DIRECTOR OF AUDIT AND RISK Position 1
Grade: ES3
Location: ESCOM Head Office – Blantyre
Directorate: Audit and Risk
Reporting to: Administratively to Chief Executive Officer and functionally to the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board
Responsible for: Risk Manager, Financial and Systems Audit Manager and Technical Audit Manager
Purpose of the Job
To provide leadership role for the audit and risk management functions in line with strategic goals of the Corporation.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Blantyre
- Category: Finance
- Closing Date: 2026-08-13
Key Responsibilities
- Leading in the development and implementation of internal audits and risk management plans, budgets, policies and procedures.
- Overseeing risk assessment; development and review of key risk management strategies and policies that influence outcomes that lead to positive organizational change.
- Leading in creating the necessary tools and a conducive environment that promote whistleblowing and reprisal protection in the Corporation.
- Updating management and the Board on internal control issues and the evaluation of the internal control environment on an ongoing basis.
- Providing an annual opinion based on the appropriate level of evidence on the controlenvironment, including riskmanagement based on rigorous methodology and professional standards.
- Driving and maintaining internal audit performance, ensuring professional standards are met for all aspects of audit and risk management.
- Providing regular and adhoc reports to the Board and Management on risk management and audit matters.
- Conducting high level investigations of suspected fraudulent activities.
- Advising on the effective management of the Corporation’s strategic risks.
- Ensuring professional internal audit service is delivered.
- Reporting results of audit and advisory work in an open, transparent and constructive manner to Executive Management and the Board to ensure that Audit findings are addressed timely.
- Ensuring that Management responses are obtained to audit reports and that the intended actions fully address the audit recommendations.
- Providing a comprehensive assessment of the results of internal audit and risk management engagements in the context of the Corporation’s mandate, priorities and risk profile.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Finance/Audit/ Accounting/Commerce/Business Administration from a recognized and accredited institution.
- Chartered Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
- Registered member of IIA or ICAM.
- Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience with at least five (5) years at Managerial level or above in Auditing/Finance/Accounting.
- Risk and audit management expertise;
- Proven track record of managing strategic institutions of the size and complexity of ESCOM Limited.
- Demonstrable leadership and team building skills;
- Results oriented, decisive, self-motivated, assertive with excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- High levels of integrity;
- Regulatory knowledge and understanding of laws and standards;
- Analytical thinking.
How to Apply
Interested persons should submit applications, enclosing certified copies of certificates, and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with names and contact details of three (3) traceable referees by 13th August 2026 to:
Comptroller of Statutory Corporations
Department of Statutory Corporations
P.O. Box 30061
Capital City
LILONGWE 3
Only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged and invited for interviews. Those who responded to the previous advert should not re-apply.
About the Company
Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited is the vital public utility entrusted with the transmission, system market operation, and distribution of electricity throughout Malawi. Originally established in 1963, ESCOM's modern mandate focuses on efficiently managing the national grid to deliver power from generation sources to end-users. The corporation's extensive infrastructure serves to energize homes, industries, and businesses across diverse regions of Malawi, making it a cornerstone of the nation's economic and social development. ESCOM is committed to maintaining a reliable and accessible electricity supply, underpinning progress and improving the quality of life for Malawians everywhere.
Malawi's backbone for electricity transmission and distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential qualifications and certifications typically required for a Director of Audit and Risk role in a Malawian parastatal like ESCOM?
Candidates usually need a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, often coupled with a Master's degree (e.g., MBA). Professional certifications such as ACCA, CIMA, CIA, or CISA are highly regarded and often mandatory for such senior positions in Malawi.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities and challenges for a Director of Audit and Risk at a major utility company in Malawi?
Daily tasks involve overseeing internal audit functions, developing risk management strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. This includes managing a team, reviewing audit reports, presenting findings to the Board, and advising on controls to mitigate operational and financial risks specific to the energy sector.
What aspects of Malawian work culture and expectations should I be aware of as a Director of Audit and Risk, especially within a parastatal environment?
Professionalism, respect for hierarchy, and strong interpersonal skills are highly valued in Malawian workplaces. Expect a collaborative environment, but also a need for strong leadership in driving audit and risk initiatives amidst potential resource constraints common in parastatals.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Director of Audit and Risk within a Malawian parastatal or the broader finance sector?
Success in this role can lead to executive management positions such as Chief Financial Officer or Chief Risk Officer within other parastatals or large private corporations. It also provides a strong foundation for moving into consulting roles focused on governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) in the Malawian market.
What kind of benefits package, including leave, medical aid, and pension, can a Director of Audit and Risk typically expect from a Malawian parastatal?
Senior roles in Malawian parastatals generally offer competitive benefit packages, including generous annual leave, comprehensive medical aid for the employee and dependents, and a robust pension scheme. Other benefits often include housing allowances, company vehicles, and professional development opportunities.
What is the standard application process for senior roles like this in Malawi, and what do Malawian employers, particularly parastatals, look for in candidates?
The application typically involves submitting a detailed CV and cover letter, often through online portals or direct email as specified in the advert. Employers seek candidates with proven leadership experience, strong technical expertise in audit and risk, a clear understanding of the Malawian regulatory environment, and excellent communication skills.