Job Purpose Summary:

The incumbent will support the Data Analytics and Technology team, within the Professional Practices department, providing independent guidance on the audit function's technology, data analytics and AI strategy. The role contributes to the strategic implementation and integration of advanced data analytics, AI tools, and continuous auditing techniques across the audit function to enhance efficiency and real-time risk monitoring. This role requires full compliance with the GIAD Group Audit Manual, IIA standards, and all relevant local regulations and industry audit standards. The incumbent will contribute to strengthening the organization's audit quality and efficiency and adoption of technology.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities by Dimensions:

A. Shareholder & Financial:

- Contribute to the development and execution of the risk-based annual audit plan that aligns with the Group Internal Audit strategy and helps safeguard critical assets and systems that underpin the organization's financial operations and shareholder value.

- Assist in identifying significant risks that could lead to financial loss, operational disruption, or reputational damage, providing actionable recommendations to mitigate these risks.

- Assess the efficiency and effectiveness of audit-related investments and technology-related processes.

- Implements KPIs and best practices for Senior Associate, Data Analytics and Technology

- Promote cost consciousness and efficiency and enhance productivity, to minimise cost, avoid waste, and optimise benefits for the bank.

- Act within the limits of the powers delegated to the incumbent.

- Demonstrate clear understanding of the important factors behind the bank's financial & non-financial performance.

B. Customer (Internal & External):

- Assist in building and maintaining strong, independent, and collaborative relationships with all internal audit teams and other relevant stakeholders across the Group.

- Communicate data analytics and AI strategies to the VP, and other senior stakeholders as directed.

- Assist (internal) customers in all their queries on the audit processes and seek a solution to their requests.

- Coordinate effectively with external auditors and regulatory bodies on relevant inquiries.

- Maintain activities in accordance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with internal departments/units to achieve improvements in turn-around time.

- Build and maintain strong/effective relationships with related departments/units to achieve the Group’s objectives.

- Provide timely/accurate data to external/internal Auditors, Compliance, Financial Control and Risk when required.

C. Internal (Processes, Products, Regulatory):

- Execute analytics by extracting, cleansing and analysing data for specific requests.

- Conduct data quality and integrity checks and validation to ensure accuracy and reliability of analysis.

- Suggest improvements to existing reports and data processes to enhance efficiency, Pilot new features and support implementation rollout under management’s guidance.

- Support the design and development of dashboards, reporting tools and analytics solutions to provide actionable insights for audit teams and senior management. ; Support the updating and maintenance of existing dashboards.

- Recommend opportunities for integration of data analytics and AI into the audit practice to enhance risk identification, efficiency, and depth of analysis.

- Manage administrative requests relating to audit tools, platforms and technologies and ensure appropriate controls, security and data governance measures are applies to all audit technologies.

- All activities must be conducted in full compliance with the GIAD Group Audit Manual, the IIA's International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), and relevant country and industry standards.

- Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the audit technologies and report any identified inefficiencies.

- Ensure the consistent application of data analytics, tools, and best practices across all audit engagements.

D. Learning & Knowledge:

- Support the VP in fostering a data driven culture of innovation.

- Contribute to setting clear performance objectives, conduct regular appraisals, and provide constructive feedback to support the Professional Practices Management team in staying at the forefront of audit best practices.

- Stay abreast of global audit trends, evolving professional standards, and new technologies to proactively identify emerging risks and adapt audit strategies.

- This includes actively fostering innovation and practical skills in data analytics and continuous auditing techniques within the audit division.

- Proactively identify areas for professional development of self and undertake development activities.

- Seek out opportunities to remain current with all developments in professional field.

E. Legal, Regulatory, and Risk Framework Responsibilities:

- Ensure compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory and internal compliance requirements including, but not limited to, Group Policies and Procedures, banking laws and regulations and industry standard setting bodies (IIA, ISACA).

- Understand and effectively perform your role under the Three Lines of Defence principle to identify measure, monitor, manage and report risks.

- Comply with all applicable legal, regulatory and internal compliance requirements including, but not limited to, Group Compliance Policies and Procedures (AML & CTF, Sanctions Policy, Data Protection Policy, Fraud Control Policy, Whistle Blowing Policy, Conflict of Interest and Insider Dealing Policy).

- Ensure systematic good outcomes for clients in accordance with Conduct Risk policy.

- Support the framework of RCSA, KRI, Incident reporting and remediation, as appropriate, in accordance with the Operational Risk Management requirements.

- Maintain appropriate knowledge to ensure full qualification to undertake the role.

- Complete all mandatory training provided by the Bank, attain, and maintain the required levels of competence.

- Attend mandatory (internal and external) seminars as instructed by the Bank.

F. Other:

- Ensure high standards of data protection and confidentiality to safeguard commercially sensitive information.

- Maintaining utmost confidentiality concerning customer and internal bank information obtained during the course of business and provide such information on a need-to-know basis only to Senior Management of QNB, Audit and Compliance functions, and relevant Regulators.

- Maintain high professional standards to uphold QNB's reputation and to strengthen its market leadership position.

- All other ad hoc duties/activities related to QNB that management might request from time to time.

Education/Experience Requirements:

- University graduate preferably with a Major in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Master’s is preferred.

- At least 2 years of progressive experience in internal audit, compliance, or a related field, with a focus on data analytics and AI, preferably within a highly rated international bank.

- Certifications: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and CISA are highly desirable. Additional certifications in data science, analytics, or AI are preferred.

- Deep understanding of audit methodologies, data analytics practices, and professional audit standards; proven expertise in implementing data analytics and continuous auditing techniques; strong knowledge of internal controls and governance frameworks; proficiency in business intelligence and data analytics tools (e.g., ACL, Tableau, Power BI) and AI concepts.

- Soft Skills: Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities with a strong aptitude for process improvement; superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate technical insight into actionable recommendations; high level of integrity, objectivity, and professional skepticism; excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to effectively challenge business and audit leaders; demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively;

- Excellent oral and written communication skills (including report writing) in English and Arabic (preferred).

- Good interpersonal and presentation skills.

- Understanding of the relevant laws, regulations, and practices.

- Ability to make decisions and follow through with initiatives.

- Personal integrity and self-management.

- Planning, organising, and analytical ability.

- Results oriented.

- Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of management.