Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Director - 1-Year Engagement

MENA Consultant; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in the UAE is seeking an experienced Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Director for a 1-year engagement. The role demands strong leadership in executing GRC frameworks, managing large-scale client engagements, and delivering strategic advice on compliance matters. Candidates should possess over 12 years of experience in risk advisory and demonstrate excellent communication skills, along with a relevant educational background. This opportunity offers an on-site work arrangement with immediate start.

Qualifications

• 12-15 total years of experience, including 8 years in GRC or Risk Advisory.
• Proven experience in management consultancy and leading GRC-focused projects.
• Demonstrated ability to address client risk exposure and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead client-facing GRC and FAAS projects, aligning with client goals.
• Develop risk mitigation and governance frameworks focusing on ICFR.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on regulatory matters.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Technical risk management expertise

Written and verbal communication

Regulatory frameworks understanding

Project management and delivery

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Accounting, Risk Management, or Business Administration

Job description

Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Director - 1-Year Engagement

UAE

Location: UAE.
Years of Experience: 12-15+ years.
Project Duration: 1 year.
Working Arrangement: on-site.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English (written and spoken).
Starting Date: as soon as possible.

We are seeking a highly experienced Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) to lead and deliver complex advisory engagements over a 1-year period. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in GRC frameworks, especially governance, risk management, and Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR). The role requires prior experience in management consulting and risk advisory, preferably in a public accounting or advisory firm. This individual will lead client‑facing teams, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure the delivery of high‑quality, risk‑conscious, and regulatory‑compliant solutions.

Key Requirements

12 to 15 total years of experience, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in GRC, Risk Advisory, or Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS).

Prior experience in a management consultancy.

Proven experience leading governance, risk, and ICFR‑focused projects.

Strong technical risk management expertise, especially in advisory contexts.

Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance best practices.

Experience managing large‑scale client engagements, including budget oversight and project delivery.

Demonstrated ability to develop strategies that address client risk exposure and regulatory expectations.

Other Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Strong leadership and team management skills, including delegation, mentoring, and performance review.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; ability to lead presentations and write clear technical reports.

High level of professional discretion, integrity, and client service orientation.

Ability to research, analyze, and provide guidance on regulatory changes, industry best practices, and emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Lead client-facing GRC and FAAS projects, managing teams and ensuring strategic alignment with client goals.

Develop and implement risk mitigation and governance frameworks, with a strong focus on ICFR and compliance.

Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing guidance on risk, compliance, and regulatory matters.

Ensure timely, high‑quality delivery of client work that meets expectations and complies with regulatory standards.

Oversee project planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, and track performance against targets.

Provide mentorship, feedback, and career development support to engagement team members.

Stay abreast of regulatory developments and industry standards, and incorporate insights into client solutions.

Support business development through proposal development and client relationship management.