Legal Counsel - (On-Site) Legal P&C & L&H Reinsurance at Swiss Re

About the Role

• As Legal Counsel in our P&C & L&H Reinsurance Advisory EMEA team, you will be a trusted legal partner to our business units across the region, with a primary focus on South Africa.
• You will enable successful completion of reinsurance business initiatives while ensuring proper governance and compliance with both external and internal requirements. Your adaptability will be key as you navigate various legal systems and cultures across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents. 
• Provide expert advice on local regulatory and general legal matters including operations advisory, corporate governance, and employment law support.
• Support legal aspects of compliance matters such as data protection and market conduct.
• Manage legal components of projects and strategic initiatives within the EMEA region.
• Develop and improve templates, policies, and processes to enhance efficiency.
• Monitor and report on developments and trends in laws and regulations.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, legal reports, and training.
• Coordinate and optimize engagement with outside legal counsel.

About the Team

• This role reports to the Head of Legal P&C & L&H Reinsurance EMEA. You will join a global team of passionate and business-oriented legal advisors operating in a culturally diverse environment.
• The team is committed to providing exceptional legal guidance while supporting the organization’s strategic objectives in the reinsurance sector.

About You

• You are a strong communicator with a “can do” mindset who thrives when working independently and managing multiple requests with competing deadlines. As a dedicated and trusted business partner, you excel at building relationships and communicating complex legal and compliance concepts clearly and succinctly.
• You are comfortable sharing your thought process openly and welcome constructive challenge.

We are looking for candidates who meet these requirements:

• Fully qualified lawyer (bar exam) in South Africa (preferred) or an equivalent jurisdiction. 
• Minimum of five years post-qualification experience, preferably in a law firm or in-house in the (re)insurance industry.
• Experience in (re)insurance law and regulations.
• Understanding of regulatory and licensing topics in cross-border scenarios.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and influencing skills. 
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Additional nice-to-have qualifications include:

• Experience working in a global organization.
• Knowledge of multiple legal systems.
• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English.
• Experience with digital tools and legal tech solutions.
• Background in project management.