Job Purpose
The Senior Underwriter is responsible for evaluating, pricing, and accepting complex reinsurance treaties and facultative risks to ensure portfolio profitability, sustainable business growth, and excellent client satisfaction. The role combines high-level technical underwriting with business development, market analysis, and team mentoring.
Key Responsibilies
Underwriting & Risk Assessment
Analyse, negotiate, and approve complex reinsurance treaties and facultative risks within approved authority limits.
Utilize actuarial data, market trends, and financial analysis to determine appropriate premiums, terms, and coverage structures.
Conduct thorough risk assessments and make informed acceptance/declination decisions.
Business Development & Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, cedants, and retrocessionaires.
Identify new business opportunities and provide market intelligence for strategic planning.
Deliver excellent and responsive customer service to clients and brokers.
Portfolio Management & Analysis
Monitor portfolio performance to identify growth and profitability opportunities.
Reconcile accounts and verify treaty statements of accounts and facultative closings.
Analyse emerging issues and support resolution of complex underwriting challenges.
Team Leadership & Development
Mentor and train junior underwriters.
Contribute to the development of underwriting policies and procedures.
Compliance & Governance
Ensure all underwriting decisions comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Academic Qualifications
A Bachelor's Degree in Actuarial Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Commerce (Insurance), Business Administration, or a related field.
Professional Qualifications
Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII - London) or Associate of the Insurance Institute of Kenya (AIIK) or equivalent.
Completion of a Supervisory Course lasting not less than two (2) weeks.
Proficiency in computer applications and underwriting systems.
Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.
Experience
At least six (6) years of relevant work experience in insurance or reinsurance underwriting.
Advanced expertise in treaty and facultative reinsurance.
French language proficiency will be a distinct advantage.
Key Competencies
Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proven underwriting experience with analytical tools and statistical packages.
Deep knowledge of reinsurance products, wordings, and market dynamics.
Sound judgment, attention to detail, and confident decision-making