Research & Development Underwriter (Johannesburg or Cape Town)

You desire impactful work.

Youre RGA ready

RGA is a purpose-driven organization working to solve todays challenges through innovation and collaboration. A Fortune 500 Company and listed among its Worlds Most Admired Companies, were the only global reinsurance company to focus primarily on life- and health-related solutions. Join our multinational team of intelligent, motivated, and collaborative people, and help us make financial protection accessible to all.

A Brief Overview

Senior Underwriter with life underwriting experience and experience working on underwriting systems to assist with the development and rollout of new novel underwriting technology and digital solutions to ensure RGA remains at the forefront of the industry whilst maintaining long term profitability and steadfast risk management practices. The Research & Development Underwriter, is an influential position, impacting new business growth and, RGA's brand in product development, innovation, risk management and underwriting excellence.

What You Will Do

• Work closely with other team members in, Underwriting, Claims, Business Development and Regional teams to develop new digital underwriting opportunities and transform opportunities into concrete solutions. Ensure the implementation of these digital solutions will drive profitable and sustainable growth for RGA and its clients.
• Work closely with internal/external stakeholders and contribute to develop, test, pilot, launch and maintain new underwriting technology tools and digital solutions. Develop and test underwriting rules ensuring that they are aligned with RGAs underwriting philosophy and Global Underwriting Manual (GUM). Embed these tools into clients operational processes.
• Work closely with various RGA experts within local, regional, and global teams to identify, discuss and obtain approval for new underwriting solutions.
• Participate in client meetings to present underwriting solutions, handle concerns, address queries, resolve challenges and negotiate optimal outcomes. Develop strong relationships with underwriting, medical and operations personnel at client companies.
• Pro-active engagement with clients; active marketing and driving RGAs digital solutions with partners (including providing underwriting technology tool training for client companies and internal teams).
• Conduct retrospective underwriting/claims reconstruction with objective and independent assessment of cases within prescribed turnaround times, collaborating with claims and underwriting colleagues both internally and with clients, while also supporting the team by working on any other activities/projects within the scope of the Underwriting technical team on a need basis.
• Quality Assurance - experience in underwriting quality assurance reviews (conducting, reporting and involvement in remediation procedures).
• Conducting research in order to review recommended changes made by the direct offices e.g. product specification revision, occupation underwriting guidelines, underwriting standards and guidelines, revision of matrix, new proposed definitions/wording, pre-existing and contractual exclusions, and income factors.
• Render efficient, professional and courteous service to internal and external clients and ensure specified timelines and quality of service are maintained.
• Travel as per the requirements of the business for client meetings, presentations, training, internal/external events or seminars or for other related activities.

Qualifications

• Grade 12/Matric with Computer Literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• 7+ Years case underwriting experience handling medical and other living benefit products in a direct office environment.
• 3+ Years experience working on underwriting systems, developing rules, system testing in a direct office/reinsurance office.
• 2+ Years proven use of AI in the underwriting process with experience in marketing digital underwriting solutions
• Underwriting/Financial courses/certifications obtained with direct offices or reinsurers/senior level.
• Presentation skills certification/courses attended or equivalent thereof.
• Creative, agile and open minded with a flair to take up challenges and deliver solutions within agreed timelines.
• Strong presentation skills ability to develop and deliver engaging presentations.
• Good knowledge of life insurance processes.
• Possession of a medical qualification.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to build professional relationships with various stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

What you can expect from RGA

• Gain valuable knowledge from and experience with diverse, caring colleagues around the world.
• Enjoy a respectful, welcoming environment that fosters individuality and encourages pioneering thought.
• Join the bright and creative minds of RGA, and experience vast, endless career potential.