Head of Internal Audit, Middle East and Africa

Cigna Services Middle East FZE; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational health services organization is looking for a Head of Internal Audit for its Middle East & Africa division. This role involves leading the internal audit function and ensuring compliance with UAE regulatory requirements. Ideal candidates should have 10+ years of experience in internal audit within the insurance sector, including at least 3 years in the UAE. Strong leadership and project management skills are essential, alongside excellent communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years experience in Internal Audit within the insurance sector.
• At least 3 years experience in the UAE.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the Internal Audit team.
• Design and maintain a strategic audit plan aligned with the Company’s objectives.
• Manage execution of audits including planning and reporting.
• Prepare presentations regarding audit findings to stakeholders.
• Engage with stakeholders on initiatives for governance best practices.

Skills

UAE regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Project management

Multi-tasking

Oral and written communication in English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

Postgraduate degree (Masters) preferred

Job description

Overview

Head of Internal Audit Middle East & Africa – UAE Regulatory Role with UAE Central Bank Registration

Cigna has a unique opportunity for experienced and talented audit leaders who are motivated to be a part of Cigna’s rapidly growing business in the Middle East and Africa. This opportunity provides a unique experience to be responsible for leading the internal audit function for Cigna Healthcare’s Middle East and Africa businesses while also being a part of a Fortune 15 global organization and internal audit function. This role carries regulatory responsibility with the Central Bank of the UAE and plays a key part in ensuring strong governance, risk management, and internal controls. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in the insurance sector, a strong understanding of UAE regulatory requirements, and the ability to lead audit teams in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the Internal Audit team to deliver risk-based audits across the region while also ensuring adequate coverage relative to core business processes and functions.
• Design and maintain a strategic audit plan aligned with the Company’s objectives, risks, and both UAE and broader Middle East regulatory obligations.
• Manage execution of audits including scoping, planning, supervision, documentation, and reporting.
• Prepare and deliver presentations regarding audit findings to stakeholders including senior management and the Executive Committees.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and escalate overdue actions.
• Engage with stakeholders on key initiatives to provide consultation regarding governance and internal control best practices.
• Build strong business relationships and work collaboratively with key functions ensuring close coordination with Compliance and Risk Management to support a unified approach to control effectiveness and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with Internal Audit teams operating globally to ensure alignment on audit coverage, knowledge sharing, and consistent application of best practices across the region.
• Act as the primary Internal Audit contact for regulatory matters across the Middle East including ongoing engagement with regulators such as the Central Bank of the UAE.

Qualifications

• Bacehelors degree in Accounting Finance or a related field with a Postgraduate degree (i.e., Masters) preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CA, CPA, or CIA are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in Internal Audit within the insurance sector including at least 3 years experience in the UAE.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Sound knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks and financial reporting requirements.
• Strong technical expertise in accounting principles, control procedures, audit standards and best practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven leadership and project management skills; capable of motivating and guiding cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective relationships across global and multicultural teams.
• High level of analytical thinking and sound judgment with a track record of making effective, well-reasoned decisions.
• Innovative mindset with the courage to challenge conventional thinking and improve processes.
• Strong organizational agility, ability to multi-task and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable operating in both office-based and virtual collaborative environments.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% with a strong commitment to working in multicultural settings.
• Demonstrates unquestionable ethics and integrity in all professional dealings.

Additional Information

The appointment is contingent upon obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals.

About Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

The following Equal Employment Opportunity statement applies to qualified applicants and is included for regulatory compliance: qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process please email for support. Do not email for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response.

Required Experience

Director