Senior Benefits Assistant

Organizational Context

This Senior Benefits Assistant position is within the Compensation Section of the Financial Risk Management Service, Finance Division, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB), Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) at the UN Secretariat. The role reports to the Finance Officer/Secretary of the Advisory Board on Compensation Claims (ABCC), P-4, and supports claim resolution and expenditure monitoring.

Job Purpose

The Senior Benefits Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the resolution of claims submitted under specific UN Staff Rules and directives, primarily Appendix D and ST/AI/149/Rev.4/Ammend.1. This involves acting as a focal point for complex compensation claim issues, reviewing claims, drafting correspondence, and preparing presentations for the Advisory Board on Compensation Claims (ABCC) and UN Claims Board (UNCB). The position also contributes to financial management by determining budget estimates, monitoring expenditures in Umoja, and coordinating payment of compensation. Furthermore, the role involves overseeing the workflow of Benefits Assistants, ensuring timely and accurate information for claimants, and training new staff on procedures. The incumbent will also maintain working relationships with Personnel Officers across UN entities and manage a claims database, contributing to efficient claims processing and administration.

Responsibilities

The Senior Benefits Assistant serves as the primary contact for complex compensation claims under Appendix D and ST/AI/149/Rev.4/Amend.1, making recommendations and preparing documentation for the ABCC and UNCB. Responsibilities include reviewing claims, drafting correspondence, and preparing meeting minutes. The role involves compiling and analyzing actuarial and statistical data, calculating benefit awards, and coordinating payments. Financial duties include determining budget estimates, monitoring expenditures in Umoja, and managing funding for the section. The incumbent supervises Benefits Assistants, ensuring efficient workflow, timely claimant communication, and accurate information dissemination. Additionally, the role involves training new staff, establishing inter-agency working relationships, preparing policy-related correspondence, and overseeing the claims database. General duties include data collection, analysis, report preparation, and updating information materials.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of experience in workers' compensation or a related field is required. This requirement is reduced to eight years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with UN Staff entitlements related to death, injury, disability, and loss of personal effects is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, communication, and client orientation are key competencies. Specific skills include knowledge of workers' compensation and property claims, accounting processes for employee benefits, data analysis and interpretation, problem-solving, and maintaining accurate records. Strong communication skills for clear and effective speaking and writing, active listening, and tailoring communication to the audience are essential. Client orientation involves understanding client needs, building partnerships, and providing timely service.

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