Role Purpose
The Senior Risk Officer will oversee and manage the organization's risk management framework, policies, and processes. The job holder will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to ensure the company operates within acceptable risk tolerances and complies with regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy
- Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management framework and policies aligned with industry best practices and regulatory guidelines.
- Develop and maintain risk mitigation strategies and controls, including the implementation of risk management plans and processes.
Operational
- Identify and assess risks across various areas of the organization, including underwriting, claims, investments, operations, and compliance.
- Conduct risk assessments, analyse data, and evaluate the potential impact and likelihood of identified risks.
- Monitor risk indicators and key risk metrics to identify emerging risks and potential vulnerabilities.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as senior management, underwriters, actuaries, and compliance officers, to ensure effective risk management practices and promote a risk-aware culture.
- Provide guidance and support to business units in identifying and assessing risks associated with new products, initiatives, or operational changes.
- Monitor and analyse industry and regulatory developments to ensure compliance with risk management regulations and best practices.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of risk management programs and recommending changes as necessary.
- Develop and deliver risk management training programs to enhance risk awareness and understanding across the organization.
- Prepare risk reports and presentations for senior management and board meetings, providing insights on the organization's risk profile and recommending risk mitigation strategies.
- Facilitate maintenance and review of risk register with the risk owners.
- Monitor and follow up on closure or remediation of identified risk issues with the risk owners.
Corporate Governance
- Stay updated on emerging trends, best practices, and industry benchmarks related to risk.
- Adherence to the laws and regulations of Kenya, the policies and regulations within the insurance industry and all internal company policies and procedures.
- Ensuring compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and establishing mitigation measures against emerging business risks.
- Provide assurance regarding the effectiveness of the Risk Management, Control, and Governance Processes
Leadership & Culture
- Fostering a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good corporate citizenship while maintaining a conducive work environment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop initiatives that promote a positive and inclusive company culture.
- Individualized Development Planning: Create personalized development plans that align with your career aspirations and the organization's objectives.
Laws, Regulations and Company Policies
- Stay informed about and strictly adhering to all applicable laws, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) laws, Data Protection laws, and any other relevant regulations applicable to the industry; Understand, implement, and enforce internal company policies, processes, and procedures; Ensure that operational compliance programs are in place within your department. Develop and implement processes and controls that promote compliance with external laws, regulations, and internal policies; Foster a robust ethical culture within the organization, Lead by example, demonstrating and promoting ethical behavior, integrity, and compliance with laws and regulations. Encourage open communication and reporting of any potential compliance concerns or violations.
Key Skills and Competencies
- Risk Management Expertise: In-depth knowledge of risk management principles, frameworks, and methodologies within the insurance industry.
- Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to identify, assess, and evaluate risks and their potential impact on the organization.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to develop innovative solutions to mitigate risks and address complex risk management challenges.
- Strategic Mindset: Ability to align risk management practices with organizational strategies and objectives.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate risk-related information to stakeholders at all levels.
- Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and foster a risk-aware culture.
- Attention to Detail: Thoroughness and accuracy in conducting risk assessments, analyzing data, and preparing risk reports.
- Leadership: Ability to provide guidance, mentorship, and support to junior risk management staff.
Academic & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in risk management, business administration, or related field.
- Professional certifications in risk management
Relevant Experience
- 7 years’ experience in risk management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role
- Experience working in the insurance or banking or financial services industry.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing effective risk management strategies.
- Strong understanding of financial risks and regulations.
- Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation using statistical tools and software.
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Role Purpose
The role-holder will be responsible for leading and overseeing the internal audit function within the Life Insurance Company. The primary purpose is to provide independent and objective assurance on governance, risk management and internal control processes. The role involves evaluating controls, identifying risks and providing insights that enhance operational efficiency, compliance and organizational performance.
Main Responsibilities
Audit Planning & Execution
- Develop a comprehensive annual internal audit plan using a risk-based methodology that reflects the company’s strategic priorities and operational realities.
- Define the audit scope, objectives, timelines, and resource requirements for each audit engagement.
- Lead the planning, execution, and completion of complex audits across life insurance operations, including underwriting, claims, actuarial, finance, IT, individual life, group & credit life and pension administration.
- Ensure all audits are conducted in accordance with International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IPPF) and internal audit procedures and the GIAS 2025
- Critically review audit working papers, ensuring all findings are well-documented, supported by evidence and aligned with audit methodology.
- Oversee special audits, ad hoc reviews, and management-requested assignments to provide timely assurance on critical areas.
- Ensure timely closure of audits and adherence to agreed timelines, budgets, and reporting standards.
Risk Management & Internal Controls
- Conduct ongoing risk assessments to identify control weaknesses, emerging risks and areas requiring deep-dive audits.
- Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls across all business processes and systems.
- Work closely with Risk & Compliance to ensure risk registers, KRIs and control self-assessments remain accurate and updated.
- Provide detailed recommendations to strengthen internal controls and operational governance.
- Monitor changes in the internal and external environment and adjust audit priorities to reflect evolving risk exposures.
- Support management in designing, documenting and embedding strong internal control frameworks.
- Evaluate risk culture maturity across departments and provide improvement insights.
Compliance & Governance
- Review the effectiveness of corporate governance structures, including board committees, risk committees and policy frameworks.
- Evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements such as the Insurance Act, IRA Guidelines, AML/CFT, Data Protection and other statutory obligations.
- Assess alignment of business operations with internal policies, procedures and ethical standards.
- Review the company’s governance structures to ensure they support accountability, transparency and ethical conduct.
- Provide insights to strengthen governance practices, including delegation of authority, reporting lines and management oversight.
- Monitor emerging regulatory changes and advise management on compliance implications.
