The Insurance Regulatory Authority of Kenya (IRA) is the sole authority charged with regulation and supervision of the insurance industry within the Republic of Kenya. It ensures compliance by insurance/reinsurance companies, protects consumers and promotes a high degree of security for policyholders.

REF: AMRI/14

Purpose

The job holder will participate developing and managing research and innovation activities and programs that promote research and innovation in IRA.

The duties and responsibilities will entail:

Managerial/Supervisory responsibilities

• Support in formulating and implementing the research and innovation policies, objectives and initiatives in line with the Authority’s strategic agenda.
• Support in Identifying and implementing accelerated new and innovative solutions within a focussed ecosystem through collaboration and partnerships.
• Share information on the innovation hub while consumer protection safeguards into products and to promote new ideas and innovations in line with objectives of supervision.
• Collate and collect information innovative challengers through innovation and competition to promote access and inclusion in the insurance industry.
• Review literature on developments in technology and innovation through continuous engagement with regulated entities and tech start-ups.
• Participate in planning and organizing meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences on research and innovation for enhanced information sharing.
• Carry out analytical work and offer advisory services to other Directorates on research methodology and related issues.
• Initiate, prepare, communicate and disseminate research findings through publications in appropriate fora.
• Carry out research projects on current and emerging issues in the insurance industry.
• Participate in the research and documentation of ideas to facilitate development and innovation in the insurance industry

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Implement research projects of multi-disciplinary and cross cutting nature with a focus on emerging insurance industry developments and practices.
• Organize and participate in sensitization of stakeholders on insurance market development in order to facilitate wider rollout and support for innovative ideas and solutions
• Develop reports on activities of the research and innovation department
• Identify research areas, undertake surveys and analyse data and prepare reports.
• Carry out training, nurturing and mentoring of research officers

Persons Specifications

• A Master’s Degree in Economics, Insurance, Risk Management, Statistics, actuarial, ICT, Business Administration, Law, Finance, Financial Engineering, Commerce, Business Management or related Social Sciences from a recognized institution;
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Insurance, Risk Management, Statistics, actuarial, ICT, Law, Finance, Financial Engineering, Commerce, Business Management or related Social Sciences from a recognized institution;
• Project Management Course
• Certificate in Computer Proficiency
• Proficiency in relevant data analysis software
• Management Course lasting not less four (4) weeks
• Supervisory Course lasting not less than 2 weeks
• Six (6) years relevant experience
• Meets provision of chapter six of the Constitution

Competencies and Skills

• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Good mentorship and coaching skills
• Leadership and supervision skills