BENEFITS ASSISTANT

Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund was established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly to provide retirement, death, disability, and related benefits for staff of the United Nations and other member organizations of the Fund. The Pension Fund pays benefits in 19 currencies to more than 70,000 beneficiaries who reside in 190 countries, and services more than 150,000 participants who work in the 25 member organizations of the Pension Fund. The Fund has offices in New York (United States) and Geneva (Switzerland) and two liaison offices in Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand), respectively. The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund-Pension Administration (UNJSPF-PA) comprises about 250 staff from diverse countries and cultures, based across four prominent duty stations (New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Nairobi). We are a career employer offering unique opportunities for growth within the United Nations system. Our office is located in the heart of Manhattan, within walking distance from the Grand Central Station hub, in a state-of the-art facility (the One Dag Hammarskjöld building). Visit www.unjspf.org for more details. These positions are located in the Operations Coordination and Liaison Unit, Operations Service (OCLU,OS) in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund-Pension Administration. The Benefits Assistants report to the Chief of OCLU under the overall guidance of the Chief of OSS. ResponsibilitiesWithin limits of delegated authority, the Benefits Assistant is responsible for the following duties: • Screen and sort all incoming communications and forward to appropriate team/individual • Provide information to individual participants and retirees/beneficiaries as well as administrative staff of member organizations of the Pension Fund with respect to participation, entitlements and benefits, including validation, restoration, and all benefit options available • Draft routine correspondence and respond to telephone enquiries in connection with pension enquiries • Undertake necessary research in order to provide accurate information, ensuring response conforms to the provisions of the Regulations and Rules of the Pension Fund, and contact appropriate member organizations to resolve issues • Assist in the determination of eligibility and enrol new entrants • Monitor and record all changes of status, e.g., family history, change in employment situations • Originate and update pension files from enrolment to separation, ensuring that all relevant documentation has been received • Initiate other administrative actions or procedures required by changes in the status of individuals or in the pension plan • Calculate estimates of future benefit options as well as estimates under the Pension Adjustment System • Calculate withdrawal/residual settlements, transfer of pension rights and all types of periodic pension benefits, such as retirement, early retirement, disability, deferred retirement, survivors' and related benefits, including the application of the Pension Adjustment System • Review documentation required for proof of residence and changes in country of residence to determine eligibility and effective date • Review Certificate of Entitlement signatures to ensure continued eligibility to pension benefits • Participate in the standardization of procedures and texts for communications originated by the Section • Participate in training activities related to the Section's work, including the preparation of drafts and training material, compilation of relevant information, and provision of training to individuals outside the Section • Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information-sharing responding to queries, knowledge management, planning, and decision-making • Assist with visualizations and updating information material, such as web pages or brochures • Perform other duties as assigned Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of various employee benefit schemes related to health, life insurance and pension. Knowledge of accounting processes and procedures applicable to the administration of employee benefit schemes. Ability to maintain accurate records, interpret and analyse a wide variety of data. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and other problems. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision- making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. • Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be \"clients\" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the area of employee benefits administration, finance, or human resources or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in analysing and presenting data using MS Excel and MS Office is desirable. Experience within a post-employment benefit scheme is desirable. Experience with international organizations is desirable. One year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).