FAIS Short Term Insurance Commercial Lines Policy Underwriter & Client Service Specialist

Absa is currently expanding its insurance division in Johannesburg, inviting applications for an Underwriting Consultant who can balance technical risk assessment with high-level client service. As a major player in the South African financial services sector, Absa prides itself on its legacy and its commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse workforce. The organisation places a strong emphasis on meeting its Employment Equity objectives, meaning that candidates from underrepresented groups and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

About the role

This position is designed for a detail-oriented professional who understands the complexities of commercial lines short-term insurance. You will be operating within a regulated environment where your primary goal is to maintain the integrity of the insurer’s portfolio while ensuring that clients and brokers receive timely, expert guidance. You will be responsible for balancing the bank’s risk appetite against the need for operational efficiency and superior customer satisfaction.

The role requires a high degree of accountability. You will not only be processing paperwork but actively managing the lifecycle of insurance policies, from initial applications to ongoing renewals and complex mid-term adjustments.

The successful candidate will take charge of the end-to-end underwriting process, ensuring that every decision aligns with the bank’s internal mandates and broader industry regulations. Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Evaluating new business submissions, policy renewals, and necessary amendments to existing contracts.
• Applying technical underwriting principles to gauge the acceptability of risks presented to the company.
• Conducting thorough reviews of supporting documentation and policy data to make informed, defensible decisions.
• Communicating technical insurance concepts clearly to brokers, internal stakeholders, and external clients.
• Upholding the bank’s service level agreements to ensure a professional and responsive customer experience.
• Analysing current workflows to identify potential improvements in operational processes.
• Staying fully compliant with FAIS legislation and internal audit requirements.

What they're looking for

Absa is seeking a candidate who brings a blend of formal education and practical, hands-on experience in the South African insurance market. Candidates should possess a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of short-term insurance.

• **Experience:** A minimum of 2 to 5 years of dedicated underwriting experience within the local short-term insurance sector is essential.
• **Qualifications:** A Diploma or Degree in Insurance, Finance, Risk Management, or Business is required.
• **Regulatory Compliance:** Applicants must be FAIS-compliant. Holding an RE5 qualification is considered a significant advantage.
• **Technical Aptitude:** Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and a deep understanding of standard underwriting principles and short-term product structures.
• **Soft Skills:** Exceptional analytical and decision-making capabilities, paired with the ability to manage professional relationships under pressure.

In the South African insurance landscape, roles of this nature typically attract professionals looking to climb the ladder toward Senior Underwriter or Technical Portfolio Manager positions. As an Underwriting Consultant at a Tier-1 bank like Absa, you can expect a competitive salary package, often supplemented by performance bonuses and standard corporate benefits such as medical aid and pension contributions. This is a vital stepping stone for those aiming to build a long-term career in risk management or commercial brokerage within a major financial institution.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Insurance, Risk Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• FAIS-compliant qualification (advantageous).
• RE5 qualification (advantageous).
• 2-5 years' underwriting experience within the Short-Term Insurance industry.
• Strong knowledge of short-term insurance products and underwriting principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Education