From the employer's hiring system · Verified employer
Underwriter – Specialty Business
Old Mutual Kenya
Job at a glance
- Employer
- Old Mutual Kenya
- Position
- Underwriter – Specialty Business
- Location
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Possible duty stations
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Job type
- Full-time
- Experience
- 3+ years in specialty underwriting
- Education
- Bachelor's degree + AIIK/ACII
- Salary
- Not stated in the advert
- Application deadline
- 30 October 2026
- Posted on VacancyKE
- 22 October 2026
VacancyKE summary
Old Mutual Kenya is hiring an Underwriter for its Specialty Business unit in Nairobi. You will assess risks, structure insurance solutions, and manage the specialty portfolio to drive growth and profitability.
What stands out about this opportunity
- Focuses on high-value specialty lines like financial lines and bonds
- Requires active engagement with reinsurers and intermediaries
- Strict application deadline of 29 October 2026
Key responsibilities
- Underwrite specialised risks including financial lines, bonds, trade credit, and kidnap & ransom.
- Structure competitive, customised insurance solutions aligned with company risk controls.
- Analyse specialty portfolio performance to improve profitability and implement growth strategies.
- Coordinate with reinsurers for facultative support on risks exceeding treaty limits.
- Prepare quotations, service clients, and engage intermediaries to strengthen business relationships.
- Ensure strict adherence to underwriting guidelines, compliance frameworks, and reinsurance panels.
- Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments to inform underwriting decisions.
- Execute AML/KYC due diligence processes and escalate potential breaches.
Who should apply?
This role suits experienced underwriters with a strong background in specialty lines such as financial lines or bonds, who possess relevant professional qualifications like AIIK or ACII.
Key requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- AIIK or ACII qualification
- 3+ years specialty underwriting
- Knowledge of reinsurance coordination
- AML/KYC compliance awareness
Nice to have
- Relevant additional certifications in insurance or reinsurance management.
What you should know
- The role requires adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Sanctions policies.
- Applications must be submitted via the Old Mutual careers portal.
- The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
How to apply
- Apply online at https://oldmutual.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Old_Mutual_Careers/job/Nairobi/Underwriter---Specialty-Business_JR-84712 by 29 October 2026, 23:59.
Official source: From the employer's hiring system · oldmutual.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com. VacancyKE never charges job seekers.
Original employer advertisement
Published by Old Mutual Kenya on oldmutual.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com. Shown for reference; the employer’s version is the official one.
The employer’s advert
Lets Write Africa's Story Together!
Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.
Job Description
Contribute to the sustainable growth of the Specialty portfolio through business retention, cross-selling opportunities and proactive engagement with intermediaries.
Perform all back-office underwriting tasks in line with company policies and regulatory requirements for the specialty line of business.
Evaluate and assess risks to ensure accurate underwriting and pricing decisions that align with the company’s risk appetite and profitability goals.
A. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Underwriting and Risk Assessment
• Underwriting specialized risks across various insurance classes including financial lines, bonds, trade credit, kidnap and ransom while ensuring alignment with company risk appetite and underwriting guidelines.
• Structuring competitive and customized insurance solutions that meet client needs while maintaining company’s risk controls.
• Ensuring strict adherence to underwriting and compliance frameworks during onboarding, renewals, and throughout the policy lifecycle.
• Ensuring all risks are properly placed with the approved reinsurance panel as per the company appetite.
Portfolio Management
• Analyzing the performance of specialty insurance portfolio and implementing strategies to improve profitability, risk management and growth.
• Monitoring industry trends, regulatory developments and emerging risks to support proactive and informed underwriting decisions and maintain product relevance.
• Collaborating with intermediaries and reinsurers to develop and implement new insurance products aligned with market needs.
Reinsurance Coordination
• Coordinate with reinsurers and other cedants to obtain facultative reinsurance support for risks that exceed treaty retention limits or fall outside the scope of treaty coverage.
• Working closely with reinsurers to assess and manage new or emerging risks.
Client and Intermediary Engagement
• Preparing quotations in line with company service standards and authority matrix and following through to conclusion.
• Providing daily support and servicing to clients, intermediaries to strengthen business relationships and enhance client experience.
• Initiate and follow up with the Insurance Regulatory Authority for approvals where necessary.
• Sourcing for business and training stakeholders to ensure the production targets are met
• Collaborating with clients and stakeholders to ensure all bonds are timeously cancelled.
Documentation and Reporting
• Ensuring timely issuance and capturing all documentation relating to specialty classes including premium obligations to all parties.
• Preparing and submitting periodic and monthly reports on specialty lines to management for tracking and strategic decision making.
B. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrates the ability to assess long-term risk trends and align underwriting practices with the company’s strategic goals. Ability to evaluate emerging risks and adjust underwriting strategies accordingly to maintain profitability and competitiveness.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong written and verbal communication for internal coordination and external client interaction.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to quickly identify issues and develop effective solutions.
• Organization and Time Management: Ability to manage multiple underwriting submissions and projects within strict timelines. Prioritizes tasks to ensure timely delivery while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Adaptability and Resilience:
Thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to changing market conditions, client needs, and internal priorities. Maintains composure under pressure and demonstrates resilience when handling high-stakes or urgent cases.
