Executive Associate at Discovery Limited

Key Purpose

To enable and operationalise the strategic initiatives of the Head of R&D and to provide high level support in the execution of his responsibilities.

Areas of responsibility may include but not limited to

• Enable and operationalise strategic initiatives in the Insure actuarial team
• Provide high level support to the Head of R&D in the execution of his responsibilities
• Take ownership of projects that support the realisation of Discovery Insure’s strategy
• Be responsible for complex problem solving and implementation of appropriate solutions
• Conduct detailed research and analysis to provide substance to the ideas and direction of the executive team
• Prepare proposals for strategic partnerships for both external and internal distribution
• Take responsibility for ensuring that Executive decisions are being followed up on and can be referenced at a future time.
• Be responsible for executive reporting and strategic communications
• Ability to problem-solve and implement complex and innovative solutions;
• Project management of strategic initiatives;
• Compilation of presentations and speeches for delivery by Exco members to both internal and external audiences;
• Preparation of proposals for strategic partnerships and new products for both external and internal distribution.
• Initiation of projects including business case formulation, seeking approval for the necessary forums and using the current implementation structures to successful implementation.

Knowledge and Skills

• Exceptional analytical, problem solving and research skills;
• Creative thinking and the ability to operationalise innovation;
• An ability to deal with complex issues as well as migrate between    detail and high level requirements;
• A drive and commitment to exceed expectations;
• A reliability and dependability – can be counted on;
• The ability to influence and negotiate across divisions and teams at all levels, and with external parties;
• A thorough understanding of business dynamics and strategic challenges;
• Sophisticated written and verbal communication skills for executive-level internal and external delivery;
• A passion for personal development and growth with a high learning potential;
• A commitment to excellence
• An ability to deal with ambiguity and continuous change
• Ability to network within and outside of Discovery.
• Understand the business and the Group well - advantageous
• Understand the market, competitors and other dynamics - advantageous

Education and Experience

• Matric
• A formal qualification with a strong mathematics, analytical or business focus such as CA, Actuarial or Engineering qualifications, with proven academic excellence
• Actuarial qualification (Advantageous)
• Five years business experience
• Extensive business and technical experience with a proven track record of innovation, entrepreneurship, delivery and performance
• General Insurance experience (Advantageous)