Head, Internal Audit & Risk Management

Elite Talent Placements - Navigating Nigeria's complex and competitive business landscape requires innovative thinking and proactive initiatives. Elite Talent Placements (ETP) excels in corporate training and talent acquisition, offering a unique approach that goes beyond standard training providers. We connect your organization with globally renowned industry experts, ensuring you receive top-tier training that propels your business forward. We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head, Internal Audit & Risk Management

Location: Lagos

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Life Assurance

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned insurance professional to lead the Internal Audit and Risk Management functions, providing independent assurance over governance, risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance, while supporting Management and the Board in safeguarding the Company's assets, reputation, and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a risk-based internal audit plan covering underwriting, claims, actuarial, investments, finance, IT, agency, and regulatory compliance. Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework. Assess the effectiveness of governance, internal controls, risk management, and compliance frameworks. Coordinate enterprise-wide risk identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting. Investigate fraud, control breaches, and operational irregularities and recommend corrective actions. Ensure compliance with NAICOM regulations, corporate governance requirements, and internal policies. Prepare and present audit and risk reports to Executive Management and the Board Audit & Risk Committee. Liaise with regulators, external auditors, and other key stakeholders. Promote a strong risk-aware and control-conscious culture across the organization.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Insurance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline. MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage. Minimum 12 years' relevant experience, including at least 5 years in a senior management role in Internal Audit, Risk Management, Compliance, or Internal Control. Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, CIA, CISA, CFE, ACIIN/FCIIN, CRMP, or equivalent. Strong knowledge of corporate governance, ERM, internal audit, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and fraud risk management. Mandatory Insurance Experience: Candidates must have prior insurance industry experience with demonstrable exposure to both Life and General Insurance operations, including: Individual Life, Group Life, Credit Life, Annuities, Investment & Wealth Management, Microinsurance, Reinsurance, Underwriting, Claims, Agency & Bancassurance, Actuarial Functions, Investments, and General Insurance business classes. Key Competencies: Strategic Thinking & Commercial Acumen. Leadership & People Management. Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills. Excellent Report Writing & Presentation. Stakeholder Management & Influencing. High Integrity & Professional Ethics. Ideal Candidate: A seasoned insurance professional with a proven track record of strengthening governance and controls, managing enterprise-wide risks, and delivering value-adding assurance at Executive Management and Board level.