Actuary at Discovery Limited

Key Purpose

• The Vitality Research and Development Lab is looking to recruit an exceptional individual join a small high-performing team involved in Vitality-related launch projects, assessing, advising and planning future product changes using knowledge of actuarial, commercial, market and economic principles. We are looking for a smart, self-driven person who is innovative and a natural problem solver and who delights in being challenged. This is a rare opportunity for someone who wants to walk the path of true innovation as you venture into a stimulating and exciting career.

Areas of responsibility may include but are not limited to:

• Design and plan the approach for bringing a conceptual project and product to completion, including:
• Researching and developing new product ideas
• Analysing data and taking conceptual ideas through to product design and pricing
• Demonstrate thought leadership in product design and development.
• Clearly identify key issues and propose a series of analyses and well-reasoned recommendations.
• Present recommendations in a coherent and compelling way to a range of external and internal stakeholders, including the Vitality R&D Steercom, PHP R&D Steercom and Bank Product Forum.
• Co-ordinate and manage interactions with teams outside of the R&D Lab.
• Drive projects to operational handover.

Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem solving and research skills
• Ability to think creatively and pursue innovative, alternative approaches
• Ability to deal with complexity, ambiguity and constant change, especially pivoting focus and priorities as business needs change
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Keen interest in business dynamics and strategic challenges
• Sophisticated written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders
• High level of attention to detail
• Passion for personal development and growth, with a high learning potential
• Commitment to excellence and high-quality delivery
• A passion for delivering high caliber results with a sense of urgency and bias for action
• Excellent time-management skills with the ability to prioritize deliverables and manage stakeholder expectations
• Ability to cope with business pressures and setbacks
• Ability to think with a commercial and growth mindset

Education and Required Work Experience

• Strong Matric results, with Higher Grade Mathematics
• Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science (post-graduate qualifications being advantageous)
• Close to (1 to 2 exams away) or recently academically qualified as a fellow actuary
• 2 years’ worth relevant work experience with a proven record of innovation, delivery and performance
• Advanced experience in data handling, actuarial modelling and lateral problem-solving skills

Behavioural Competencies

• Highly analytical and logical thinking style
• Critical thinking, able to interrogate and assimilate information in a meaningful way
• Curious and eager to know “why”
• Creative when necessary and innovative in problem-solving approaches
• An ability to communicate technical complexity to a non-technical audience
• A sharp focus on delivering high caliber results and exceeding stakeholder expectations
• Interest in leveraging the analytical power of large datasets intersecting with the Behavioural Science domain
• Comfortable with change and a fast-paced work environment
• Passionate about mentoring and molding more junior team members
• Keen to pursue a career outside of a traditional actuarial environment whilst still applying actuarial and statistical principles in a non-traditional way