CHIEF DIRECTOR: INTERNAL AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT REF NO: NDOH 80/2026 Branch: Corporate Services

This senior leadership position within the National Department of Health’s Corporate Services branch is responsible for directing and safeguarding the department’s internal audit and risk management functions. Based in Pretoria, the Chief Director provides strategic capability and oversight to the Internal Audit Activity, ensuring that assurance, compliance, and forensic investigation services are delivered effectively across the organisation. The role operates within a complex public-sector environment, requiring a deep understanding of governance frameworks, legislative compliance, and the promotion of ethical conduct and accountability.

Candidates must hold a Grade 12 certificate and an NQF 7 qualification in Auditing, Accounting, Risk Management, or Forensic Investigation, with an NQF 8 qualification in these fields serving as an advantage. Registration as a Certified Internal Auditor with the Institute of Internal Auditors is required. Applicants need at least five years’ experience at senior managerial level, specifically managing a complex internal audit function and providing assurance to senior management and an audit committee or similar governance structure. This experience must include developing risk-based audit strategies and plans, managing a Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme, and overseeing audit engagements and reporting. A thorough knowledge of public-sector ethics, fraud risk management, and mechanisms for addressing corruption, maladministration, and financial misconduct is essential, as is familiarity with the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, Public Service Regulations, and Global Internal Audit Standards. Strong leadership, communication, strategic, financial management, programme and project management, planning, monitoring, evaluation, and client orientation skills are also required. The ability to work independently, maintain professional objectivity, handle highly confidential information, perform under pressure, and meet statutory reporting deadlines is critical. The successful candidate must be willing to travel, hold a valid driver’s licence, and be able to testify or provide expert evidence where forensic investigations form part of the role. An SMS pre-entry certificate is required for appointment finalisation.

The Chief Director’s duties include developing and periodically reviewing the Internal Audit Strategy, the Three-Year Rolling and Risk-Based Internal Audit Plan, and the approved Internal Audit Charter, all aligned to the department’s strategic objectives and risk profile. The role provides strategic leadership on compliance, forensic audit, and investigation matters to strengthen governance and internal controls. It involves preparing and presenting reports on internal audit, compliance, risk, and forensic issues, as well as preventing and addressing fraud, corruption, and irregularities while promoting accountability. The post also oversees performance, information technology, and financial audit programmes, and provides strategic support to the audit committee, communicating risk exposures, control deficiencies, and any impairments to independence or objectivity. The Chief Director supports the Audit and Risk Committee in assessing the internal audit function’s effectiveness without assuming management responsibility, and manages the Chief Directorate’s resources, including budget, procurement, and administrative functions, in line with public-sector requirements. This is an OSD-graded senior management post with an all-inclusive remuneration package structured according to Senior Management Service guidelines.