Manager, Research and Development

Requirement/Person SpecificationsAcademic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Business Administration, Commerce, Data Science, Economics, Insurance, Mathematics, Statistics, Strategic Management, project Planning & Management, or a related field from a recognized institution.
  
• Master’s degree in any of the above or related disciplines.
  

Professional Qualifications

• Membership in good standing with a relevant professional body (e.g., Statistical Society of Kenya, Actuarial Society of Kenya, Kenya Institute of Management, or equivalent).
  
• Completion of a Senior Management or Leadership Development Programme lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
  
• Proficiency in computer applications and data analysis tools (SPSS, R, Python, or equivalent), MS Office Suite, and research management software.
  
• Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya..
  

Experience

• Minimum of fifteen(15) years’ relevant experience in research, strategy, innovation, or related fields, with at least three (3) years served at Assistant Manager level or in a comparable senior management role in a reputable organization.
  
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and presenting to senior leadership and Boards of Directors.
  

Strategic Planning and Performance Management

• Lead the development, review, implementation, and alignment of the Corporation’s Strategic Plan, annual work plans, performance contracts, and budgets across the Group.
  
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of strategic and operational plans to ensure quality, timeliness, and achievement of desired outcomes.
  
• Coordinate organization-wide performance management and the performance contracting process.
  
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department and the Corporation.
  

Research, Innovation and Market Intelligence

• Oversee research activities, data analysis, and market studies, and provide high-level strategic recommendations on issues, products, services, or challenges affecting the insurance and reinsurance industry in Kenya, the region, and globally.
  
• Formulate and implement the Corporation’s Research and Innovation Strategy.
  
• Ensure research, innovation, and knowledge management practices are embedded across all areas of the Corporation’s operations.
  
• Undertake feasibility studies to guide the Board and management on regional and international expansion plans.
  

Product Development, Policy and Process Improvement

• Design, develop, and implement policies, procedures, methodologies, and quality standards to support the introduction of new reinsurance products, services, and innovations.
  
• Champion business process re-engineering and continuous improvement initiatives across the Group.
  
• Monitor the implementation of business process re-engineering projects.
  

Data Analytics and Insights Generation

• Mine large sets of transaction and operational data using statistical and logical analysis to identify patterns and generate actionable insights that support decision-making.
  
• Identify opportunities to integrate internal and external data sources to create new business intelligence and opportunities.
  

Knowledge Management and Intellectual Assets

• Manage the Corporation’s intellectual assets and knowledge management systems.
  
• Review reports and advice on emerging trends in knowledge management.
  

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Continuously liaise with the Marketing and Investments Divisions to monitor economic trends (locally and internationally) and propose suitable investment and market strategies.
  
• Provide expert advice and present findings to the Board of Directors and senior leadership.
  
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Managing Director.