- Provide assurance on compliance with external audits, actuarial valuations, IFRS requirements and internal policies.
Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
- Prepare detailed, accurate, and actionable audit reports that clearly communicate control gaps, risk impacts, and pragmatic recommendations.
- Present audit results to senior management, the Audit Committee, and other key stakeholders with clarity, confidence, and strategic insight.
- Maintain constructive relationships with senior leaders to ensure cooperation during audits and buy-in for recommendations.
- Develop dashboards and periodic reports summarizing audit coverage, emerging risks, thematic issues, and status of action plans.
- Engage departmental heads during planning, fieldwork, and reporting to ensure transparency and collaboration.
- Coordinate with external auditors to optimize audit coverage and reduce duplication.
- Provide regular updates to the COO, CEO, and Audit Committee on audit progress, risk trends, and outstanding issues.
Data Analytics & Continuous Improvement
- Integrate data analytics tools and techniques to enhance audit effectiveness and provide deeper insights.
- Conduct trend analysis, sampling, exception reporting, and financial/data integrity testing using data-driven methods.
- Identify automation or digitalization opportunities that enhance operational efficiency and reduce process risk.
- Benchmark audit practices against industry best practices and propose continuous improvements.
- Develop templates, tools, and methodologies to increase audit efficiency and consistency across the team.
- Monitor implementation of management action plans and conduct follow-up validations to assess closure effectiveness.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the audit function and across business units.
Fraud Risk Management
- Develop and maintain the fraud risk framework, including controls, reporting mechanisms, and awareness programmes.
- Conduct fraud risk assessments across business processes and identify vulnerable areas.
- Lead or support investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, or breaches of company policy.
- Coordinate with legal, HR, security, and external agencies during sensitive investigations.
- Maintain a secure and confidential record of all investigations and ensure proper closure and documentation.
- Recommend enhancements to fraud detection systems, whistleblowing channels, and internal controls.
- Provide fraud-awareness training and guidance to staff to promote a culture of transparency and integrity.
Strategic Advisory & Business Support
- Provide independent insights to management on strategic risks, operational inefficiencies and potential control failures that could affect business performance.
- Participate in major company initiatives—such as system implementations (e.g., SAP, digital platforms), product launches and process redesign—to provide advisory on controls and risks.
- Offer input on policies, SOPs, and frameworks to ensure they reflect strong internal control principles.
- Support strategic decision-making by providing audit-based insights that enhance performance, customer experience and operational resilience.
- Identify cross-functional themes or systemic issues that require strategic intervention and communicate these proactively.
- Act as a business partner while maintaining independence, ensuring the audit function adds value beyond compliance.
People & Culture
- Team Leadership: Build and lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance across diverse skill sets and departments.
- Retention KPI: Achieve a regrettable turnover rate below 5% annually within finance teams by promoting a supportive environment, career growth opportunities, and recognition.
- Employee Engagement Score (EES) KPI: Drive a 10% year-over-year increase in EES through team building, transparent communication, and empowerment initiatives.
- Cultural Alignment Index (CAI): Attain the Company’s CAI target score by embedding Jubilee’s values (e.g., innovation, teamwork, excellence) into project execution and team dynamics.
- Skill Development: Provide mentorship and training to team members on departmental tools, techniques, and industry-specific knowledge, enhancing capability.
- Conflict Resolution: Mediate and resolve team conflicts or stakeholder disputes, maintaining morale and focus on project goals.
- Resource Advocacy: Advocate for team needs (e.g., additional resources, training) to senior management, ensuring departmental success and staff well-being.
Key Competencies
- Leadership: Demonstrating strong leadership qualities to inspire and guide the internal audit team and promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align the internal audit function with the organization's strategic objectives and contribute to strategic decision-making.
- Communication and Influencing: Excellent communication skills to convey complex audit findings and recommendations to various stakeholders effectively.
- Risk Management: Expertise in identifying and assessing risks, as well as developing risk mitigation strategies aligned with the organization's risk appetite.
- Professional Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards, independence, and objectivity in conducting audits and handling sensitive information.
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess complex situations and make informed decisions.
- Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong working relationships with senior management and key stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
- Team Management: Ability to lead and motivate the internal audit team, foster teamwork, and provide guidance to achieve departmental objectives.
- Leadership & Team Management. Ability to guide, motivate, and develop the internal audit team.
- Strategic Thinking & Business Insight. Understands business operations and aligns audit priorities with strategic objectives.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills. Strong ability to interpret data, identify patterns, and propose practical solutions.
- Communication & Influencing Skills. Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to present complex issues clearly.
- Professional Integrity & Independence. Demonstrate objectivity, confidentiality, and ethical behaviour in all audit activities.
- Relationship Management. Build strong relationships with stakeholders while maintaining audit independence.
- Adaptability & Continuous Improvement Mindset. Proactive in identifying emerging risks and improving audit processes.
Academic Background & Relevant Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or any other related course
- CPA-K/ACCA Qualification
- Relevant audit related certifications: CIA, CFE, CISA
- Masters will be an added advantage
- Minimum 6–7 years’ experience in internal audit within the financial services or insurance industry.
- Demonstrated experience leading audit teams, managing complex audit engagements and overseeing multiple projects.
- Experience interacting with senior leadership, board committees, and external auditors.
- Exposure to life insurance business processes (claims, underwriting, actuarial, finance, operations).
- Experience conducting fraud investigations, control assessments and governance reviews.
- Strong background in risk-based auditing and enterprise risk management.
- Prior involvement in digital transformation, systems audits or implementation projects (e.g.,GRC, SAP, core insurance systems) will be a vital added advantage.
- Proven track record of delivering value-adding audit insights that support business strategy.