• Technical Proficiency Strong understanding of underwriting principles and insurance products
• Decision Making: Ability to make sound underwriting decisions based on available information.
C. QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications:
• 1st Degree
• AIIK or ACII or an equivalent qualification
• Relevant additional certifications in insurance or reinsurance management and operations are preferred
Experience:
• 3 years’ experience in underwriting specialized classes
• In-depth knowledge of specialty business operations, regulatory requirements, industry developments and business networking
D. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING (AML) EXPECTATION
The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring adherence to, implementation of, and adoption of Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Sanctions-related policies, procedures, and process requirements within Old Mutual and its subsidiaries. This includes execution of customer due diligence processes, ensuring compliance with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) standards, conducting ongoing and enhanced due diligence, and maintaining data quality. Additionally, the role involves identifying and monitoring potential AML, Sanctions, or Compliance breaches and unusual activities, and escalating these concerns to the Risk and Compliance Office for further action.
Skills
Competencies
Collaborates
Communicates Effectively
Drives Results
Ensures Accountability
Plans and Aligns
Tech Savvy
Education
Closing Date
29 October 2026 , 23:59
The Old Mutual Story!
Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.
Job Description
Contribute to the sustainable growth of the Specialty portfolio through business retention, cross-selling opportunities and proactive engagement with intermediaries.
Perform all back-office underwriting tasks in line with company policies and regulatory requirements for the specialty line of business.
Evaluate and assess risks to ensure accurate underwriting and pricing decisions that align with the company’s risk appetite and profitability goals.
A. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Underwriting and Risk Assessment
• Underwriting specialized risks across various insurance classes including financial lines, bonds, trade credit, kidnap and ransom while ensuring alignment with company risk appetite and underwriting guidelines.
• Structuring competitive and customized insurance solutions that meet client needs while maintaining company’s risk controls.
• Ensuring strict adherence to underwriting and compliance frameworks during onboarding, renewals, and throughout the policy lifecycle.
• Ensuring all risks are properly placed with the approved reinsurance panel as per the company appetite.
Portfolio Management
• Analyzing the performance of specialty insurance portfolio and implementing strategies to improve profitability, risk management and growth.
• Monitoring industry trends, regulatory developments and emerging risks to support proactive and informed underwriting decisions and maintain product relevance.
• Collaborating with intermediaries and reinsurers to develop and implement new insurance products aligned with market needs.
Reinsurance Coordination
• Coordinate with reinsurers and other cedants to obtain facultative reinsurance support for risks that exceed treaty retention limits or fall outside the scope of treaty coverage.
• Working closely with reinsurers to assess and manage new or emerging risks.
Client and Intermediary Engagement
• Preparing quotations in line with company service standards and authority matrix and following through to conclusion.
• Providing daily support and servicing to clients, intermediaries to strengthen business relationships and enhance client experience.
• Initiate and follow up with the Insurance Regulatory Authority for approvals where necessary.
• Sourcing for business and training stakeholders to ensure the production targets are met
• Collaborating with clients and stakeholders to ensure all bonds are timeously cancelled.
Documentation and Reporting
• Ensuring timely issuance and capturing all documentation relating to specialty classes including premium obligations to all parties.
• Preparing and submitting periodic and monthly reports on specialty lines to management for tracking and strategic decision making.
B. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrates the ability to assess long-term risk trends and align underwriting practices with the company’s strategic goals. Ability to evaluate emerging risks and adjust underwriting strategies accordingly to maintain profitability and competitiveness.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong written and verbal communication for internal coordination and external client interaction.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to quickly identify issues and develop effective solutions.
• Organization and Time Management: Ability to manage multiple underwriting submissions and projects within strict timelines. Prioritizes tasks to ensure timely delivery while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Adaptability and Resilience:
Thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to changing market conditions, client needs, and internal priorities. Maintains composure under pressure and demonstrates resilience when handling high-stakes or urgent cases.
• Technical Proficiency Strong understanding of underwriting principles and insurance products
• Decision Making: Ability to make sound underwriting decisions based on available information.
C. QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications:
• 1st Degree
• AIIK or ACII or an equivalent qualification
• Relevant additional certifications in insurance or reinsurance management and operations are preferred
Experience:
• 3 years’ experience in underwriting specialized classes
• In-depth knowledge of specialty business operations, regulatory requirements, industry developments and business networking
D. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING (AML) EXPECTATION
The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring adherence to, implementation of, and adoption of Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Sanctions-related policies, procedures, and process requirements within Old Mutual and its subsidiaries. This includes execution of customer due diligence processes, ensuring compliance with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) standards, conducting ongoing and enhanced due diligence, and maintaining data quality. Additionally, the role involves identifying and monitoring potential AML, Sanctions, or Compliance breaches and unusual activities, and escalating these concerns to the Risk and Compliance Office for further action.
Skills
Competencies
Collaborates
Communicates Effectively
Drives Results
Ensures Accountability
Plans and Aligns
Tech Savvy
Education
Closing Date
29 October 2026 , 23:59
The Old Mutual Story!