Senior Dispute Resolution Specialist - Life Insurance

Fairness feels good

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

We’re looking for experienced Senior Dispute Resolution Specialists to join our Life Insurance team and help deliver fair financial outcomes.

As a Senior Dispute Resolution Specialist, you’ll manage complex complaints with precision, professionalism and strategic insight. You’ll use your expertise in negotiation, conciliation, and case investigation to resolve disputes efficiently and fairly, applying relevant legislation, codes, and AFCA’s Fairness Jurisdiction.

In this role, you will play a central role in how we consider and resolve complaints. You will:

• Review complaints from consumers and small businesses that have not been resolved directly with the financial firm
• Work with customers to gather information and understand the core issues
• Determine key issues and investigate where further information is required from complainants and third parties and produce written decisions in plain English
• Utilise alternative dispute resolution methods to help parties resolves complaints by negotiation
• Apply a sound understanding of the AFCA complaint resolution criteria including relevant legal principles, applicable industry codes or guidance, good industry practice and previous AFCA decision to resolve financial complaints fairly and efficiently
• Prepare preliminary assessments and draft decisions on complaints that are not able to be resolved by agreement.
• Lead the resolution of challenging complaints involving multiple issues.
• Contribute to operational improvements and align practices with broader strategy.
• Collaborate across teams and support project delivery.

We consider a range of complaints relating to life insurance such as income protection as well as funeral, trauma, total and permanent disability (TPD), accidental death and endowment policies.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience in life insurance or a legal background, with a strong understanding of complaint handling and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• A strategic mindset, as you will play a key part in aligning dispute resolution practices with our broader Operational Delivery strategy
• Ability to investigate and identify complex complaints and the information we need to form a view
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to break down complex information and communicate it in Plain English to a variety of stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills that enable you to work across multiple complaints and activities simultaneously ensuring matters are progressing
• Resilience and empathy to have difficult conversations with a focus on resolving complaints for consumers and financial firms in a timely manner
• A highly responsive approach to your work
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a close and supporting team
• An opportunity to thrive in and help contribute to a culture that values fairness, efficiency, and accessibility. 

• BOSS Best Places to Work 2024 –credited for its culture, engagement and flexible working arrangements.
• Most Inclusive Workplace 2024 – Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards.
• Employer of Choice Public Sector and NFP – Australian HR Awards 2023
• Bronze AWEI Accreditation 2024 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with state-of-the-art offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
• Inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, 20 weeks paid parental leave, gender affirmation leave, women’s health leave, and paid time off over Christmas.
• Financial benefits – Not-for-profit salary packaging to boost take-home pay.
• Locations – A team of over 1,200 dedicated professionals based in modern Melbourne and Sydney CBD offices.

To apply

If you’re passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every single criterion.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at [email protected].

AFCA is a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.