Associate Director, Insurance Ratings at S&P Global

The Role: 

• As an Associate Director, you will analyze insurance companies mainly in Africa and perhaps other locations across EMEA, when needed. This position involves meeting with issuers and investors on analytical matters, assisting in resolving client needs, participating in market education efforts, and taking the lead at external meetings related to credits.

The Impact:

• You will provide key stakeholders with impactful insights and enable investors to make decisions with conviction. You will also be able to empower our junior analysts and role model key leadership behaviours to empower and inspire them.

Your Skills:

•  You will have a good understanding of insurance markets, business environments and relevant regulations particularly in South Africa. Prior credit analyses experience covering the non-life, life insurance and reinsurance sectors will be a distinct advantage. An ability to demonstrate analytical excellence together with an ability to explain our credit rating opinions both internally as well as externally will help you excel in this role. You will also be able to instruct, encourage and inspire junior talent and help build our knowledge base.

Responsibilities

• Analyze information and data to determine ratings on insurance companies and their debt issues
• Make recommendations and present to rating committees
• Draft press releases, company-specific reports, and industry commentaries in a fast-paced environment.
• Effectively communicate to clients S&P Global Ratings' methodology and rating opinions
• Continuously monitor operating performance of rated companies, including reviews of public filings and private information supplied by issuers, and participation in client meetings
• Meeting with stakeholders, listening attentively to their views and clearly articulating our opinions
• Work closely with the wider team to provide effective surveillance of credits and contribute to research
• Nurture junior talent, encourage, inspire and influence their learning.
• Respect all regulations in the markets you work in and all related S&P policies

Qualifications

• Degree level qualifications in a relevant business-related field, i.e. actuarial science, a relevant master’s degree, CFA or a similar financial qualification would be desirable.
• You will ideally have Credit Rating Agency or Investor Relations experience.
• Demonstrable expertise in insurance industry and company analysis, a keen eye for detail and a curious mind set.
• Ability to understand accounting concepts and financial statements
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English are essential.
• Strong organizational skills, execution mind-set, and ability to delegate effectively.
• Collaborative, execution-focused leadership skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to represent S&P as an analytical spokesperson.
• Willing to travel, sometimes at short notice