Transafrica Life Insurance Company invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced and dynamic professionals for the position of General Manager – Legal, Risk & Compliance.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversight across the Company’s legal, risk management, compliance and corporate governance functions, ensuring that the Company operates in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory requirements, internal policies and sound corporate governance principles.
The role requires a commercially minded and strategic professional who can provide sound legal advice, strengthen the Company’s risk management framework, ensure regulatory compliance and promote a strong culture of governance, accountability and ethical conduct across the organisation.
Job Summary
- Employer: Transafrica Life Insurance Lesotho
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho
- Category: Legal
- Salary: A medium-sized-business-level offer.
- Closing Date: 2026-10-16
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and practical legal advice to Executive Management and the Board on matters affecting the Company.
- Advise on insurance legislation, regulatory requirements, contracts, corporate matters and other legal issues.
- Draft, review and negotiate contracts, agreements, policies and other legal documentation.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the Company and advise management on their implications.
- Ensure that the Company maintains appropriate corporate governance frameworks, policies and procedures.
- Oversee the management of litigation, disputes, complaints and other legal proceedings involving the Company.
- Liaise with external legal counsel, regulators and other relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure that the Company complies with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory directives and internal policies.
- Support the Company Secretary and/or Board Committees on governance matters, where applicable.
- Promote a culture of compliance, ethical conduct and good governance throughout the organisation.
- Develop, implement and maintain an effective enterprise-wide risk management framework aligned with the Company’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Identify, assess, monitor and report on key strategic, financial, operational, legal, regulatory and reputational risks facing the Company.
- Maintain and regularly review the Company’s risk register and ensure that significant risks are appropriately escalated.
- Ensure that appropriate risk mitigation strategies, controls and action plans are developed and implemented.
- Monitor emerging risks and advise Executive Management and the Board on their potential impact on the Company.
- Oversee the management of operational risk, business continuity and crisis management.
- Work closely with relevant departments to identify, assess and manage risks within their respective functions.
- Monitor the effectiveness of internal controls and recommend improvements where necessary.
- Prepare regular risk reports for Executive Management, relevant Board Committees and the Board.
- Promote a strong risk-aware culture across the organisation.
- Develop, implement and maintain an effective compliance framework for the Company.
- Monitor compliance with applicable insurance laws, regulations, regulatory directives and industry requirements.
- Maintain a regulatory compliance register and ensure that regulatory obligations are identified, assigned and monitored.
- Conduct or coordinate compliance reviews and assessments and ensure that identified gaps are appropriately addressed.
- Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impact on the Company’s operations and business practices.
- Liaise with regulatory authorities and coordinate responses to regulatory requests, examinations and reviews.
- Ensure that regulatory findings, recommendations and compliance actions are appropriately tracked and resolved.
- Provide regular compliance reports and updates to Executive Management and the Board.
- Provide guidance and training to employees on compliance requirements and regulatory obligations.
- Ensure that appropriate governance structures, policies and procedures are maintained and continuously improved.
- Advise the Board and Executive Management on governance, legal, risk and compliance matters.
- Support the effective functioning of Board Committees relating to risk, compliance, audit and governance, where applicable.
- Monitor adherence to approved policies, procedures and governance standards.
- Ensure that governance-related actions and resolutions are appropriately recorded, implemented and monitored.
- Promote transparency, accountability, integrity and ethical conduct throughout the Company.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the Company’s overall corporate strategy.
- Ensure that legal, risk and compliance considerations are appropriately incorporated into strategic and business decisions.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen the Company’s governance, risk management and compliance environment.
- Provide strategic advice to Executive Management on matters involving legal, regulatory, risk and compliance considerations.
- Lead and support initiatives aimed at strengthening internal controls, risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Prepare and present regular legal, risk and compliance reports to Executive Management and the Board.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and sound risk management.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in LLB or a related field. A Master’s degree in Law (LLM) or MBA is advantageous.
- Admission as an Attorney/Legal Practitioner in the relevant jurisdiction will be an advantage or may be required, depending on applicable regulatory requirements.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification in Corporate Law, Risk Management, Compliance, Insurance, Business Administration or a related field will be an added advantage.
- Experience in Operations Management and a Governance environment is preferred.
- At least 8-10 years’ relevant professional experience, preferably within the insurance, financial services or other regulated-services sector.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a senior management or leadership position.
- Demonstrable experience in legal advisory work, risk management, regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
- Strong knowledge of insurance legislation, regulatory requirements, corporate governance and enterprise risk management.
- Experience in contract drafting, negotiation, dispute resolution and management of external legal advisers.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing risk and compliance frameworks, policies and controls.
- Experience engaging with regulators, Board members, senior management and other key stakeholders.
Salary
A medium-sized-business-level offer.
How to Apply
Apply by email: lesothoceo@trans-africa.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a General Manager – Legal, Risk & Compliance role in Lesotho?
Employers usually require an LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification, plus admission as an attorney or advocate in Lesotho or a recognized jurisdiction. Professional certifications in risk management (such as FRM or CRM) and compliance are increasingly preferred. At least 8-10 years of experience in legal, risk, or compliance roles within financial services is typically expected.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of this role at a life insurance company in Lesotho?
You will oversee regulatory compliance with the Central Bank of Lesotho and Insurance Act requirements, manage legal risks across underwriting and claims, and lead the development of risk frameworks. Daily tasks include reviewing contracts, advising senior leadership, liaising with regulators, and ensuring anti-money laundering policies are enforced. You will also manage a small team of legal and compliance professionals.
How does local work culture in Lesotho affect expectations for this senior role?
Lesotho's professional environment values respect for hierarchy and relationship-building with stakeholders, including regulators and government officials. Punctuality and formal dress are expected in insurance sector roles, though flexibility exists for remote work arrangements post-pandemic. Strong community ties mean corporate social responsibility involvement is often encouraged for senior leaders.
What career progression opportunities exist after this role in the Lesotho insurance sector?
Successful General Managers often advance to Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer positions within insurance companies. Regional opportunities with South African or pan-African insurers are common given Lesotho's proximity to South Africa. Some professionals transition to consultancy or regulatory roles with the Central Bank of Lesotho or regional bodies.
What benefits are typically offered for senior legal and compliance roles in Lesotho?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage, pension or provident fund contributions, and generous annual leave allowances often exceeding 20 days. Senior roles frequently include performance bonuses, group life cover, and funeral benefits reflecting local needs. Company vehicles or transport allowances and mobile phone provisions are also common at this level.
How should I apply for this role and what do Lesotho employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through company career portals, local recruitment agencies, or professional networks like the Law Society of Lesotho. Employers prioritize demonstrated regulatory knowledge, integrity, and experience with the Central Bank of Lesotho's reporting requirements. Strong references from previous financial services employers and evidence of continuous professional development significantly strengthen your application.