1. Introduction
Certified Executive Leadership Program (CELP)
Lead the Function. Influence the Board. Create Lasting Value.
A six-month executive leadership journey for current and future Chief Audit Executives who want to lead high-performing Internal Audit functions, influence Boards and create measurable organisational value.
October 2026 – April 2027 | Blended Executive Learning
2. Why CELP?
Technical expertise gets you to the table. Leadership enables you to shape the conversation.
Today’s Chief Audit Executives are expected to do more than deliver assurance. They must understand enterprise priorities, influence senior decision-makers, lead transformation and demonstrate how Internal Audit creates value.
The Certified Executive Leadership Program (CELP) develops the strategic mindset, executive presence and practical leadership capabilities required to succeed at the highest level. It is not a collection of standalone courses—it is a structured journey from leading audit activity to leading with enterprise-wide influence.
3. What You Will Gain
Graduate with more than knowledge.
Throughout CELP, you will build a practical Strategic Internal Audit Leadership Portfolio tailored to your organisation, role or future CAE ambitions. By the end of the programme, you will be better prepared to:
· Position Internal Audit as a trusted strategic partner.
· Align Internal Audit strategy with organisational priorities and enterprise risks.
· Influence Boards, Audit Committees and executive management.
· Lead a modern, high-performing Internal Audit function.
· Integrate AI, analytics and emerging risks into assurance.
· Communicate insight, foresight and measurable organisational value.
4. Who Should Attend
Designed for experienced professionals leading Internal Audit today—or preparing to step into executive responsibility.
· Chief Audit Executives, Heads of Internal Audit and Audit Directors.
· Senior Internal Audit Managers, Deputy CAEs and succession candidates.
· High-potential Internal Audit leaders.
· Governance, Risk and Assurance leaders transitioning into executive Internal Audit roles.
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Selective cohort
Learn alongside senior professionals, exchange real-world experience and build trusted executive relationships across industries.
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5. Your Six-Month Leadership Journey
From leading yourself to leading the enterprise.
Each month builds on the previous one, combining leadership development with immediate workplace application.
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OCTOBER
Lead Yourself
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CAE Role & Governance Leadership
Strengthen governance positioning, executive credibility and your understanding of the modern CAE role.
Practical milestone: Internal Audit Vision and Audit Charter evaluation
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NOVEMBER
Lead the Function
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Strategic Internal Audit Leadership
Align Internal Audit strategy, planning and assurance coverage with organisational priorities and enterprise risks.
Practical milestone: Enterprise Audit Universe and Strategic Internal Audit Plan
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DECEMBER
Lead Through Influence
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Stakeholder Influence & Executive Communication
Build trusted executive relationships and communicate complex matters with clarity, confidence and impact.
Practical milestone: Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Communication Strategy
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JANUARY
Lead People
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Leading the Internal Audit Function
Shape the operating model, talent, culture and capabilities required for sustained performance.
Practical milestone: Internal Audit Operating Model and Talent Strategy
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FEBRUARY
Lead Innovation
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Technology, Innovation & Emerging Risks
Prepare Internal Audit for AI, analytics, cyber risk, ESG and digital transformation.
Practical milestone: Technology and AI Roadmap
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MARCH
Lead the Enterprise
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Strategic Leadership & Value Creation
Position Internal Audit as a strategic advisor and demonstrate its contribution at Board level.
Practical milestone: Board defence of the Strategic Internal Audit Leadership Portfolio
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6. How You Will Learn
Executive learning designed for real-world application.
Monthly Leadership Laboratories
Face-to-face executive learning built around practical application, simulations, case discussions and leadership development.
Virtual Executive Masterclasses
Monthly perspectives from global thought leaders, Board members, senior executives and industry experts.
Individual Executive Coaching
Six one-to-one coaching sessions focused on leadership style, executive presence, career readiness, stakeholder influence and capstone development.
Peer Learning Circles
Small-group discussions that turn shared experience into practical insight, feedback and trusted professional relationships.
Workplace Assignments
Apply each module inside your own working environment and convert learning into organisational outcomes.
Board Strategy Defence
Conclude the journey by presenting and defending your leadership strategy before an assessment panel.
7. Your Board-Ready Leadership Portfolio
Build a strategy you can take back to your organisation.
Your portfolio may include an Internal Audit vision and charter, enterprise audit universe, risk-based audit plan, assurance map, operating model, talent strategy, technology and AI roadmap, stakeholder engagement strategy, performance dashboard and organisational value creation plan.
Current CAEs can apply the portfolio directly within their organisations. Aspiring CAEs can use it to demonstrate how they would lead and transform the function if appointed.
8. Entry Requirements
Applicants should ideally demonstrate:
· At least five years’ experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, Governance, Compliance or Assurance.
· At least three years of management or leadership experience.
· A recognised professional qualification—such as CIA, CA, ACCA, CPA, CISA or CRMA—or significant relevant executive experience.
· Commitment to complete the assignments, coaching sessions and final capstone project.
Applications may also be considered on merit where candidates demonstrate exceptional leadership potential or relevant executive experience.
9. Programme at a Glance
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DETAIL
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INFORMATION
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Programme
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Certified Executive Leadership Program (CELP)
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Period
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September 2026 – March 2027
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Duration
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Six months
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Delivery
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Blended executive learning
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In-person learning
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Monthly Leadership Laboratory
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Virtual learning
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Monthly Executive Masterclass
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Coaching
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Six individual sessions
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Application
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Monthly workplace assignments
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Final outcome
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Strategic Internal Audit Leadership Portfolio
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Final assessment
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Board Strategy Defence
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10. Completion Requirements
· Minimum 85% attendance.
· Completion of workplace assignments and active participation in coaching and peer learning.
· Minimum assessment score of 70%.
· Successful completion and Board-level defence of the capstone portfolio.
Successful participants will join the UAE IAA Executive Leadership Alumni Network for continued collaboration, learning and thought leadership.
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Are you ready to lead Internal Audit at the next level?
Develop the confidence, influence and strategic capability expected of a modern Chief Audit Executive. Join a selective community of current and future CAEs shaping the future of governance, risk and Internal Audit.
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Places are limited to maintain an executive and highly interactive learning experience.
