Governance Specialist, EEA-Hybrid

Job Summary

Zurich Insurance Europe AG are currently hiring for a Governance Specialist EEA position.

The successful candidate will support the oversight of cross-functional delivery of the EEA governance framework, oversight plans and processes to ensure that the EEA business operates efficiently, effectively and in accordance with agreed rules and frameworks. 

Your Responsibilities

• Provides assurance that the EEA business operates effectively, and in accordance with agreed rules and frameworks. This includes the following areas of responsibility. 
• Supports the implementation of the strategy for EEA business in line with overall Ireland strategy.
• Maintain effective oversight of the performance of ZIE UK for IE EEA business to whom authority has been delegated. 
• To support and oversee the implementation of the Zurich Risk Policy for EEA business. 
• Promotion of a culture of sound risk awareness to enhance risk identification and mitigation. Implement and develop processes and governance policies to ensure alignment with strategic business objectives and risk appetite.
• Act as an effective liaison between ZIE Ireland EEA Governance, EEA Implementation and Engagement, and respective ZIE Ireland and ZIE UK Governance, Finance, Compliance, Underwriting, Risk and Legal teams as appropriate.
• Ensuides consultative support on local governance processes and practices. 
• Handles a range of analysis and provides advice to management to support the development of effective local and central governance processes and practices. 
• Participates in integrated functional assurance activities and actions, as appropriate, such as identifying key risks and requirements for future programs.
• Maintain oversight of the monthly governance process and associated meetings conducted by ZIE UK, as agreed with EEA Governance management, to ensure the overall performance of the EEA business. 
• Prepare reports for line management, oversight committees and regulators as required to provide assurance and oversight that controls process KPI’s are being met.
• Support the co-ordination of the quarterly risk assessment review process for the ZIE Ireland governance team.
• Participate in project work within the governance function and/or in cross-functional projects relevant for EEA business.     
• Proactively supports self-development and the development of others.
• Ensures that controls and procedures for EEA business across all functions are established and of an appropriate quality, with supporting development and maintenance strategies. 
• Contributes to, and leads (where appropriate) the ongoing development, implementation and maintenance of governance tools and assurance processes. 
• Ensures oversight of business compliance with internal guidelines and external legal, regulatory and compliance requirements.
   

Additional Responsibilities

Maintain the Group Policy relating to reporting violations and concerns and provide management with relevant metrics. 
Support the EEA Governance team in ensuring data quality is maintained to agreed standards. 
Identify areas for improvement, track and monitor actions through to resolution, and ensure opportunities to embed best practices are maximized. 
Recognised by business stakeholders as a provider of value-added activities.
In conjunction with the EEA Governance team assess new laws and trends and their applicability and implementation to Zurich’s operations in the jurisdiction in order to ensure that they are fully identified and managed.  

Overall assurance. 
Support the oversight of the overall assurance planning process in conjunction with the functional teams, defining and prioritising forthcoming activities to sufficiently address regulatory requirements, internal frameworks and guidelines, business concerns, and compliance risk exposures identified through the risk assessment and other assessments.  
Share monitoring results and agree on actions with senior management and other relevant stakeholders and follow up with business on agreed improvement actions. 
Ensure oversight and provide assurance to management and appropriate governance bodies that risks for EEA business are appropriately identified and managed.
Review and monitor the implementation and maintenance of risk and control frameworks in each function.

Performance Management Accountabilities
Model behaviours that demonstrate commitment to Zurich Behaviours and Values. 
Educate team members and business partners on areas of technical expertise. 
Provide guidance and support to team members. 
Take action to manage own personal development and encourage others to do the same.

Your Skills and Experience

• Multi line experience - Commercial and Retail 
• Possesses a high level of knowledge of product and industry
• Strong collaboration
• Effective prioritisation of key tasks and workload management 
• Highly numerate and analytical thinker
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to resolve conflict within a complex stakeholder group 
• Pro-active and innovative approach to all types of resolution
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
• Understanding of insurance management information (MI) & financial data
• Highly discrete with confidential information
• Ability to present information and arguments in a clear and compelling way
• Fluent in written and spoken English, 
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills

Education

Required
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 

Preferred
Insurance qualification or other relevant post graduate qualification preferred

Additional Information

Work location is Ireland. Position can be Dublin or Wexford based but travel to the specific office will be required a minimum of 2 days a week. Travel to other locations may be required.
If you value an exciting and varied working environment and meet the above requirements, then we are looking forward to receiving your application. This role may be available both part or full-time. Please discuss with us the flexibility you may require.

In order to deliver our services, we offer our employees flexible working models and interesting opportunities for further training & development. As a Zurich Ireland employee you will benefit from a multitude of advantages as well as a strong culture, characterized by acceptance, diversity and team spirit.

At Zurich Ireland, we foster a culture of diversity and inclusion. Our purpose and values are designed to protect, inspire confidence and help our employees reach their full potential. We value and defend what is right and promote opportunities for equity among our professionals, regardless of gender, disability, LGBTQ+, race, ethnicity, generations, belief, etc. Together we are committed to delivering on our purpose - Let’s Create a Brighter Future Together!