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 in Botswana?
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution is essential, plus admission to the Botswana Bar as an Attorney of the High Court. Most employers prefer candidates with 10+ years post-qualification experience, and certifications in corporate governance such as those from the Botswana Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (BICSA) or international equivalents are highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Executive Head: Legal & Governance in a Botswana insurance company?
Daily duties include overseeing legal compliance with Botswana's Insurance Industry Act and NBFIRA regulations, managing board governance structures, advising executive leadership on regulatory risks, and supervising contract negotiations with local and regional stakeholders. You will also liaise with the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority and ensure timely regulatory filings.
How does the local work culture in Botswana's corporate sector affect someone in this senior legal role?
Botswana's corporate culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy and consensus-building, so you will need strong interpersonal skills to navigate both boardroom discussions and government regulatory relationships. Punctuality and professional decorum are expected, though decision-making can be deliberate; patience and relationship-building with local stakeholders are crucial for success.
What career progression opportunities exist for legal executives in Botswana's insurance and financial services sector?
Progression typically leads to Group Company Secretary, Chief Risk Officer, or Managing Director roles within the Detswana Group or similar large corporates. Some executives transition to NBFIRA as regulators, join international firms with regional offices in Gaborone, or establish private legal consultancies serving the financial sector.
What employee benefits are standard for senior executive roles in Botswana insurance companies?
Standard benefits include comprehensive medical aid coverage, pension contributions through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or private schemes, generous annual leave entitlements, and often a company vehicle or vehicle allowance. Many employers also provide group life insurance, performance bonuses, and professional development allowances for continuing legal education.
What do employers like SESiro Insurance look for in applications for senior legal positions, and how should candidates apply?
Employers seek demonstrated experience with Botswana's regulatory framework, proven board-level engagement, and a track record of managing legal risk in regulated industries. Applications should include a detailed CV highlighting NBFIRA interactions, governance qualifications, and references from comparable executive roles; submit through official channels and follow up professionally given the competitive nature of such appointments.
