investigations, Finance, and others to ensure that findings are consistent with CHAI policies and procedures, inform future audit efforts, and to create recommended remediation plans
• Support country teams in developing effective Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) to address control weaknesses, ensuring recommendations are practical and actionable
• Build, manage, and develop a high-performing team of 5 auditors
• Foster a culture of integrity, continuous learning, and professional growth
• Recruit and retain top talent; provide coaching, feedback, and career development support
• Prepare clear, concise audit reports for management and the Audit Committee
• Present findings, trends, and systemic issues to the Board Audit Committee
• Escalate significant risks appropriately and in a timely manner
• Monitor and report on management's implementation of audit recommendations
• Hold leadership accountable for timely remediation of control gaps
• Track and report on open audit findings and remediation progress
• Work directly with country teams to develop and refine Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), providing hands-on support to strengthen controls and close audit findings

Benefits

• Mission-driven work: The chance to protect and strengthen an organization that is saving lives and improving health outcomes across 35+ countries
• Strategic impact: Internal Audit is a priority for CHAI leadership. This is an opportunity to revitalize the function within CHAI’s existing organizational structure
• Global scope: Exposure to diverse operating environments, health systems, and cultures
• Leadership visibility: Regular engagement with the CFO, executive leadership, and Board Audit Committee
• Collaborative culture: An organization that values Internal Audit as a partner, not just an oversight function

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager