Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the Executive Committee, the Executive Head: Legal & Governance will provide strategic leadership across the Company’s Legal, Governance, Compliance and Company Secretarial functions.
Job Summary
- Employer: Sesiro Insurance Company
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Legal
- Closing Date: 2026-10-05
Key Responsibilities
- Contributing to organisation-wide strategy, governance and executive decision-making as a member of the Executive Committee.
- Advising the Company, Board of Directors and Executive Management on legal, governance, regulatory, risk and reputational matters.
- Championing sound corporate governance practices in accordance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and the King Codes of Good Practice.
- Developing and implementing the Company’s Legal Affairs, Governance and Compliance strategies.
- Providing oversight of legal advice, litigation and other legal support required by the Company.
- Drafting, reviewing, interpreting and vetting contracts, agreements and other legal documents to minimise the Company’s legal exposure.
- Monitoring developments within the insurance regulatory environment and ensuring that the Company responds appropriately.
- Aligning the Company’s risk management framework with the applicable risk-based regulatory compliance framework.
- Overseeing regulatory submissions, compliance returns and governance documentation.
- Serving as the principal adviser to the Company, Board and Shareholders on governance and company secretarial matters.
- Developing governance policies, committee terms of reference, procedures and related governance instruments.
- Overseeing the preparation of Board and committee agendas, papers, minutes, resolutions and action-tracking records.
- Coordinating Board and committee meetings in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors.
- Providing strategic legal guidance on employment contracts, collective agreements, disciplinary matters, industrial disputes and other labour-related matters.
- Providing legal oversight and guidance on insurance policy wording, claims, broker and third-party agreements, debt recovery and related matters.
- Leading, developing and managing employees within the function to ensure effective performance and organisational capability.
Requirements
- A Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB).
- A relevant postgraduate qualification in Law, Business, Governance or a related field, such as an LLM, MBA or CIS, will be an added advantage.
- Between eight and twelve years of post-qualification experience in corporate legal, governance or compliance work.
- At least five years of experience in a senior or executive management position.
- Demonstrable experience in a company or Board secretarial role.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: tsammereko.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and professional certifications are typically required for an Executive Head: Legal & Governance role at an insurance company in Botswana?
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university is essential, plus admission to the Botswana Law Society as an attorney. Most employers prefer candidates with 8-12 years of post-qualification experience, including at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role. Professional certifications such as compliance, risk management, or corporate governance qualifications from BOISA or international bodies strengthen your candidacy.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Executive Head: Legal & Governance in Botswana's insurance sector?
You will oversee all legal matters including policy drafting, regulatory compliance with NBFIRA requirements, and litigation management. Daily tasks involve advising the board on governance frameworks, managing relationships with regulators, and ensuring the company adheres to Botswana's Insurance Industry Act. You will also lead a legal team and report directly to the CEO or board on risk and compliance matters.
How does workplace culture and leadership expectations differ for senior legal executives in Botswana compared to other regions?
Botswana's corporate culture values respectful hierarchy and consensus-building, so executive legal heads must balance assertive legal advice with diplomatic communication. Employers expect strong stakeholder engagement skills, including ability to navigate both government relations and private sector partnerships. Punctuality, formal dress codes, and participation in community or industry bodies like the Law Society of Botswana are generally expected at this level.
What realistic career progression paths exist for someone in this executive legal role within Botswana's insurance or broader financial sector?
Progression typically leads to Group Company Secretary, Chief Risk Officer, or Managing Director roles within insurance or banking groups. Some executives transition to regulatory positions at NBFIRA or the Bank of Botswana, or move into private practice as senior partners. Regional expansion is also common, with opportunities to lead legal functions across SADC operations for pan-African insurers.
What employee benefits are standard for executive-level legal positions in Botswana's insurance industry?
Executive packages typically include comprehensive medical aid coverage for you and dependents, often with access to private facilities in Gaborone or South Africa. Pension contributions through industry schemes like BPOPF or company-specific provident funds are standard, alongside generous annual leave of 20-30 days. Additional benefits may include performance bonuses, company vehicles, and professional development allowances for international conferences or further studies.
What do employers in Botswana specifically look for when hiring for this senior legal role, and how should candidates apply?
Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with NBFIRA regulations, proven board-level advisory exposure, and a track record of managing complex commercial transactions. Applications should be submitted formally with a detailed CV, certified academic and professional certificates, and references from previous executive roles. Networking through the Law Society of Botswana and direct outreach to executive search firms active in Gaborone often yields better results than online applications alone.
