Senior Legal Advisor - Centurion at Momentum

Role Purpose    
This is a position for a senior and experienced corporate legal adviser to assume the role of Senior Legal Advisor.

• The incumbent will advise on business direction and legal risks based on legal risk management interpretation and ensure the provision of a quality legal service that fulfils a statutory, reporting and legal advisory service to all business units within MML. The incumbent will be responsible for providing expert legal advice and addressing the diverse and complex needs of a variety of business units in MML as well as providing assistance and support to the Head of Legal on technical matters that the Legal team is tasked with. Acts as counsel on issues involving company compliance with the most complex governmental and regulatory standards.
• Furthermore, it is expected of the position to be the trusted adviser on some of the core legislation impacting a life insurance licence. Reviews legal documentation and provides advice on appropriate action., including expert drafting of contracts. Oversees legal matters requiring external legal assistance. Provides work leadership, functional advice and training to less experienced legal advisers.

Requirements    
Qualifications

• BA (Law) + LLB or B.Com (Law) + LLB  or LLB or B.Proc (or relevant law degree) from a South African university
• An admitted Attorney/ Advocate
• Post Graduate qualification preferred
• CFP, or post graduate in financial planning would be advantageous

Experience

• At least 8-10 years extensive and diverse experience within a law department of a South African life insurer / financial services provider (essential)
• Strong background in commercial, financial and insurance law with expertise in drafting contracts, formulating sound legal opinions and formulating regulatory change impact analysis.
• Sound knowledge and experience with legislation and the regulatory requirements and developments impacting on MML and the insurance industry.
• Knowledge of retail insurance products.
• Have thorough and in- depth knowledge of and expertise on the applicable life insurance regulations and related legislation and regulatory instruments impacting the life licence as well as a sound and thorough working knowledge on the Insurance Act including the Long-Term Insurance Act, the Financial Sector Regulation Act, Prudential and Conduct Standards, FAIS, Code of Conducts, the Conduct of Financial Institutions legislation, FICA, NCA, POPIA, Consumer Protection Act as well as other financial product related legislation.
• Expert knowledge of on-going developments in the insurance sector, such as RDR and COFI Bill.
• Sense of awareness of international legal, regulatory and supervisory developments and its potential impact on the South African financial services sector.
• A thorough grounding in and the ability to conduct legal research.
• Proven track-record in providing effective legal counsel and developing contracts that mitigate risks and penalties.
• Furnishing opinions on diverse matters, including matters beyond the strict confines of insurance business
• Expert contract drafting, vetting, negotiation, preparation and administration skills.
• Able to identify and mitigate legal risks.
• Able to translate legal knowledge for a non-legal audience.
• Knowledge on litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process and the management and facilitation of instructions to external lawyers where required.
• Able to engage with and represent MML with the required internal and external stakeholders such as industry bodies and regulators.
• Good understanding of relevant functional practices and policies from a Risk and Compliance perspective.
• Recognise and appreciate legal and regulatory risks nuanced by proportionally balancing competing interests towards the facilitation of business.

Duties & Responsibilities    
INTERNAL PROCESS

• Advise on the impact of regulatory developments affecting the life licence.
• Provide expert guidance/interpretation/opinions on the emerging legal and regulatory regime within the context of the insurance and adjacent regulatory landscape.
• Be responsible for handling the most complex legal matters or projects.
• Acts as counsel on issues involving company compliance with the most complex governmental and regulatory standards.
• Draft, vet, review various contracts.
• Review legal documentation and provides advice on appropriate action.
• Oversee legal matters requiring external legal assistance.
• Formulating and managing instructions to external counsel.
• Provides work leadership/ management, functional advice and training to less experienced legal advisers.
• Provide legal advice and guidance on new business initiatives and ventures.
• Comment on new legislation, subordinate legislation and standards applicable on the life licence.
• Succinctly summarise legislative and regulatory developments (as well as impact) for the purposes of various governance and risk committees.
• Assist colleagues in matters related to, amongst others, product development, new business initiatives, including digital, litigation, marketing, and regulatory developments.
• Translate the legal requirements in a practical manner for business to implement.

Competencies    

• Leads change and Innovation
• Collaborates
• Business acumen/ Organizational Savvy
• Customer/Stakeholder Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusiveness
• Drive Results

Personal Attributes

• Self-starter
• Execution mindset
• Excellent Verbal and Written Communication
• Builds Networks
• Impacts & Influences
• Manages Complexity
• Self- Awareness & Insight