In line with the overarching UWESO Governance Framework and Strategy, maintain effective third line assurance department encompassing internal audit, grants and compliance.
The position is responsible for the leadership, governance, and management of UWESO Internal Audit and Grants and compliance function and providing independent assurance on the internal control environment of the UWESO through the implementation of the UWESO Internal audit and Grants and compliance Management Methodologies, systems, tools and best practices as prescribed by UWESO Internal Audit and Grants and Compliance function. The role will be adding value to the UWESO through recommending and monitoring remedial actions.
The Position holder reports directly to the National Executive Committee and administratively to the Chief Executive Director.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Internal Audit:
• Develop and maintain an updated annual internal audit plan.
• Provide effective leadership, advice and consult to UWESO on matters of internal audit.
• As per the department’s planning, conduct periodic internal audits in line with UWESO and donor policies and procedures.
• Maintain an audit action tracker up-to-date and follow up on outstanding action with the respective teams. Provide analysis trends of audit actions to the Head of Department.
• Conduct partner audits as per plan or as and when needed on ad-hoc basis.
• Support external audits of UWESO projects/operations when required. Review responses to external audit reports and follow up for closure.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal control, policies, and guidelines in UWESO
• Conduct special investigations into cases of alleged fraud and violations of Code of Conduct as required; provide adequate reports to management and the Audit committee of the NEC.
• Submits periodic reports with management comments to the National Executive committee (NEC)
• Conduct periodic fraud risk assessment to determine potential fraud exposures and recommend mitigating actions.
• Support the Head of Department in adequately capturing the key risks in the Risk Framework, with clear activities and responsibilities for mitigation. Monitor progress and provide regular updates to management.

2. Grants and Compliance:
• Evaluate the risk of non-compliance with policies and procedures, misappropriation of funds, and lead investigations where required.
• Participate in project level and award risk assessments.
• Policies and Procedures: Oversees all of the UWESO policies, including implementing. Oversees development and revisions of compliance-owned policies and regulations, including coordinating rollout and training of new or updated policies.
• Awareness: Implements organizational awareness initiatives such as delivering fraud & corruption awareness trainings and inductions to staff, vendors, consultants, partners, sub-grantees, etc. and proactively develops, recommends, and monitor fraud mitigation actions.
• Compliance Program Implementation: Provides overall support for the development and implementation of UWESO compliance program, including policy review and management, maintenance of compliance training, deployment of compliance communications and reporting, and integration of compliance into other processes.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Assists with implementation of risk management and mitigation plans.
• Compliance Issues: Ensures staff are aware of appropriate channels for reporting compliance issues and coordinates with the department to ensure appropriate tracking of compliance issues.
• Compliance Assurance. Supports key compliance assurance including deployment of effective and efficient mechanisms to prevent, detect, identify, and correct noncompliance with applicable law and regulations, donor requirements, and UWESO policies and standards. Understanding of internal control frameworks and professional internal investigation practices.
3. Project Management and Participation: Participates in cross-functional project team meetings when required.
4. Misconduct & Fraud Investigations: Lead Internal Audit/Compliance investigations into organizational fraud and misconduct within UWESO
5. Reporting: Produce professional-standard work papers/draft reports and contribute to the determination and implementation of corrective actions.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
• The applicant should preferably hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or other relevant field.
• Full membership to at least one relevant professional body such as ICPAU, CIA, or ACCA
• Demonstrated understanding of accounting principles and the COSO framework
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively experience in donor funded projects including 2 years’ experience with USAID’S funded project in areas of compliance, audit, , and grants management is required;
• Strong knowledge of Donors regulations and policies, and the Government of Uganda laws;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Able to prepare effective presentations and reports leading to changes in practice;
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals;
• Computer literacy and excellent documentation skills are a must.
• Prior knowledge of Microsoft dynamic is an added advantage
• Willingness to travel to areas covered by UWESO entities as needed.