Senior Insurance Analyst

The Company

Stears is a VC-backed African data and intelligence startup building the Bloomberg of Africa. For global organisations investing in African markets, Stears is the data and analytics provider that enables quick, accurate decisions for financial and operational opportunities. Stears users get access to raw data from various sources, trend data for a wide range of data sets, and constantly updated analysis by researchers. Stears goes beyond just data to provide insights and context based on knowledge of local markets and delivers it all in an easy-to-use interface usable by anyone, not just researchers.

We are looking for a Senior Insurance Analyst with a robust understanding of insurance in Africa to join our financial services desk and lead Stears’ coverage of the insurance industry in Africa. 

The Role

Why it’s important: We aim to provide our customers with information (data, analytics, insights) on African economies and industries to support and guide their investment decisions on the continent. 

Our financial services desk is responsible for providing data and analysis on financial services industry trends, patterns, and opportunities in five major countries (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt). This includes providing up-to-date analysis and assessments of market size, growth opportunities, competitive landscape, pricing, policies & regulations, innovation, etc. for the financial services sector.  

As a Senior Insurance Analyst, your mission is to contribute to Stears’ financial services coverage by providing an effective mix of reports, datasets, indices, forecasts, and dashboards to support our customers’ investment decisions in the insurance sector. 

What it covers: As a Senior Insurance Analyst, you are responsible for generating insightful, market-leading information on the insurance industry in our coverage countries. 

As a Senior Insurance Analyst, you will: 

• Research and analyse the insurance industry, including property and casualty (P&C), life, and reinsurance sectors, to assess market dynamics, regulatory developments, and emerging trends to guide investment in the industry.

• Generate short-form and long-form industry reports on the following areas, offering actionable insights to Stears customers:

  • Market size & segmentation
  • Market growth & opportunities
  • Market share & trends
  • Policies & regulations
  • Prices & price frameworks
  • Competition

• Monitor operator activities, market share trends, pricing dynamics, and product innovation within the insurance industry to identify competitive threats and opportunities for growth.

• Work with data analysts and data scientists to develop indices, predictive models, and historical databases that help investors assess the attractiveness and growth opportunities in the insurance industry.

• Monitor government policies and regulatory developments in insurance to provide insights into the potential impact on insurance companies and the broader industry.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, offering constructive feedback to enhance their research and analysis skills. Conduct regular reviews of their work to ensure high-quality standards, foster their professional growth, and support their development within the team.

Who you will work with: This role is part of the Intelligence team. You will report to the Head of Intelligence.

You will also work with other researchers, economists and consultants in the intelligence team. In addition, you will work with other internal stakeholders, including the Head of Insights.

We are looking for someone with:

• A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Finance, Statistics, Economics or similar quantitative degrees.

• Preference will be given to candidates with professional qualifcations in Finance (e.g. CFA), management (e.g. MBA), and insurance.

• At least five (5) years of experience working in an economics-focused role

• Experience and expertise analysing the insurance industry in South Africa, including published research and analysis

• In-depth knowledge of the insurance industry, including property and casualty (P&C), life, and reinsurance sectors, with an understanding of industry dynamics, regulatory environment, and key players.

• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to analyse, interpret or extract insights from data

• A proven track record of excelling in research tasks—including gathering information through stakeholder engagement—evidenced by previous experience in roles that require significant research activity.

• Effective communication skills, including conveying complex financial and industry concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.

Preferred skills & qualifications: These skills & qualifications are not necessary, but will be highly valued 

• Professional qualifications in Finance (e.g. CFA), management (e.g. MBA), and insurance.

• Experience and expertise analysing the insurance industry in any two of our other four focus countries—Kenya, Ghana, NIgeria, and Egypt—including published research and analysis

• Proficiency in financial analysis, including financial statement analysis, valuation modelling, and risk assessment, with the ability to analyse insurance companies' financial performance, profitability, and solvency.

Perks

Meaningful perks matter to us. They make employees better and contribute to making Stears a great place to work. If you join us, you can be assured that you’ll enjoy a wide range of generous perks, rewards and office benefits including: 

• Flexible working we are currently hybrid

• Help lay the platform foundations of our African expansion. We are currently fleshing out our expansion strategy and would love you to be a part of this growth while doing impactful work

• Be part of our new product offerings

• Unlimited access to Stears Intelligence Solutions

• The Stears Experience - These are the top reasons economists report having the best experience of their careers at Stears:

  • Deepen their analytical & critical thinking skills which apply beyond a specific domain
  • Gain a high level of autonomy and responsibility by taking on a senior role in our high trust startup environment and relatively flat organizational hierarchy
  • Do something meaningful by being part of a team making African data more widely available

• Access to an expert Intelligence & Analytics team - Stears Intelligence team includes some of the brightest knowledge experts in Nigeria covering a wide range of sectors, all with a passion for delivering the highest quality of intelligence and analytics on the African continent.

• Competitive salaries at junior, intermediate and senior levels

• Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage

• Paid time off - 25 days excluding public holidays and sick days (Prorated)

• Compassionate Leave

• Parental Leave

• Unlimited Sick Leave

• Special emphasis on learning and development

• Regular social activities, including annual off-site team bonding

• A well stocked fridge,  lots of snacks and bean bags

• Stears branded merchandise and swag

Diversity

Stears is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, actual or presumed belonging to an ethnic group, or any other legally protected status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.