Duncan Chagonja
Dar es Salaam
Summary
A results-driven Claims Specialist with nearly five years of experience in life and general insurance claims management at Sanlam Life Insurance. Skilled in claims assessment, underwriting support, risk analysis, and customer relationship management, with a proven record of ensuring compliance, timely settlements, and safeguarding client and institutional interests. Possess a strong foundation in Banking and Finance (BSc, IFM) and currently on the verge of completing the Diploma in Insurance (Dip CII – UK), with only two exams remaining. Recognized for outstanding performance by leading clients, including NMB, CRDB, and Standard Chartered. Adept at bridging the gap between banking and insurance, and passionate about driving customer-centered claims solutions.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Claims Officer
Sanlam Life Insurance
11.2020 - Current
- Process and settle insurance claims for 20+ clients daily, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and compliance with company guidelines.
- Manage both individual and corporate claim portfolios, including major accounts such as NMB, CRDB, and Standard Chartered.
- Track and reconcile claims, ensuring settlements are within agreed TAT and SLA standards.
- Support insurer claims teams, proactively identify issues, and resolve them to minimize risk.
- Prepare and consolidate monthly claims performance reports, highlighting trends and risks.
- Consistently recognized by management and clients for delivering outstanding service and timely claim resolutions.
Bank Clerk (Field Practice)
Azania Bank Plc
07.2019 - 09.2019
- Assisted in customer service operations, cheque issuance, ATM operations, and loan documentation.
- Gained practical knowledge of bank products and customer interactions, strengthening banking–insurance integration skills.
Accounting Intern
NSSF Tanzania
07.2018 - 09.2018
- Assisted in preparing accounts, tax returns, and budget monitoring.
- Analyzed financial performance reports to support decision-making processes.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Banking and Finance
Institute of Finance Management
01.2020
ACSEE (A-Level EGM) - undefined
Alpha High School
01.2017
CSEE (O-Level) - undefined
Eagles Secondary School
01.2014
Skills
- Claims management for life & general insurance
- Knowledge of bancassurance regulations and compliance
- Risk identification & resolution in claim processes
- Strong analytical & decision-making skills
- Customer service & relationship management
- Claims reporting, reconciliation & SLA management
- Excellent communication & presentation skills
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Advanced
Certification
- Diploma in Insurance (Dip CII – UK) – In progress (two exams remaining to completion)
- Certificate in Microcomputer Applications – University of Dar es Salaam Computing Centre
- Additional training in Life Insurance, Underwriting, Risk Assessments, and Technology in Insurance (Hannover Re, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Timeline
Claims Officer
Sanlam Life Insurance
11.2020 - Current
Bank Clerk (Field Practice)
Azania Bank Plc
07.2019 - 09.2019
Accounting Intern
NSSF Tanzania
07.2018 - 09.2018
ACSEE (A-Level EGM) - undefined
Alpha High School
CSEE (O-Level) - undefined
Eagles Secondary School
Bachelor’s Degree - Banking and Finance
Institute of Finance Management
References
- Khamis, Suleiman, CEO, ksuleiman@sanlamgeneralinsurance.co.tz, 0784 751 126, Sanlam General Insurance
- Tullo, Mafuru, Director (GM) Operations, tullom@sanlamlifeinsurance.co.tz, 0754 387 345, Sanlam Life Insurance
- Kyenekiki, Kyando, CCO, kyenekikik@sanlamlifeinsurance.co.tz, 0717 201 391, Sanlam Life Insurance
Awards & Recognition
Recognition for outstanding performance in claims handling from corporate clients including NMB Bank Plc., Hannover Re Training Award – Specialized Life Insurance training on underwriting, assessments, and integration of technology in insurance business (Johannesburg, South Africa).
MEMBER OF THE CII UK
currently on the verge of completing the UK Dip CII two exams remaining
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of three assistant claims officer.
- Oversaw a team of two interns and managed all field students reporting to the Claims Department.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- Chartered Insurance Institute (CII, UK) – Student Member, currently pursuing the Diploma in Insurance (Dip CII). Institute of Finance Management Alumni Association (IFM) – Active member. Tanzania Insurance Brokers Association – Participation in professional trainings and seminars. Hannover Re Training Alumni Network – Awarded and affiliated through international insurance training in underwriting and claims.
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureLanguages
English
Advanced (C1)
Swahili
Advanced (C1)
French
Beginner (A1)
Software
Microsoft Excel: Data entry, formulas, pivot tables, charts Microsoft Word: Document creation, formatting, reporting Thought Express (TE) System: System operation and management
Interests
Financial literacy & personal finance – Staying updated on trends, banking, and investment opportunities Professional development & continuous learning – Pursuing certifications and attending industry workshops Data analysis & problem-solving – Enjoy analyzing patterns and finding solutions Technology in business – Exploring software and digital tools that improve efficiency Community engagement & volunteering – Participating in initiatives that support financial education or social welfare
Additional Information
- Languages: Fluent in English and Swahili
- Software Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel (Advanced), PowerPoint, Thought Express System, Assist software
- Professional Memberships: Member of Chartered Insurance Institute (CII – UK, in progress)
- Driver’s License: Valid Class B driver’s license
- Other Interests: Financial literacy, professional development, technology in insurance, community